1

* You somewhat anticipated the coincidence:
I contrived it.

Studley Vicarage
Oxford
Aug 28

Dear Colonel Buchan

You are dealing hardly with good & long established precedent. To
make gifts on a birthday has hitherto prevailed. Instead, you to whom is
the birthday, give us your gifts & with a lavish hand. You give me
Huntingtower*: & all we can do is show our thanks - even to the heavens -
and wish you Happy Returns; especially if each Return be heralded by
similar gift.

For nigh a year I have more than Lenten self-restraint denied
myself the serial instalment of Huntingtower. I like not my nectar
(scotch or other) in sips. Give me a long, long drink. I have had it.
Thanks indeed.

They call you novelist, publisher, historian. Man alive. You are PAN