He had hardly time to look into his mirror, and make sure that his hair and his toilet were all right, before a dapper little fellow, with a professional manner, and a portfolio under his arm, was ushered into the room.

The air of easy good-nature and good fellowship was one which Mr.Belcher could assume at will, and this was the air that he had determined upon as a matter of policy in dealing with a representative of "The Tattler" office.

He expected to meet a man with a guilty look, and a deprecating, fawning smile.

He was, therefore, very much surprised to find in Mr.Tibbets a young gentleman without the slightest embarrassment in his bearing, or the remotest consciousness that he was in the presence of a man who might possibly have cause of serious complaint against "The Tattler." In brief, Mr.Tibbets seemed to be a man who was in the habit of dealing with rascals, and liked them.

Would Mr.Tibbets have a cup of coffee sent up to him?
Mr.Tibbets had breakfasted, and, therefore, declined the courtesy.