13 
friend. I extend this hearty invitation to be- 
come acquainted with my inner life, so far as 
my secret associations will enable you, not 
merely from courtesy, or as a partial recom- 
pense for the kindly service rendered me, but 
because I earnestly hope, and I shall endeavor, 
to establish an honorable and lasting friendship 
between us. I have long realized the need of a 
human associate capable of understanding and 
appreciating my labors within the limited ex- 
tent of this isolated piece of earth. I am sin- 
cerely impressed that your friendship and asso- 
ciation will prove most congenial as well as 
truly profitable to me. Ah, here we are, allow 
me to usher you into my den. Down Pluto, 
sir, this is my friend.” 
This abrupt command of my companion 
proved timely indeed, for my advance into the 
“den” was most defiantly challenged by a 
fierce specimen of a powerful blood-hound, that 
evidently resented this seeming sacrilege of his 
master’s sanctum. Having quieted this faithful 
guardian of the sacred precincts, my host led 
me to an easy chair near the warmth of an 
open grate-fire; then calling Pluto to accom- 
pany him, he gracefully retired and left me to 
my quiet meditations. 
This “den” as my kind host facetiously 
titled his sanctum was peculiarly adapted to 
the necessities of a cultivated mind and a re- 
fined nature, separated from daily intercourse 
with the great, busy, selfish world. 
