ROBERT E. HOWARD to
                                                             CLARK ASHTON SMITH
                                                      postmarked March 15, 1933

Dear Mr. Smith:

  I hardly know how to thank you for the copy of THE DOUBLE SHADOW.  I have
read the stories with the most intense interest and appreciation, and hardly
know which I like the best.  All are magnificent, splendid examples of that
poetic prose which is so characteristic of your work.  I envy you your rich
and vivid style.
  It was a pity that _Strange Tales_ went out of circulation, and I am sorry
that the magazine's demise left so many of your stories unpublished.  They had
only one of my yarns when they quit.  However, I sold them only three stories,
altogether.
  I am very glad that you have found the Conan series of interest, and
appreciate very much the kind things you said about the yarns.  I shall look
forward with eager anticipation for "The Dark Eidolon" and the other stories
you mentioned to be published in _Weird Tales_.  Incidentally, your story in
the current _Weird Tales_ is splendid.
  I am enclosing a check for EBONY ANd CRYSTAL and would feel most honored if
you would write your autograph on the fly page.
  Thanking you again for the magnificent DOUBLE SHADOW, I am,

                                                          Most cordially yours,

                                                                            REH