he secretly left louisville at night and returned to indianapolis by train. eitel defended him to the press to gain sympathy for riley, explaining the abusive financial arrangements his partners had made. riley refused to speak to reporters, however, and hid himself for weeks. much to riley's surprise, the news reports made him more popular than ever. many people thought the stories were exaggerated, and riley's carefully cultivated image made it difficult for the public to believe he was an alcoholic. riley had stopped sending poetry to newspapers and magazines in the aftermath, but they soon began corresponding with him asking him to resume writing. this encouraged riley, and he made another attempt to give up liquor as he returned to his public career.