No, it is business—& so I don’t want anything to do with it. You are there to take care of my business, not make business for me to take care of. Your security is perfect, but I want no business that I must look personally after. That is my objection—I have no other.

I don’t wish to buy Osgood out; but you might, if you want to. It might possibly be a better thing than buying the 3-story house, good as that doubtless is.

When we get Osgood’s Jan. statement—if you ever get it out of him—it will probably show that the books (in his hands) are worth, for the 3 years yet to run, from $40 to $60 apiece. You might offer him a lump sum of $150 for the his ownership in the 3. For his ownership in the Library of Humor you could venture to offer but little, for he produces & runs the book, & gets but 30 per cent of the profit—& there’ll be a hell of a profit, of course, in his hands.

I am very tired, & very cr from much RR travel today.

When are Osgood & Am Pub Co & Slote going to show their Jan. statements?