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1907? Hankow 14. 1. 06 My Dear Friend:- It is impossible for me to begin to thank you for your kind letter and the two
books which I received by todays mail: so I shall not attempt to do so: but shall content myself with the thought that someday
I can or may do something for you which will give you as much pleasure as they have given me. As I was not busy when they
arrived I started reading The Mountains of California and it is like pulling teeth to lay it aside for even a moment. Still
I am afraid it will make me want to see all those grand sights so much, that I will not rest easy until I have done so. As
I read I can almost picture them in minds eye and long to be there: Little wonder is it that you love your work and have given
your life to it, would that I were free to go over the same ground. To be sure I would not be able to explain or understand
the great forces which formed it all but I could see and enjoy all the beautiful sights. The books are and always shall be
among my most treasured possessions and I know that I shall read them over and over again. How you must have enjoyed your
rambles and how little need you had for humane companionship when you were in touch with the grandest companion of all (Nature)
Since I wrote you last I have not had in margin: 379 03816