"Stop a bit. That is my charge to working folk. I must have something more off you."
"Very well, man, I'll pay you double."
"My price to you is ten shillings."
"Why, what is that for?" asked Seaton in some alarm; he thought, in his confusion, the man must have read his heart.
"I'll tell ye why," said the squinting barber. "No, I won't. I'll show ye." He brought a small mirror and suddenly clapped it before Seaton's eyes. Seaton started at his own image; wild, ghastly, and the eyes so bloodshot. The barber chuckled. 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.