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and the grammar repaired, before it is offered to intelligent readers. And still others content that even the author's title is wrong, since all ghosts are supposed to be transparent.
Most of our correspondents, however, expressed a desire to see the story. They adjured, entreated and commanded us to print it. And since we agreed to be governed by the majority, the story went to the printer; and it went and came exactly as the author wrote it. Not so much as a semicolon was changed. Who are we that we should try to paint a rose or add luster to a pearl?
The following communication, which came from Duluth, Minnesota, is fairly typical of dozens that voted for the story:
"Dear Sir: If you do no publish Mrs. Manzer's 'storie,' 'The Transparent Ghost,' I will be the most disappointed man on God's green footstool. Although Mrs. Manzer's literary style is distinctly Henry Jamesian, her spelling would make Ring Lardner turn green with envy. Editors have been blamed for the serious shortage of servant girls in this country. It is claimed that the girls can make more money writing stories for the magazines. If you don't believe it, read the magazines. Nevertheless, whatever Mrs. Manzer's former occupation was, the world will rejoice that she has forsaken it for literature. I sincerely hope that you will publish Mrs. Manzer's 'storie' in WEIRD 'TAILS.' I have a creepy feeling that it will be the weirdest 'tail' that has ever been written or wagged.—Jeremiah Joykiller."
Walter F. Lee, Jr., of Denver waxes lyrical in expressing his opinion. Thus:
"All of which somewhat pyrotechnic beginning is in reference to the incomparably written letter published, in the November issue of WEIRD TALES, over your pleasurably facetious explanation thereof. By all means (this may be regarded as a vote) let us have this masterpiece of (undoubtedly) weird fiction: 'The Transparent Ghost,' even at the risk of causing the inimitable Poe to go through the proverbial change of posture in his tomb. . . .
"Honestly, though, Mr. Baird, I would be willing to attempt the transportation—utilizing my olfactory organ—of a sizable peanut from Denver to Evanston in exchange for the privilege of reading those extraordinary stories. In case you should desire me to perform
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