Page:The Story of the House of Cassell (book).djvu/247



most notable episode in the history of Cassell's as publishers of fiction is that which associates them with Robert Louis Stevenson. It was their high distinction to publish in book form his first story, "Treasure Island," and most of its successors.

How "Treasure Island" came to La Belle Sauvage in the spring of 1883 is told by Mr. P. Lyttelton Gell, who at that time was in editorial charge of the educational books. "I well recollect," he says, "the first introduction. W. E. Henley limped into my room and threw down a bundle of ragged, ill-printed, faded newspaper cuttings, crying 'Just read that and see if it is not the right stuff!' Next day, in his impetuous way, he hurled on to my table the few volumes of essays, etc., which R. L. S. had then published. Later Lord Milner called—we were going on the river—I had not finished work, and he sat down and read a volume. R. L. S. was new to him, and he was greatly struck."

The "ragged, ill-printed, faded newspaper cuttings" were the installments of "Treasure Island," from Young Folks, a story paper for boys run by Messrs. Henderson and Sons as an offshoot from the Weekly Budget, and now no longer in existence. The installments began on October 1, 1881, and ended on January 28, 1882. Cassell's made the author an offer which moved him to write to his father and mother the following letter:

" 5th May, 1883.

,—I have had a great piece of news. There has been offered for 'Treasure Island'—how much do you suppose? I believe it would be an excellent jest to keep the answer till my next letter. For two cents I would do so.