In any case the topic was very successful. Mr. Saffron embraced it with
eagerness; with much animation he discussed the merits, whether practical
or decorative, of various uniforms--field-gray, khaki, horizon blue, Air
Force blue, and a dozen others worn by various armies, corps, and
services. Alec was something of an enthusiast in this line too; he soon
forgot his embarrassment, and joined in the conversation freely, though
with a due respect to the obvious thoroughness of Mr. Saffron's
information. Watching the pair with an amused smile, Beaumaroy contented
himself with putting in, here and there, what may be called a conjunctive
observation--just enough to give the topic a new start.

After a quarter of an hour of this pleasant conversation, for such all
three seemed to find it, Mr. Saffron finished his wine, handed the glass
to Beaumaroy, and took a cordial leave of Alec Naylor. "It's time for me
to be in bed, but don't hurry away, Captain. You won't disturb me, I'm a
good sleeper. Good-bye. I sha'n't want you any more to-night, Hector."

Beaumaroy handed him his candle again, and held the door open for him as
he went out.

Alec Naylor clapped his cap back on his head. "I'm off too," he
said abruptly.

"Well, you insisted on seeing him, and you've seen him. What about it
now?" asked Beaumaroy.

Alec eyed him with a puzzled baffled suspicion. "You switched him on to
that subject on purpose, and by means of something uncommon like a lie."

"A little artifice! I knew it would interest you, and it's quite one of