“'About a column?' I suggested.

“'Three-quarters,' he preferred, and went.

“The moment he was gone, I slipped downstairs and met a printer's boy coming up.

“'What's the name of your sub?' I asked him. 'Tall man with a black moustache, looks tired.'

“'Oh, you mean Penton,' explained the boy.

“'That's the name,' I answered; 'couldn't think of it.'

“I walked straight into the editor; he was still irritable. 'What is it? What is it now?' he snapped out.

“'I only want the ticket for the Royalty Theatre,' I answered. 'Penton says you've got it.'

“'I don't know where it is,' he growled.

“I found it after some little search upon his desk.