I have before me a copy of Stevenson's "Inland Voyage." Pamphlets aside, which, by reason of their manner of publication, are now rare, it may be said to be the author's first book. It has an inscription, "My dear Cummy: If you had not taken so much trouble with me all the years of my childhood, this little book would never have been written. Many a long night you sat up with me when I was ill; I wish I could hope by way of return to amuse a single evening for you with my little book! But whatever you may think of it, I know you will continue to think kindly of the Author." I thought, when I gave four hundred dollars for it, that I was paying a fabulous price; but as I have since been offered twice that sum, Rosenbach evidently let me have a bargain. He tells me that it is good business sometimes to sell a book for less than it is worth. He regards it as bait. He angles for you very skilfully, does Rosy, and lands you--me--every time.
[Illustration: Autograph Inscription by Stevenson, in a Copy of his "Inland Voyage]
"A Child's Garden of Verses" is another book which has doubled in value two or three times in the last few years. Gabriel Wells is now offering a copy, with a brief inscription, for three hundred dollars, having sold me not long ago, for twice this sum, a copy in which Stevenson's writing is mingled with the type of the title-page so that it reads:--
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON his copy of A CHILD'S GARDEN OF VERSES and if it is [in] the hands of any one else, explain it who can! but not by the gift of ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
That Stevenson afterward changed his mind and gave it to "E. F. Russell, with hearty good will," is shown by another inscription. This copy was purchased at the sale for the British Red Cross in London, shortly after the outbreak of the war. It may be some time before it is worth what I paid for it, or the price may look cheap to-morrow--who shall say?
Watching the quotations of the first editions of Stevenson is rather like looking at the quotations of stocks you haven't got, as they recover from a panic. A point or two a day is added to their prices; but Stevenson's move five or ten points at a time, and there has been no reaction--as yet. Only a year or two ago I paid Drake fifty dollars for a copy of "The New Arabian Nights"; and a few days ago I saw in the papers that a copy had just been sold for fifty pounds in a London auction room.[8]