Chambers, American artist and writer, later turned to writing romantic fiction to earn a living. According to some estimates, Chambers had one of the most successful literary careers of his period, with a few of his works achieving bestseller status. The Maid-at-Arms begins: We drew bridle at the crossroads; he stretched his legs in his stirrups, raised his arms, yawned, and dropped his huge hands upon either thigh with a resounding slap. Well, good-bye, he said gravely, but made no movement to leave me. Do we part here? I asked, sorry to quit my chance acquaintance of the Johnstown highway. He nodded, yawned again, and removed his round cap of silver-fox fur to scratch his curly head. We certainly do part at these crossroads, if you are bound for Varicks, he said. I waited a moment, then thanked him for the pleasant entertainment his company had afforded me, and wished him a safe journey.