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.
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