through the association, riley became acquainted with most of the notable writers in the midwestern united states, including humorist edgar wilson nye of chicago. after completing his lecture circuit in 1885, riley formed a partnership with nye and his agent to begin a new tour. the redpath bureau agreed to allow riley to tour with nye, provided he maintained his financial agreements with them. in addition to touring, riley and nye collaborated on a book, "nye and riley's railway guide", a collection of humorous anecdotes and poems intended to parody popular tourist literature of the day. published in 1888, the book was somewhat successful and had three reprints.