wish is to widen the horizon. It is important for humanity to knozv. It must recognize the oneness of everything. We zvill write of more than man. I zvill give a series. First Beasts — then Flowers and Jewels.”
When these stories were completed, everything seemed to conspire to prevent the devoting of a quiet hour to O. Henry and his stories. Whenever constructive work is done, by which the Truth may be brought to many, the forces of destruction are arrayed in opposition. This we felt to the full. Twice stories were started and stopped after only a few paragraphs had been written. In one it was evident that O. Henry had been pushed aside and a complete sentence injected by some “Power of Darkness.” We at once realized the situation and put the “Board” away.
When next O. Henry came, he said:
“The time has been long. Why keep the Muse silent? I am simply overburdened with plots.”
When asked the cause of the breaks in the last story he said:
“I find there are still a number of people who believe they know better how to write my stories than I do.
This last time it was ‘Fiends/ It is important you keep the door closed by demanding you receive only the truth — for that prevents their taking definite hold”
About this time there appeared in the papers notices of moving pictures made from the O. Henry stories. We asked him what he thought of them, and his answer, concise as usual, was:
“Foolish rehash of yesterday’s ignorance In commenting on how few believed and how difficult it would be to find a publisher, O. Henry answered:
“My belief is you will have to do it yourself ultimately, if you cannot find some one zvho is independent. The trouble is that in a concern, one may believe, while the rest of the company do not yet see”
The conditions of everyday life became worse. We were able to snatch only a few minutes with O. Henry and asked him if he felt the confusion.
“It is a regular whirlpool, he said; the boat rocks. Until you can have quiet I think it would be wiser to postpone trying to write. My wish is added to yours, for if all disturbance is eliminated we can then accomplish a great deal without effort”
On New Year’s eve we received greetings from those with whom we had been closely associated in work, and last of all came O. Henry. He said:
“I do not belong, but I may come to the party, may I not?
“I am content to wait until it will be only a pleasure to hold converse and when we can relax to a real confab.
“They are good stories, if I do say it — but they cannot believe in a leopard changing his spots. Out upon that spot!
“An amazing thing that the stolid English are more awake spiritually than Americans, zvho have not yet been touched vitally. Some day they will awake and arise — and I hope then I can take part in the procession.
“My greetings and all aid possible for the year to come.”
Several weeks later he said:
“This is the first opportunity I have had to hold ‘mind’ with you.
“Interesting expression that, zvhen one realizes hozu true it is that mind is the only real point of contact, although when on your plane we speak only of the physical nearness of others.
“Is it true that the hour is to be re-established? If that is the case, zue ought to turn out something zvorth while.”
On being told that the poem, “Sleeping,” which he had given us, was to be read to the Poetry Society, it seemed to appeal to his sense of humor, for he said:
“If I was not to all appearances dead, that would be my death. I shall have a fearful attack of stage-fright. I do hope they won’t call ‘Author!’
“I like this house. It is so restful and harmonious. It is a smiling island of loveliness in a black sea of pitch. I shall stretch here at ease tonight and rest and live happily.”
A. Houghton Pratt.
Over There
O. Henry’s Ghost Answers the Questions of a Newspaper Man Regarding “Over There”
So he desires to know how we folks live? Queer! the idea humanity hugs to its breast of how different life must of necessity be over here.
Tell him that at present it is New York at its worst, on a day of celebration, — with streets crowded, people pushing in all directions, friends meeting, exchanging greetings and passing on. To us life is the same, with the exception that now time is no longer a factor.
Our emotions are the same — until we learn the wisdom of eliminating all unworthy ones.
Our desires the same — only now they are satisfied almost immediately. We desire to eat and we have food. All is the same, only of finer material, not so dense.
It is as if we were in airships above you — seeing all, comprehending all, and yet unable to make you hear. To the few are given ears attuned to hear and eyes which behold, but humanity as a whole is blind.
If you could by any method make the world realize that to us here each and every THOUGHT affects us more poignantly than all the sentences uttered and that we are uplifted and made joyous by each thought of love sent out, no matter to whom, all hate would vanish from the earth.
Clothing? Just the same as ever, only we are glad to discard the old garments for new ones more beautiful, after we have been here for a while, and when that desire comes, the material is at hand with which to create new garments. Verily, over here thoughts become things quickly.
There are those here who do not aspire for newer or better things, and so they remain in their same condition.
Aspiration is the force here which pushes you on to better and greater achievements Houses? Certainly we have them; each one to his liking, for he builds it as he desires, with the aid of others; all lend helping hands over here, and life becomes a proper mixture of work, play and study.
Yes, there are places where hate, envy and all the evils still hold sway, and if those are the things which you enjoy, you dwell in that locality.
Whatever you in your soul desire you receive. Ask and it is given you; seek higher and you find; and it is truly to be said: “As a man thinketh so he receives and is.”
Naturally, people of the world are going to say “O. H. cannot write from above — if what he says is true, he would be below.” Having spent several years in Hell — on earth — after I arrived in this country I was mighty glad to change my environment when I discovered where I had been dwelling, — and that there was no need of remaining, unless I wished, — so I gave notice to the landlord I was moving at once.
The earth is a pretty poor place when you make a hell out of it, and it might be a heaven if we would only have faith, love and aspire.
The
