He smiled immediately, remembering that his last words plagiarized Mr.
Alpheus Richmond.

"I never miss a Punch and Judy if I'm near it," said Telford. "I enjoy the
sardonic humor with which Punch hustles off his victims. His
light-heartedness when doing bloody deeds is the true temper."

"That is, if it must be done, to do it with a grin is--"

"Is the most absolute tragedy."

Hagar was astonished, for even the trader's information that Telford spoke
excellent French, and had certainly been a deal on red carpet in his time,
did not prepare him for the sharply incisive words just uttered. Yet it
was not incongruous with. Telford's appearance--not even with the red sash
peeping at the edge of his waistcoat.

They came down among the promenaders, and Baron being accosted by some
one, he left the two together, exacting anew the promise from Hagar
regarding dinner.

Presently Hagar looked up, and said abruptly, "You were singing outside my
window last night."

Telford's face was turned away from him when he began. It came slowly
toward him. The eyes closed steadily with his, there was no excitement,
only cold alertness.

"Indeed? What was I singing?"