Typed Letter Signed / Autograph Manuscript Signed

Though little is known about this American writer, he had a following as a horror and sci-fi writer of such short stories as "The Caller in the Night" (1917) and other oft-anthologized ghost tales; his "In the Open Code" appeared in "The Best Short Stories of 1918," and he also published novels such as "The End of the Flight" (1917) and "Gallant Rogue" (1921). Two items: First, a TLS, 1p, 8½" X 11", New York, NY, 1923 March 2. Addressed to Professor Albert Johannsen, author of "The House of Beadle and Adams and Its Dime and Nickel Novels" (University of Oklahoma Press, 1950), the definitive reference work and bibliography on the subject. Near fine. "I feel truly honored by your wish to include something of mine in your collection of autographs and manuscripts," he begins. "If the scribble I am sending you is not to your taste, you must let me know. My book manuscripts are the property of the publishers, and magazine editors never save or return the 'copy' of stories; hence this scrap from an unfinished yarn is the only thing at hand." Second is the accompanying "scrap" -- labeled "Rough draft" in red pencil at the upper left in Kline's hand -- which is titled "Sunk Without a Trace" and is an AMS, 1p, 8½" X 11", n.p., n.y. Near fine. It consists of one very full page of bold and legible text, beginning: "On the 15th of every March I regularly receive a line from my friend Dr. Carver. Regularly his letter commands me to dine with him at the ___ Club on the 21st of the month. This annual feast has become a fixture between us. The dinner is not to herald the technical, and sometimes the actual, arrival of Spring. It is to celebrate, it may be the fourth, the sixth -- this year it was the seventh -- anniversary of Dr. Carver's divorce." Could become a horror tale -- but in any case, it's an attractive and interesting rough draft example that makes you want to read more. Also present is Johannsen's original 8½" X 11" file folder, bearing a printed "Collection of Albert Johannsen" label (partly filled in by Johannsen).…