That's a great story. How about another story of the supposed influence of
Tom Sawyer, this one from 1893, one that I think I've mentioned in passing
once before?

A fellow named Charles Calvin Zeigler sent Twain a newspaper clipping from
`The Republic' out of St Jo, MO, about a 16 year old kid shot during a
burglary. His deathbed confession was that he was part of a gang inspired by
TS's gang, involving eleven teenagers, who all took a "hideous oath" and
were sworn not to reveal each other's names or deeds. This being a deathbed
confession, he could not confess and then live, or maybe linger a little for
dramatic effect. He just died, right on cue.

Twain's reply was: "Dear Sir: Thank you for the sermon from The Republic. I
shall reform, now, & write no more books like that one. Truly Yours, Mark
Twain."  Twain underlined "that" for emphasis. It would have been lovely to
have been a witness to Twain reading and responding to that nonsense.

That's two stories with happy endings. Think of the "two" as underlined for
emphasis.

Happy Holidays to all!

Kevin Mac Donnell
Austin TX