How much is known about the relationship between Sam Clemens and Lillie Hitchcock from his days as a reporter in San Francisco. I can find one reference to her in his letters. However, Hitchcock's personal biography appears strikingly similar to Twain's Hellfire Hotchkiss character -- particularly the fire department involvement. Any theories as to whether Hellfire Hotchkiss was based on Lillie Hitchcock? Barb