"...According to his own story, as told in Roughing It, he was dubious of his ability to interest an audience and fearful of failure..." ("Mark Twain Speaking",ed by Paul Fatout. Univ of Iowa Press, 1976: xvi) --Haven't got a copy of Roughing It, but judging by Fatout's note, it might be a good place to check if you haven't already. Justine Roberts Mill Valley, CA