The Equinox (Volume I, Number I)

THE EQUINOX However, and as a last preliminary, the reader will be glad to mark the following part of the letter: “T beg of you, sir,” concludes the Man-Cover, “ not to send me any proofs before publication. It would be but an unnecessary trouble to you; to me such a mark of regard from an unknown benefactor would prove a burden and give occasion to my enemies for recrudescence of persecution. My mail is sure to be ransacked, if indeed I am to be blessed with any communication from the living. But when all the instalments are published and my name is flying from lip to lip, then, and then only, you, whoever you are, noble champion of the Men-Covers, please send me thirty-one copies to be given away. “T claim no royalty—no money—no consideration! The creature who accumulates the most extremely interesting and highly noble characteristics of a cover and of a man can but shrink with horror from the very idea of a vulgar coinage. Only please send in a cheque for {£1000 to the secretary of the S.P.T.B.P.* as an anonymous gift, to be nevertheless published in the records of the daily and periodical Press all over the world.” It is a big order for a man who despises money. My correspondent seems to know the powers which rule the world: Capital and Publicity. Alas ! the puppies will keep on losing part of their tails in spite of the S.P.T.B.P., because of that third power, Fashion. As for the £1000, I may—or I may not.... But we are digressing. To use an expression from the French, somewhat slangy, but expressive, “Je passe le crachoir 4 lorateur.” I believe the author tobe mad. I nevertheless think it necessary to state that I am not an authority on insanity. Ever since long before my birth I led a peaceful existence. As I grew, Science attracted me, and Art, and Poetry; my favourite recreation was the conversion of puppy-owners to the generous belief in the regeneration of the canine race by the preservation of their caudal appendage. Also the genius which breathed within me caused me to leave my house on the fifth of November. Passing a crowded street, I was surrounded by urchins who greeted me by the * After a long and painful inquiry the present writer found out the society referred to by his correspondent. It is the Society for the Prevention of Tail- biting of Puppies, and stands in great need of generous contributions. 356