'I believe Providence ordained the British Philistine for our good--drat him! It does no one any harm to have to hook the public.

All the great men have done it.

You're too squeamish, Master Dick!' Watson went on painting in silence, his lips working.

Presently Cuningham caught--half lost in the beard--'There's a public of to-day, though--and a public of to-morrow!' 'Oh, all right,' said Philip.

'So long as you take a public of some sort into consideration! I like your jester.' He bent forward to look into the front line of the large composition crowded with life-size figures on which Watson was engaged.