Page:Weird Tales Volume 6 Number 6 (1925-12).djvu/62

This is Henry Wytten's story. I do not know Henry Wytten. But, like the rest of the literature-reading world, I do know his works. His name is a household word. His photograph in some characteristic pose dominates every dilettante's art collection of the literati. But for the purpose of preserving an incognito one name is as good as another. Henry Wytten. . . .

The pseudonym was created by Hugh Blondin. Last summer during his vacation, Blondin made a trip to Los Angeles and we happened to meet on the street. Delighted at the unexpected pleasure of seeing him again I insisted that he accompany me to the newly opened Biltmore to luncheon.

When we had ensconced ourselves by a window table I noticed among the entrées a favorite dish of his—kidney sauté. Remembering his fondness for mushrooms I suggested the dish, and he heartily commended the choice. Then he looked at me with the sudden gleam of inspiration in his eye.

"Didn't I hear you say you were out here looking for a story?"

"You did," I nodded. "But with restrictions and conditions. It must be a story with a lift—and with a kick. Also it must be the real life story of a real man—I have a commission. And such stories aren't hanging around on the palm trees."

"I think not," he agreed. "But I can give you one. A rattling good story, too. Provided you promise not to reveal the identity of anyone concerned in it. Myself included."

"Done on the spot."

But what was Blondin doing with a rattling good story up his sleeve? I appreciated his generosity, but I was instantly alert for the nigger in the woodpile. Why didn't he write it up himself if it were of such excellence? There must be a catch somewhere. However, I refrained from voicing any such thought, drew an envelope from my pocket, slit it and lined off the back of it for shorthand notes.

"Lay on, McDuff, we're all set," I said.

And this is the story Blondin told.

Well fifteen years ago Madden wrote me for a story. It also had to be a story with such restrictions and conditions as you name—the real life story of a real man. Quite a coincidence, eh?