PS 3507 E9 M3 1914 IC-NRLF 35 KX TJIVPJS THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS GIFT OF EDWIN C. VOORHIES If you have skill, apply it; the world^must profit by it, and, therefore, you" Frank E. Morrison Publisker New York LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS SIXTH EDITION Revised and Illustrated COPYRIGHT, 1900, 1901, 1903, 1908, 1914, BY FRANK E. MORRISON Copyright in the British Empire and in the Countries Signatory to the Berlin Convention All rights reserved ILLUSTRATIONS "If you have skill, apply it; the world must profit by it, and, therefore, you." Frontispiece "The door opened and admitted Sturte- vant." 6 "He, after scanning the bill of fare leisure- ly, ordered from it carelessly." . 14 "I found it pasted in an old scrapbook I purchased in Ann Street." ... 22 "I found the story curiously printed." . 28 "Much have I wearied my brain anent the question, how best to describe this recipe for success." 34 "I spent my evenings at the tavern." . 44 "I peered into a window and saw that other being." 52 "I was a successful man, and ere long pos- sessed another shipyard." ... 60 " The door opened and admitted Sturtevant. THE MAGIC STORY PART ONE I WAS sitting alone in the cafe, and had just reached for the sugar preparatory to put- ting it into my coffee. Outside, the weather was hideous. Snow and sleet came swirling down, and the wind howled frightfully. Every time the outer door opened, a draft of unwelcome air penetrated the ut- termost corners of the room. Still, I was comfortable. The snow and sleet and wind conveyed nothing to me except an abstract thanksgiving that I was where it could not affect me. While I dreamed and sipped my coffee, the door opened and closed, and admitted Sturte- vant. 8 The Magic Story Sturtevant was an undeniable failure, but, withal, an artist of more than ordinary talent. He had, however, fallen into the rut traveled by ne'er-do-wells, and was out at the elbows as well as in- solvent. As I raised my eyes to Sturte- vant's, I was conscious of mild sur- prise at the change in his appear- ance. Yet he was not dressed differently. He wore the same threadbare coat in which he al- ways appeared, and the old brown hat was the same. And yet there was something new and strange in his appearance. As he swished his hat around to relieve it of the burden of snow deposited by the howling nor'wester, there was something new in the gesticulation. I could not remember when I had invited Sturtevant to dine with me, but involuntarily I beckoned to him. He nodded, and presently The Magic Story 9 seated himself opposite to me. I asked him what he would have, and he, after scanning the bill of fare carelessly, ordered from it leisurely, and invited me to join him in coffee for two. I watched him in stupid wonder, but, as I had invited the obligation, I was pre- pared to pay for it, although I knew I hadn't sufficient cash to set- tle the bill. Meanwhile, I noted the brightness of his usual lack- luster eyes, and the healthful, hopeful glow upon his cheek, with increasing amazement. "Have you lost a rich uncle?" I asked. "No," he replied, calmly, "but I have found my mascot." "Brindle bull, or terrier?" I in- quired. "Currier," said Sturtevant, at length, pausing with his coffee cup half way to his lips, "I see that I have surprised you. It is not io The Magic Story strange, for I am a surprise to my- self. I am a new man, a different man, and the alteration has taken place in the last few hours. You have seen me come into this place broke' many a time, when you have turned away, so that I would think you did not see me. I knew why you did that. It was not because you did not want to pay for a din- ner, but because you did not have the money to do it. Is that your check? Let me have it. Thank you. I haven't any money with me to-night, but I, well, this is my treat." He called the waiter to him, and, with an inimitable flourish, signed his name on the backs of the two checks, and waved him away. After that he was silent a moment while he looked into my eyes, smiling at the astonishment which I in vain strove to conceal. "Do you know an artist who pos- The Magic Story 1 1 sesses more talent than I?" he asked, presently. u No. Do you happen to know anything in the line of my profession that I could not accomplish, if I applied myself to it? No. You have been a re- porter on the dailies for how many? seven or eight years. Do you remember when I ever had any credit until to-night? No. Was I refused just now? You have seen for yourself. To-morrow my new career begins. Within a month I shall have a bank account. Why? Because I have discovered the se- cret of success." "Yes," he continued, when I did not reply, "my fortune is made. I have been reading a strange story, and, since reading it, I feel that my fortune is assured. It will make your fortune, too. All you have to do is to read it. You have no idea what it will do for you. Noth- ing is impossible after you know 12 The Magic Story that story. It makes everything as plain as A, B, C. The very in- stant you grasp its true meaning, success is certain. This morning I was a hopeless, aimless bit of gar- bage in the metropolitan ash can; to-night I wouldn't change places with a millionaire. That sounds foolish, but it is true. The mil- lionaire has spent his enthusiasm; mine is all at hand." "You amaze me," I said, won- dering if he had been drinking ab- sinthe. "Won't you tell me the story? I should like to hear it." "Certainly. I mean to tell it to the whole world. It is really re- markable that it should have been written and should remain in print so long, with never a soul to ap- preciate it until now. This morn- ing I was starving. I hadn't any credit, nor a place to get a meal. I was seriously meditating suicide. I had gone to three of the papers The Magic Story 13 for which I had done work, and had been handed back all that I had submitted. I had to choose quickly between death by suicide and death slowly by starvation. Then I found the story and read it. You can hardly imagine the transformation. Why, my, dear boy, everything changed at once, and there you are." "But what is the story, Sturte- vant?" "Wait; let me finish. I took those same old drawings to other editors, and every one of them was accepted at once." "Can the story do for others what it has done for you ? For ex- ample, would it be of assistance to me?" I asked. "Help you? why not? Listen and I will tell it to you, although, really, you should read it. Still, I will tell it as best I can. It is like this: you see, " " He, after scanning the bill oj fare leisurely, ordered from it carelessly." The Magic Story 15 The waiter interrupted us at that moment. He informed Stur- tevant that he was wanted at the telephone, and, with a word of apology, the artist left the table. Five minutes later I saw him rush out into the sleet and wind and dis- appear. Within the recollection of the frequenters of that cafe, Sturtevant had never before been called out by telephone. That, of itself, was substantial proof of a change in his circumstances. One night, on the street, I en- countered Avery, a former college chum, then a reporter on one of the evening papers. It was about a month after my memorable inter- view with Sturtevant, which, by that time, was almost forgotten. "Hello, old chap/' he said; "how's the world using you? Still on space?" "Yes," I replied, bitterly, "with prospects of being on the town, 1 6 The Magic Story T shortly. But you look as if things were coming your way. Tell me all about it." "Things have been coming my way, for a fact, and it is all re- markable, when all is said. You know Sturtevant, don't you? It's all due to him. I was plumb down on my luck, thinking of the morgue and all that, looking for you, in fact, with -the idea that you would lend me enough to pay my room rent, when I met Sturtevant. He told me a story, and, really, old man, it is the most remarkable story you ever heard; it made a new man of me. Within twenty- four hours I was on my feet, and I've hardly known a care or a trouble since." Avery's statement, uttered calm- ly, and with the air of one who had merely pronounced an axiom, re- called to my mind the conversation with Sturtevant in the cafe that The Magic Story 17 stormy night, nearly a month be- fore. "It must be a remarkable story," I said, incredulously. "Sturtevant mentioned it to me once. I have not seen him since. Where is he now?" "He has been making war sketches in Cuba, at two hundred a week; he's just returned. It is a fact that everybody that has heard that story has done well since. There are Cosgrove and Phillips, friends of mine, you don't know them. One's a real es- tate agent; the other a broker's clerk. Sturtevant told them the story, and they have experienced the same result that I have; and they are not the only ones, either.'* "Do you know the story?" I asked. "Will you try its effect on me?" "Certainly; with the greatest pleasure in the world. I would 1 8 The Magic Story like to have it printed in big black type, and posted on the elevated stations throughout New York. It certainly would do a lot of good, and it's as simple as A, B, C; like living on a farm. Excuse me a minute, will you? I see Danforth over there. Back in a minute, old chap." He nodded and smiled, and was gone. I saw him join the man whom he had designated as Dan- forth. My attention was distract- ed for a moment, and, when I looked again, both had disap- peared. If the truth be told, I was hun- gry. My pocket at that moment contained exactly five cents; just enough to pay my fare up-town, but insufficient also to stand the ex- pense of filling my stomach. There was a "night owl" wagon in the neighborhood, where I had fre- quently "stood up" the purveyor The Magic Story 19 of midnight dainties, and to him I applied. He was leaving the wag- on as I was on the point of enter- ing it, and I accosted him. "I'm broke again," I said, with extreme cordiality. "You'll have to trust me once more. Some ham and eggs, I think, will do for the present." He coughed, hesitated a mo- ment, and then re-entered the wagon with me. "Mr. Currier is good for any- thing he orders," he said to the man in charge; "one of my old cus- tomers. This is Mr. Bryan, Mr. Currier. He will take good care of you, and 'stand for* you, just the same as I would. The fact is, I have sold out. I've just turned over the outfit to Bryan. By the way, isn't Mr. Sturtevant a friend of yours?" I nodded. I couldn't have spoken if I had tried. 2O The Magic Story "Well," continued the ex- u night owl" man, "he came here one night, about a month ago, and told me the most wonderful story I ever heard. I've just bought a place in Eighth Avenue, where I am going to run a regular restaurant near Twen- ty-third Street. Come and see me." He was out of the wagon, and the sliding door had been banged shut before I could stop him; so I ate my ham and eggs in silence, and re- solved that I would hear that story before I slept. In fact, I began to regard it with superstition. If it had made so many fortunes, surely it should be capable of making mine. The certainty that the wonder- ful story I began to regard it as magic, was in the air, possessed me. As I started to walk home- ward, fingering the solitary nickel in my pocket and contemplating the certainty of riding down town in The Magic Story 21 the morning, I experienced the sen- sation of something stealthily pur- suing me, as if Fate were treading along behind me, yet never over- taking, and I was conscious that I was possessed with or by the story. When I reached Union Square, I examined my address book for the home of Sturtevant. It was not recorded there. Then I remem- bered the cafe in University place, and, although the hour was late, it occurred to me that he might be there. He was ! In a far corner of the room, surrounded by a group of acquaintances, I saw him. He dis- covered me at the same instant, and motioned to me to join them at the table. There was no chance for the story, however. There were half a dozen around the table, and I was the farthest removed from Sturtevant. But I kept my eyes upon him, and bided my time, de- "I found it pasted in an old scrapbook I purchased in Ann Street" The Magic Story 23 termined that, when he rose to de- part, I would go with him. A si- lence, suggestive of respectful awe, had fallen upon the party when I took my seat. Every one seemed to be thinking, and the attention of all was fixed upon Sturtevant. The cause was apparent. He had been telling the story. I had entered the cafe just too late to hear it. On my right, when I took my seat, was a doctor; on my left a lawyer. Facing me on the other side was a novelist with whom I had some ac- quaintance. The others were art- ists and newspaper men. "It's too bad, Mr. Currier," re- marked the doctor; "you should have come a little sooner. Sturte- vant has been telling us a story; it is quite wonderful, really. I say, Sturtevant, won't you tell that story again, for the benefit of Mr. Cur- rier?" "Why, yes. I believe that Cur- 24 The Magic Story rier has, somehow, failed to hear the magic story, although, as a mat- ter of fact, I think he was the first one to whom I mentioned it at all. It was here, in this cafe, too, at this very table. Do you remember what a wild night that was, Cur- rier? Wasn't I called to the tele- phone, or something like that? To be sure! I remember, now; inter- rupted just at the point when I was beginning the story. After that, I told it to three or four fellows, and it 'braced them up, 7 as it had me. It seems incredible that a mere story can have such a tonic effect upon the success of so many per- sons who are engaged in such wide- ly different occupations, but that is what it has done. It is a kind of neverfailing remedy, like a cough mixture that is warranted to cure everything, from a cold in the head to galloping consumption. There was Parsons, for example. He is The Magic Story 25 a broker, you know, and had been on the wrong side of the market for a month. He had utterly lost his grip, and was on the verge of failure. I happened to meet him at the time he was feeling the blu- est, and, before we parted, some- thing brought me around to the subject of the story, and I related it to him. It had the same effect upon him that it had on me, and has had upon everybody who has heard it, as far as I know. I think you will all agree with me, that it is not the story itself that performs the surgical operation on the minds of those who are familiar with it; it is the way it is told, in print, I mean. The author has, somehow, produced a psychological effect which is indescribable. The read- er is hypnotized. He receives a mental and moral tonic. Perhaps, doctor, you can give some scientific explanation of the influence exerted 26 The Magic Story by the story. It is a sort of elixir manufactured out of words, eh?" From that the company entered upon a general discussion of the- ories. Now and then slight refer- ences were made to the story itself, and they were just sufficient to tan- talize me, the only one present who had not heard it. At length, I left my chair, and, passing around the table, seized Sturtevant by one arm, and suc- ceeded in drawing him away from the party. "If you have any consideration for an old friend who is rapidly be- ing driven mad by the existence of that confounded story, which Fate seems determined that I shall never hear, you will relate it to me now," I said, savagely. Sturtevant stared at me in mild surprise. "All right," he said. "The others will excuse me for a few moments, The Magic Story 27 I think. Sit down here, and you shall have it. I found it pasted in an old scrapbook I purchased in Ann Street, for three cents; and there isn't a thing about it by which one can get any idea in what pub- lication it originally appeared, or who wrote it. When I discovered it, I began casually to read it, and in a moment I was interested. Be- fore I left it, I had read it through many times, so that I could repeat it almost word for word. It af- fected me strangely, as if I had come in contact with some strong personality. There seems to be in the story a personal element that applies to every one who reads it. Well, after I had read it several times, I began to think it over. I couldn't stay in the house, so I seized my coat and hat and went out. I must have walked several miles, buoyantly, without realizing that I was the same man who, only - "I found the story curiously printed** The Magic Story 29 a short time before, had been in the depths of despondency. That was the day I met you here, you remember." We were interrupted at that in- stant by a uniformed messenger, who handed Sturtevant a telegram. It was from his chief, and demand- ed his instant attendance at the of- fice. The messenger had already been delayed an hour, and there was no help for it ; he must go at once. "Too bad!" said Sturtevant, ris- ing and extending his hand. "Tell you what I'll do, old chap. I'm not likely to be gone any more than an hour or two. You take my key and wait for me in my room. In the escritoire near the window you will find an old scrapbook, bound in rawhide. It was manufactured, I have no doubt, by the author of the magic story. Wait for me in my room until I return." With that he went out, and I 30 The Magic Story lost no time in taking advantage of the permission he had given me. I found the book without diffi- culty. It was a quaint, home-made affair, covered, as Sturtevant had said, with rawhide, and bound with leather thongs. The pages formed an odd combination of yellow paper, vellum and home-made parchment. I found the story, curiously printed on the last-named material. It was quaint and strange. Evidently, the printer had "set" it under the supervision of the writer. The phraseology was an unusual combination of seven- teenth and eighteenth century man- nerisms, and the interpolation of italics and capitals could have orig- inated in no other brain than that of its author. Nothing worth while is attain- able without effort. By the same token, a thoughtful reading of "The Magic Story" and a correct interpretation of its "lessons" are essential to a full appreciation of its inspirational value. IS-YOURS-s- YOU-- HAVE VERITAS PR/EVALEHH e "Much have I wearied my brain anent the question, how best to describe this recipe for success." THE MAGIC STORY PART TWO IN THE OLD SCRAP BOOK INASMUCH as I have evolved from my experience the one great secret of success for all worldly undertakings, I deem it wise, now that the number of my days is nearly counted, to give to the generations that are to follow me the benefit of whatsoever knowledge I possess. I do not apologize for the manner of my expression, nor for lack of literary merit, the latter being, I wot, its own apology. Tools much heavier than the pen have been my portion, and, moreover, the weight of years has somewhat palsied hand and 36 The Magic Story brain; nevertheless, the fact I can tell, and that I deem the meat with- in the nut. What mattereth it, in what manner the shell be broken, so that the meat be obtained and rendered useful? I doubt not that I shall use, in the telling, expres- sions that have clung to my mem- ory since childhood; for, when men attain the number of my years, hap- penings of youth are like to be clearer to their perceptions than are events of recent date ; nor doth it matter much how a thought is expressed, if it be wholesome and helpful, and findeth the understand- ing. Much have I wearied my brain anent the question, how best to de- scribe this recipe for success that I have discovered, and it seemeth ad- visable to give it as it came to me; that is, if I relate somewhat of the story of my life, the directions for agglomerating the substances, and The Magic Story 37 supplying the seasoning for the ac- complishment of the dish, will plainly be perceived. Happen they may; and that men may be born generations after I am dust, who will live to bless me for the words I write. My father, then, was a seafar- ing man who, early in life, forsook his vocation, and settled on a plan- tation in the colony of Virginia, where, some years thereafter, I was born, which event took place in the year 1642; and that was over a hundred years ago. Better for my father had it been had he heark- ened to the wise advice of my mother, that he remain in the call- ing of his education; but he would not have it so, and the good ves- sel he captained was bartered for the land I spoke of. Here begin- neth the first lesson to be ac- quired: Man should not be blinded to 38 The Magic Story whatsoever merit exists in the op- portunity which he hath in hand, remembering that a thousand promises for the future should weigh as naught against the pos- session of a single piece of silver. When I had achieved ten years, my mother's soul took flight, and two years thereafter my worthy father followed her. I, being their only begotten, was left alone ; how- beit, there were friends who, for a time, cared for me; that is to say, they offered me a home beneath their roof, a thing which I took advantage of for the space of five months. From my father's estate there came to me naught; but, in the wisdom that came with increas- ing years, I convinced myself that his friend, under whose roof I lin- gered for some time, had defraud- ed him, and therefore me. Of the time from the age of twelve and a half until I was three The Magic Story 39 ^^^^^ ** and twenty, I will make no recital here, since that time hath naught to do with this tale ; but some time after, having in my possession the sum of sixteen guineas, ten, which I had saved from the fruits of my labor, I took ship to Boston town, where I began work first as a coop- er, and thereafter as a ship's car- penter, although always after the craft was docked; for the sea was not amongst my desires. Fortune will sometimes smile upon an intended victim because of pure perversity of temper. Such was one of my experiences. I pros- pered, v and, at seven and twenty, owned the yard wherein, less than four years earlier, I had worked for hire. Fortune, howbeit, is a jade who must be coerced; she will not be coddled. Here beginneth the second lesson to be acquired: Fortune is ever elusive, and can only be retained by force. Deal 40 The Magic Story with her tenderly and she will for- sake you for a stronger man. \In that, methinks, she is not unlike other women of my knowledge.] About this time, Disaster (which is one of the heralds of broken spir- its and lost resolve), paid me a visit. Fire ravaged my yards, leav- ing nothing in its blackened paths but debts, which I had not the coin wherewith to defray. I labored with my acquaintances, seeking as- sistance for a new start, but the fire that had burned my compe- tence seemed also to have con- sumed their sympathies. So it hap- pened, within a short time, that not only had I lost all, but I was hope- lessly indebted to others; and for that they cast me into prison. It is possible that I might have rallied from my losses but for this last in- dignity, which broke down my spir- its so that I became utterly des- pondent. Upward of a year was The Magic Story 41 I detained within the gaol; and, when I did come forth, it was not the same hopeful, happy man, con- tent with his lot, and with confi- dence in the world and its people, who had entered there. Life has many pathways, and of them by far the greater number lead downward. Some are pre- cipitous, others are less abrupt; but ultimately, no matter at what incli- nation the angle may be fixed, they arrive at the same destination, failure. And here beginneth the third lesson: Failure exists only in the grave. Man, being alive, hath not yet failed; always he may turn about and ascend by the same path he de- scended by; and there may be one that is less abrupt (albeit longer of achievement} , and more adaptable to his condition. When I came forth from prison, I was penniless. In all the world 42 The Magic Story I possessed naught beyond the poor garments which covered me, and a walking stick which the turnkey had permitted me to retain, since it was worthless. Being a skilled workman, howbeit, I speedily found employment at good wages ; but, having eaten of the fruit of worldly advantage, dissatisfaction possessed me. I became morose and sullen; whereat, to cheer my spirits, and for the sake of forget- ting the losses I had sustained, I passed my evenings at the tavern. Not that I drank overmuch of liquor, except on occasion (for I have ever been somewhat abstemi- ous), but that I could laugh, and sing, and parry wit and badinage with my ne'er-do-well companions ; and here might be included the fourth lesson : Seek comrades among the indus- trious, for those who are idle will sap your energies from you. The Magic Story 43 It was my pleasure at that time to relate, upon slight provocation, the tale of my disasters, and to rail against the men whom I deemed to have wronged me, because they had seen fit not to come to my aid. Moreover, I found childish de- light in filching from my employer, each day, a few moments of the time for which he paid me. Such a thing is less honest than down- right theft. This habit continued and grew upon me until the day dawned which found me not only without employment, but also without character, which meant that I could not hope to find work with any other employer in Boston town. It was then that I regarded my- self a failure. I can liken my con- dition at that time for naught more similar than that of a man who, descending the steep side of a mountain, loses his foothold. The / spent my evenings at the tavern*' The Magic Story 45 farther he slides, the faster he goes. I have also heard this con- dition described by the word Ish- maelite, which I understand to be a man whose hand is against every- body, and who thinks that the hands of every other man are against him; and here beginneth the fifth lesson : The Ishmaelite and the leper are the same, since both are abomina- tions in the sight of man, albeit they differ much, in that the former may be restored to perfect health. The former is entirely the result of imagination; the latter has poison in his blood. I will not discourse at length upon the gradual degeneration of my energies. It is not meet ever to dwell much upon misfortunes (which saying is also worthy of re- membrance) . It is enough if I add that the day came when I possessed naught wherewith to purchase food 46 The Magic Story and raiment, and I found myself like unto a pauper, save at infre- quent times when I could earn a few pence, or, mayhap, a shilling. Steady employment I could not se- cure, so I became emaciated in body, and naught but a skeleton in spirit. My condition, then, was deplor- able; not so much for the body, be it said, as for the mental part of me, which was sick unto death. In my imagination I deemed myself ostracised by the whole world, for I had sunk very low indeed; and here beginneth the sixth and final lesson to be acquired (which can- not be told in one sentence, nor in one paragraph, but must needs be adapted from the remainder of this tale). Well do I remember my awak- ening, for it came in the night, when, in truth, I did awake from sleep. My bed was a pile of shav- The Magic Story 47 ings in the rear of the cooper shop where once I had worked for hire; my roof was the pyramid of casks, underneath which I had established myself. The night was cold, and I was chilled, albeit, paradoxically, I had been dreaming of light and warmth and of the repletion of good things. You will say, when I relate the effect the vision had on me, that my mind was affected. So be it, for it is the hope that the minds of others might be likewise influenced which disposes me to un- dertake the labor of this writing. It was the dream which converted me to the belief nay, to the knowledge, that I was possessed of two identities; and it was my own better self that afforded me the assistance for which I had pleaded in vain from my acquaint- ances. I have heard this condition described by the word "double." Nevertheless, that word does riot 48 The Magic Story comprehend my meaning. A double can be naught more than a double, neither half being possessed of in- dividuality. But I will not philoso- phize, since philosophy is naught but a suit of garments for the deco- ration of a dummy figure. Moreover, it was not the dream itself which affected me ; it was the impression made by it, and the in- fluence that it exerted over me, which accomplished my enfran- chisement. In a word, then, I en- couraged my other identity. After toiling through a tempest of snow and wind, I peered into a window and saw that other being. He was rosy with health; before him, on the hearth, blazed a fire of logs; there was conscious power and force in his demeanor; he was phys- ically and mentally muscular. I rapped timidly upon the door, and he bade me enter. There was a not unkindly smile of derision in The Magic Story 49 his eyes as he motioned me to a chair by the fire ; but he uttered no word of welcome; and, when I had warmed myself, I went forth again into the tempest, burdened with the shame which the contrast between us had forced upon me. It was then that I awoke; and here com- eth the strange part of my tale, for, when I did awake, I was not alone. There was a Presence with me ; in- tangible to others, I discovered later, but real to me. The Presence was in my likeness, yet was it strikingly unlike. The brow, not more lofty than my own, yet seemed more round and full; the eyes, clear, direct, and filled with purpose, glowed with enthu- siasm and resolution; the lips, chin, ay, the whole contour of face and figure was dominant and de- termined. He was calm, steadfast, and self- reliant; I was cowering, filled with 50 The Magic Story nervous trembling, and fearsome of intangible shadows. When the Presence turned away, I followed, and throughout the day I never lost sight of it, save when it disap- peared for a time beyond some doorway where I dared not enter; at such places, I awaited its return with trepidation and awe, for I could not help wondering at the temerity of the Presence (so like myself, and yet so unlike), in dar- ing to enter where my own feet feared to tread. It seemed also as if purposely I was led to the place and to the men where and before whom I most dreaded to appear; to offices where once I had transacted business; to men with whom I had financial dealings. Throughout the day I pursued the Presence, and at even- ing saw it disappear beyond the portals of a hostelry famous for its cheer and good living. I sought The Magic Story 51 the pyramid of casks and shav- ings. Not again in my dreams that night did I encounter the Better Self ( for that is what I have named it), albeit, when, perchance, I awakened from slumber, it was near to me, ever wearing that calm smile of kindly derision which could not" be mistaken for pity, nor for condolence in any form. The contempt of it stung me sorely. The second day was not unlike the first, being a repetition of its forerunner, and I was again doomed to wait outside during the visits which the Presence paid to places where I fain would have gone had I possessed the requisite courage. It is fear which deport- eth a man's soul from his body and rendereth it a thing to be despised. Many a time I essayed to address it, but enunciation rattled in my '/ peered into a window and saw that other being. The Magic Story 53 throat, unintelligible; and the day closed like its predecessor. This happened many days, one following another, until I ceased to count them; albeit, I discovered that constant association with the Presence was producing an effect upon me; and one night, when I awoke among the casks and dis- cerned that he was present, I made bold to speak, albeit with marked timidity. "Who are you?" I ventured to ask; and I was startled into an up- right posture by the sound of my own voice; and the question seemed to give pleasure to my companion, so that I fancied there was less of derision in his smile when he re- sponded. "I am that I am," was the reply. "I am he who you have been; I am he who you may be again; where- fore do you hesitate ? I am he who you were, and whom you have cast 54 The Magic Story out for other company. I am the man made in the image of God, who once possessed your body. Once we dwelt within it together, not in harmony, for that can never be, nor yet in unity, for that is im- possible, but as tenants in common who rarely fought for full posses- sion. Then you were a puny thing, but you became selfish and exacting until I could no longer abide with you, wherefore I stepped out. There is a plus-entity and a minus- entity in every human body that is born into the world. Whichever one of these is favored by the flesh becomes dominant; then is the other inclined to abandon its habi- tation, temporarily or for all time. I am the plus-entity of yourself; you are the minus-entity. I own all things; you possess naught. That body which we both in- habited is mine, but it is unclean, and I will not dwell within it. Cleanse it, and I will take posses- sion, 1 ' "Why do you pursue me?" I :-., \: M^cd the Presence. "You have pursued me, not I you* You can exist without me for .1 time, but xour p.ith le.uls down- x\ .11 d. .ind the end is de.ith. No\\ th.it xou .ippro.ich the eiul, xou de- bate if it be not politic that you should , L ..-.-- \ 01:1 house .ind in- vite me to enter. Step aside, then, from the br.iin ;ind the xxill; vK use them of your presence; only on th.it condition xxill 1 ex er occupy them .i^.nn." " The br.iin h.itli lost its po\\cr," I faltered. "The will is a weak J, noxx : c.in \ou repair them? n "Listen!" said the Presence, and he toxv ered o> er me xx lule 1 co\x ered .ibjecth .it his teet. " I'o the plus-entity ot' .1 m.m, .ill things .ire The worUl belongs tv> is his estate, ilv 56 The Magic Story naught, dreads naught, stops at naught; he asks no privileges, but demands them; he dominates, and cannot cringe; his requests are or- ders; opposition flees at his ap- proach; he levels mountains, fills in vales, and travels on an even plane where stumbling is unknown." Thereafter, I slept again, and, when I awoke, I seemed to be in a different world. The sun was shin- ing and I was conscious that birds twittered above my head. My body, yesterday trembling and un- certain, had become vigorous and filled with energy. I gazed upon the pyramid of casks in amazement that I had so long made use of it for an abiding place, and I was wonderingly conscious that I had passed my last night beneath its shelter. The events of the night recurred to me, and I looked about me for the Presence. It was not visible, The Magic Story 57 but anon I discovered, cowering in a far corner of my resting place, a puny, abject, shuddering figure, dis- torted of visage, deformed of shape, disheveled and unkempt of appearance. It tottered as it walked, for it approached me pite- ously; but I laughed aloud, merci- lessly. Perchance I knew then that it was the minus-entity, and that the plus-entity was within me; albeit I did not then realize it. Moreover, I was in haste to get away; I had no time for philosophy. There was much for me to do, much; strange it was that I had not thought of that yesterday. But yesterday was gone, to-day was with me, it had just begun. As had once been my daily habit, I turned my steps in the direction of the tavern where formerly I had partaken of my meals. I nodded cheerily as I entered, and smiled in recognition of returned salutations. 58 The Magic Story Men who had ignored me for months bowed graciously when I passed them on the thoroughfare. I went to the washroom, and from there to the breakfast table ; after- wards, when I passed the taproom, I paused a moment and said to the landlord: "I will occupy the same room that I formerly used, if, perchance, you have it at disposal. If not, an- other will do as well, until I can ob- tain it." Then I went out and hurried with all haste to the cooperage. There was a huge wain in the yard, and men were loading it with casks for shipment. I asked no ques- tions, but, seizing barrels, began hurling them to the men who worked atop of the load. When this was finished, I entered the shop. There was a vacant bench; I recognized its disuse by the lit- ter on its top. It was the same at The Magic Story 59 which I had once worked. Strip- ping off my coat, I soon cleared it of impedimenta. In a moment more I was seated, with my foot on the vice-lever, shaving staves. It was an hour later when the master workman entered the room, and he paused in surprise at sight of me; already there was a goodly pile of neatly shaven staves beside me, for in those days I was an ex- cellent workman; there was none better, but, alas ! now, age hath de- prived me of my skill. I replied to his unasked question with the brief but comprehensive sentence: "I have returned to work, sir." He nodded his head and passed on, viewing the work of other men, al- beit anon he glanced askance in my direction. Here endeth the sixth and last lesson to be acquired, although there is more to be said, since from that moment I was a successful " / was a successful man, and ere long another shipyard." The Magic Story 61 man, and ere long possessed an- other shipyard, and had acquired a full competence of worldly goods. I pray you who read, heed well the following admonitions, since upon them depend the word "suc- cess" and all that it implies : Whatsoever you desire of good is yours. You have but to stretch forth your hand and take it. Learn that the consciousness of dominant power within you is the possession of all things attainable. Have no fear of any sort or shape, for fear is an adjunct of the minus-entity. If you have skill, apply it; the world must profit by it, and, there- fore, you. Make a daily and nightly com- panion of your plus-entity; if you heed its advice, you cannot go wrong. Remember, philosophy is an ar- gument; the world, which is your 6 2 The Magic Story property, is an accumulation of facts. Go, therefore, and do that which is within you to do; take no heed of gestures which would beckon you aside; ask of no man permis- sion to perform. The minus-entity requests fa- vors; the plus-entity grants them. Fortune waits upon every footstep you take; seize her, bind her, hold her, for she is yours; she belongs to you. Start out now, with these ad- monitions in your mind. Stretch out your hand, and grasp the plus, which, maybe, you have never made use of, save in grave emer- gencies. Life is an emergency most grave. Your plus-entity is beside you now; cleanse your brain, and strengthen your will. It will take possession. It waits upon you. The Magic Story 63 Start to-night; start now upon this new journey. Be always on your guard. Which- ever entity controls you, the other hovers at your side; beware lest the evil enter, even for a moment. My task is done. I have writ- ten the recipe for "success." If followed, it cannot fail. Wherein I may not be entirely comprehended, the plus-entity of whomsoever reads will supply the deficiency; and upon that Better Self of mine I place the burden of imparting to generations that are to come the secret of this all-pervading good, the secret of being what you have it within you to be. [THE END] THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW RENEWED BOOKS ARE SUBJECT TO IMMEDIATE RECALL LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS Book SHp-55m-l 0/68 (J4048s8) 458 A 3 1/5 N9 639785 Dey, F.V.R. The magic story. PS3507 E9 M3 1914 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS (m B^osN IBS KJ-.L.