pleasure. He frequently read them aloud, not only at home but in

public. Finally, he wrote Harris, expressing his warm appreciation,

and mentioning one of the negro stories of his own childhood, "The

Golden Arm," which he urged Harris to look up and add to his

collection.

"You have pinned a proud feather in Uncle-Remus's cap," replied

Harris. "I do not know what higher honor he could have than to

appear before the Hartford public arm in arm with Mark Twain."

He disclaimed any originality for the stories, adding, "I understand

that my relations toward Uncle Remus are similar to those that exist

between an almanac maker and the calendar." He had not heard the

"Golden Arm" story and asked for the outlines; also for some

publishing advice, out of Mark Twain's long experience.

****

To Joel Chandler Harris, in Atlanta:

ELMIRA, N.Y., Aug. 10.

MY DEAR MR. HARRIS,--You can argue yourself into the delusion that the

principle of life is in the stories themselves and not in their setting;

578

The Letters Of Mark Twain, Complete