November 21, 1928 -- Letter To Hannalore Rhyner

Mailed From Arturius Rand's home in Arkham, MA

21 November 1928

Dear Hannalore,

I was indeed still at Professor Rand's home when your letter arrived . . . but only just. Had it come a few hours later, there is no telling when I might have seen it! As things are, your note arrived in timely fashion, and is much appreciated. I thank you.

Truthfully. I had not expected to hear from you so soon. I did not expect on-going reports! It is rather disappointing to hear that you have had no contact with the rest of Mr. King's (*) followers, or with their society; but at the time when you wrote your letter Zelda (**) had not met any of our people either. In the past few days, she has met with more than a few of us, singly or in groups. Perhaps, if you express a desire, the same sort of introductions may be forthcoming . . .

Does this letter seem abysmally stark or professional? It is not meant to be so. I am very concerned for your happiness and well-being; not merely for your safety, or the "success of the mission". Many have told me, however, that my letters read very stiffly; so what am I do do? Enroll in a literary charm school? Whatever the case, please understand that we worriers think often of you there.

I have heard of Doctor Cromwell(***) from several sources. He would seem to be an important and enigmatic figure to most; though no one seems to like him very well personally. I wonder whether "Cromwell" is his own name, or a mask such as the Nightsiders use? He would seem to need such a psuedonym, working amongst them as he does. I pray he is more genial with long acquaintance than in the brief meetings which have been described to me!

In months to come I hope to sponsor a continuing program of medical research into the Nightsider Condition. Alex Chase in particular is very intrigued by this possibility, as he feels that there is a good chance of total recovery for those with the Condition who have not yet "crossed over". While we have no hard facts as yet to justify this optimism, it is something of which you ought to be aware.

Mister Emerson is not well, I saw him yesterday; but he is rather haggard and all at odds from lack of sleep. I believe that he has been trying to keep to Zelda's hours as well as his own, and it has run him down considerably. Should you write to him, I beg you to urge a slower pace. He is reluctant to listen to us.

Last Saturday, all of us -- all the active participants in the Fight