The colonel bowed politely.
“That’s my name, sir.”
Mr. Bernstein presented his card.
“I’d like a word with you, colonel. Strictly business—important, confidential business.”
The colonel regarded him a moment with the same twinkle in his eyes; then he descended the piazza steps.
“Come this way, Mr. Bernstein. I like to sit out of doors. Have a cigar?”
Mr. Bernstein accepted. They had reached the back of the house now, and he stopped short.
“Gee, what a view! Ain’t that about three thousand feet out there? Finest three-reel picture I ever got in a bird’s-eye view! Only wants a little life in it, colonel—a cow and a rough-rider, and maybe a couple of bandits. It’s just the set—with them mountains behind.”
The colonel, who had reached his favorite seat under the horse-chestnut, looked startled.
“I reckon you’re a movie man, aren’t you?” he inquired mildly.