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3, TEMPLE GARDENS, TEMPLE.
Sept: 15: 05
My dearest Mother
I was very much surprised and pained by your letter this morning, and the sheaf of appeals from the rest of the household. I don't want to scold you, but does it not occur to you that it is rather unfair to spoil with such a letter the only real holiday I am to have this year & one to which I have looked forward so much. And your reasons are so odd! Because Sandy Gillon is not going & because I am not coming to Glasgow first! What
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on earth have these facts got to do with the danger of climbing? I am at least as skilful and 4 times as safe as Sandy. Now listen to me! I promise you not to climb much, not to run into any danger, and never to move on the hills without the company of John Mackenzie, a very good & safe professional guide. It is infinitely safer than last year when we had no guide & were on a much less known mountain. Besides, do you really think I want to break my neck or both my legs?
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You show extraordinary little confidence in your eldest son. The Bird will tell you that I am one of the safest of climbers, more especially as I have him in my charge. So I expect you to write me a letter at once to "Sligachan Hotel, Isle of Skye" apologising, and saying that you won't fuss & let yourself get put off your sleep. I will be down in Glasgow for a night on Tuesday week, and I shall be very grieved if I find you have been distressing yourself. You must not take your views on a manly sport from a few decayed old women.
I told Uncle Willie this week
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to send Anna a cheque book, & I have paid £50 into her account, the first instalment of her allowance. The next half falls due in March.
Sligachan has a telegraph office so we can communicate in that way. I can send you a wire every day, if you like. If you want that, send me a wire to Sligachan.
I saw Olive Douglas's engagement in The Times this morning - to Carruthers of Dormont. As usual, I am ahint the pace. I must indite an embarrassed letter of congratulation.
With much love to all, & do try & be sensible
Your affectionate son
John
