[letterhead]Martinez, Cal., Tuesday Dec 3 1909Darling Helen: Write quick & tell me whether you feel any ill effect from your hurried walk yesterday. You must have enjoyed seeing me in full flight like John Gilpin. The train made up all lost time, & so I arrived this morning in a cold pouring rain at 5.55, & so completely pitch dark that I had to grope for the station & from their felt my way with my feet as I used to do on the mountains When I got home I soon had a grand fire & am not the least the worse. The rain froze on the trees & fences as it fell & the hills look wonderful so does the mud & ice. Glad you are not hereLovingly your fathe