2110-4-5-12

Caledonian United Service Club, Edinburgh.

22nd August 1924

Dear Mr Buchan,

For years I have revelled in your writings, and have been often tempted to write and thank you for the joy that they have given me. Hitherto I have been withheld by modesty; but the benefits I have received from The Three Hostages are so great that my cup of gratitude

overflows.

I had just returned from a six-weeks holiday, ruined by perpetual rain, and was feeling thoroughly fed up with things in general and my own misfortunes in particular, when last night I began your so splendid tale, and having breathlessly seen Lord Mercot go back to "that bloody place", retired to bed in blessed anticipation of tonights instalment.

This morning I rose another man, with renewed interest in what remains to me of existence, and this I honestly owe to the creator of the indomitable Richard.

Will you, therefore, allow me the satisfaction to send you, by separate packet, a book of mine, just out? I cannot hope that its perusal will be attended by the like result, but at least it may amuse you; and perhaps, in view of the spirit in which it is sent, you will look with a lenient eye upon

its many imperfections.

Yours ever gratefully,

W. Roughead:

P.S. Apropos of your Eton friend, it may interest you to know that my youngest boy, captain of the Rugby School XV, is a devoted collector of your works.

W.R: