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18

is not satisfied to merely accept it at its face value. However, I think I unraveled even some of its mysteries. Christianson and I worked until 7:30 this evening. 

On my last week in "61" I read Cabell's "The Cords of Vanity" and it mystifies me a bit. At times it seemed downright silly and then again I imagined I could feel something there that was worthwhile but that I couldn't quite appreciate. At any rate, I want to remember two quotations that appeared in it at the beginning. I can't quite interpret the second one but I love to say it over just the same: 
"Woe unto them who draw iniquity with the cords of vanity. Their root shall be as rottenness and their blossom shall go up as dust," and "For his has been the summer air, and the sunshine and the flowers. And gentle ears have listened to him, and gentle eyes have looked upon him. Let those take his honey who will, that he has had his morsel and his song." 

Erie, Pa.,
Saturday January 16, 1926.

Today I worked until 4:30 p.m. helping to get a motor ready for test Monday when the Illinois Central inspectors will be here. Henshaw goes on nights next week so I am to work with Christianson. This morning I spent a few moments over in 10 on the locomotive erecting floor. Then I realized that at last I am in my element. I saw the wonderful "New Havens" being equipped. They are marvelous affairs with a big motor-generator set mounted in their cabs. The maze of controlling equipment just fascinated me. It was like discovering a gold mine to find suddenly how complex and wonderful the thing is that one has chosen to devote is professional life to. I was thrilled through and through by the sight and I was mighty grateful to be here. Still, it seems rather like a dream to me; I can scarcely comprehend that I am actually here and entering upon the work that I so want. But the glorious thing is the fact that is is a [[underlined]] fact [[/underlined]] and not a dream.

Erie, Pa.,
Sunday, January 17, 1926.

This is the sort of day that one is glad one has lived. This morning I called for Allende at 10:30. We attempted to persuade McBride, a strict Baptist, to accompany us to church but he pleasantly, yet firmly, refused. Barber, who is orthodox also, did go with us and Allende swears that he saw Barber blush during the sermon, but to us is was just splendid, dealing with the new religious viewpoint being adopted by thinking people everywhere, who are interested in religion but little in theology. After the service I met a number of people including Mr. Herman