Punctuality was a virtue which Average Jones had cultivated to the
point of a fad. Hence it was with some discountenance that his
clerk was obliged to apologize for his lateness, first, at 4 P. M.
Of July 23, to a very dapper and spruce young gentleman in pale
mauve spats, who wouldn't give his name; then at 4:05 P. m. of the
same day to Professor Gehren, of the Metropolitan University; and
finally at 4:30 P. m. to Mr. Robert Bertram. When, only a moment
before five, the Ad-Visor entered, the manner of his apology was
more absent than fervent.

Bertram held out a newspaper to him.

"Cast your eye on that," said he. "The Register fairly reeks with
freaks lately."

Average Jones read aloud.

SMITH-PERKINS, formerly 74 Bellair-Send
map present location H. C. Turkish Triumph
about smoked out. MERCY--Box 34, Office.

"Oh, I don't know about its being so freakish," said Average Jones.

"Nonsense! Look at it! Turkish Triumph--that's a cigarette, isn't
it? H. C.--what's that? And signed Mercy. Why, it's the work of a
lunatic!"

"It's my work," observed Average Jones blandly.

The three visitors stared a him in silence.