This start was an extorted compliment to his own sagacity.

"Now wasn't I right ?" said he; "did I ought to take the beard off such a mug as that--for less than ten shillings ?" "I see," groaned Seaton; "you think I have committed some crime.

One man sees me weeping with misery; he calls me a drunkard; another sees me pale with the anguish of my breaking heart; he calls me a felon.

May God's curse light on him and you, and all mankind!" "All right," said the squinting barber, apathetically; "my price is ten bob, whether or no." Seaton felt in his pockets.

"I have not got the money about me," said he.
"Oh, I'm not particular; leave your watch." Seaton handed the squinting vampire his watch without another word and let his head fall upon his breast.
The barber cut his beard close with the scissors, and made trivial remarks from time to time, but received no reply.
At last, extortion having put him in a good humor, he said, "Don't be so down-hearted, my lad.