Letter to Herbert Greenhough Smith (14 september 1904)
This letter was written by Arthur Conan Doyle on 14 september 1904, from Undershaw, Hindhead, Haslemere, to Herbert Greenhough Smith, editor of The Strand Magazine.
The story mentioned, published on november 1904 in The Strand Magazine, is The Adventure of the Second Stain, last story of the collection The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
Letter
My dear Smith
I am naturally very sorry that the Strand should have lost over this, and more particularly so if it should react in any way upon you.
On the general question it is to be remarked that buying such stories is a speculation and that it might have worked out the other way and no doubt has done so in the past. I could have obtained that price elsewhere, and though I am anxious that my work should appear where it has always appeared it would hardly be fair that I should make actual pecuniary sacrifice for this.
On the peculiar question of this new Story it is a large full-dress story, it is the last, and it is for the Xmas number, all of them points which should add to the value. I am in a different position if I interfere after I have once entrusted it to Watt, but I take it that you will not mind my showing him your letter and telling him that I do not desire to make hard terms over this — in view of what has passed.
- With all remembrance
- Yours very truly
- Arthur Conan Doyle.
