MARK TWAIN
One (i) "If Mark Twain dying in poverty, m London,
send 500 words."
(2) "Later. If Mark Twain has died in poverty send
1000 words."
I explained how the mistake occurred and gave him a
cable in substance this:
"James Ross Clemens, a cousin, was seriously ill here
two or three weeks ago, but is well now. The report of my
illness grew out of his illness; the report of my death
was an exaggeration. I have not been ill. Mark Twain."
Nobody would go to Bunyan's heaven now, since our
improvements have made this life attractive, but it was
a superior place in its day.
If Christ were here now, there is one thing he would
not be—a Christian.
July 7, '97. London.
Yesterday Pond offered me $50,000 and all expenses
for 125 nights on the platform in America. Mrs. Clemens
is not quite willing, and I suppose I shall not accept
London, July 10. Livy, Clara, and Julia Langdon^1 in a
hansom. The horse fell, the whole front of the hansom
wrecked, Clara thrown over and disappeared from Livy's
view—fell on the struggling horse's rump, slipped down
on to his hind legs in front of the wheels, scrambled out
and had no severe hurt. Livy was flung on to the floor of
the hansom and got two bruises on her face. Julie was not
unseated and not hurt.
The horse scrambled to his feet, leaving Clara in front
^1 Niece of Mrs. Clemens.
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