TŌKYŌ, October, 1898.
DEAR McDONALD,--I am very glad that I wrote you that selfish letter,--in
spite of the protests of my little wife, who says that I am simply
a savage. I am glad, because I felt _quite sure_ that you would
understand, and that the result would be a very sweet note, which I
shall always prize. Of course, I mean three months at the outside:
I have vowed to finish by the year's end, and I think I can. As for
letters, you can't write too many. It takes me five minutes at most to
write a letter (that is, to you); but if it took an hour I could always
manage that.
"Like the little crab,"--yes, indeed. Thursday, three enemies dug at my
hole, but I zigzagged away from them. I go in and out by the back way,
now, so as to avoid the risk of being seen from afar off.
Ever most affectionately (with renewed thanks for that delicious letter),