Bayliss took a spectacle-case from the recesses of his costume, opened it, took out a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, dived into the jungle again, came out with a handkerchief, polished the spectacles, put them on his nose, closed the case, restored it to its original position, replaced the handkerchief, and took up the paper. "Why the hesitation, Bayliss? Why the coyness?" enquired Jimmy, lying with closed eyes. "Begin!" "I was adjusting my glasses, sir." "All set now?" "Yes, sir. Shall I read the headlines first?" "Read everything." The butler cleared his throat. "Good Heavens, Bayliss," moaned Jimmy, starting, "don't gargle. Have a heart! Go on!" Bayliss began to read. FRACAS IN FASHIONABLE NIGHT-CLUB SPRIGS OF NOBILITY BRAWL Jimmy opened his eyes, interested. "Am I a sprig of nobility?" "It is what the paper says, sir." "We live and learn. Carry on." The butler started to clear his throat, but checked himself. SENSATIONAL INTERNATIONAL CONTEST BATTLING PERCY (England) v CYCLONE JIM (America) FULL DESCRIPTION BY OUR EXPERT Jimmy sat up. "Bayliss, you're indulging that distorted sense of humour of yours again. That isn't in the paper?" "Yes, sir. Very large headlines." Jimmy groaned. "Bayliss, I'll give you a piece of advice which may be useful to you when you grow up. Never go about with newspaper men. It all comes back to me. Out of pure kindness of heart I took young Bill Blake of the _Sun_ to supper at the Six Hundred last night. This is my reward. I suppose he thinks it funny. Newspaper men are a low lot, Bayliss." "Shall I go on, sir?" "Most doubtless. Let me hear all." Bayliss resumed. He was one of those readers who, whether their subject be a murder case or a funny anecdote, adopt a measured and sepulchral delivery which gives a suggestion of tragedy and horror to whatever they read. At the church which he attended on Sundays, of which he was one of the most influential and respected members, children would turn pale and snuggle up to their mothers when Bayliss read the lessons. Young Mr. Blake's account of the overnight proceedings at the Six Hundred Club he rendered with a gloomy gusto more marked even than his wont. It had a topical interest for him which urged him to extend himself.