2110-2-15-13

12 THE UNIVERSITY, GLASGOW.

May 21 1916.

Dear Mr. Buchan,

I got myself introduced to you at the Russian affair in our Bate Hall. Though it is Sunday, & I am Professor of Divinity, I must tell you I have just finished "The Power House", having read it through at top speed. You seem to me to have struck a vein such as opened to Gaboriau and Du Boisgobey, which were the favourite reading of Prince Bismarck and me! You make London a city of romance, as they did Paris. And you can go on indefinitely, for London is inexhaustible

Galloway has its merits (I laboured in Balmaghie for 22 years, & ought to know); but it is not in it with London.

Even Glasgow may yet be worked in this way. I wish I were the man to do it. But you have now decidedly perfected the art of coincidence, mystery, and satisfying deliverance for bored readers.

Do go on.

With apologies for this outburst, I am Yours gratefully,

H.M.B. Reid