"For three years," he replied, quietly, "I was the physician in charge of that institution. Your son"--turning to Masthead, who was flying all sorts of colors--"was, if I mistake not, one of my patients. I learn that a few weeks ago a friend of yours, named Norton, secured the young man's release upon your promise to take care of him yourself in future. I hope that home associations have improved the poor fellow. It's very sad!" It was indeed. Norton was the name of the man to whom I had written for an editor, and who had sent me one! Norton was ever an obliging fellow. WHY I AM NOT EDITING "THE STINGER" _J. Munniglut, Proprietor, to Peter Pitchin, Editor._ "STINGER" OFFICE, Monday, 9 A.M. A man has called to ask "who wrote that article about Mr. Muskler." I told him to find out, and he says that is what he means to do. He has consented to amuse himself with the exchanges while I ask you. I don't approve the article. _Peter Pitchin, Editor, to J. Munniglut, Proprietor_. 13 LOFER STREET, Monday, 10 A.M. Do you happen to remember how Dacier translates _Difficile est proprie communia dicere_? I've made a note of it somewhere, but can't find it. If you remember please leave a memorandum of it on your table, and I'll get it when I come down this afternoon. P.S.--Tell the man to go away; we can't be bothered about that fellow Muskler. _J. Munniglut, Proprietor, to Peter Pitchin, Editor._ "STINGER" OFFICE, Monday, 11:30 A.M. I can't be impolite to a stranger, you know; I must tell him _somebody_ wrote it. He has finished the exchanges, and is drumming on the floor with the end of his stick; I fear the people in the shop below won't like it. Besides, the foreman says it disturbs the compositors in the next room. Suppose you come down. _Peter Pitchin, Editor, to J. Munniglut, Proprietor._ 13 LOFER STREET, Monday, 1 P.M. I have found the note I made of that translation, but it is in French and I can't make it out. Try the man with the dictionary and the "Books of Dates." They ought to last him till it's time to close the office. I shall be down early to-morrow morning. P.S.--How big is he? Suggest a civil suit for libel. _J. Munniglut, Proprietor, to Peter Pitchin, Editor._ "STINGER" OFFICE, Monday, 3 P.M. He looks larger than he was when he came in. I've offered him the dictionary; he says he has read it before. He is sitting on my table. Come at once! _Peter Pitchin, Editor, to J. Munniglut, Proprietor._ 13 LOFER STREET, Monday, 5 P.M. I don't think I shall. I am doing an article for this week on "The Present Aspect of the Political Horizon." Expect me _very_ early to-morrow. You had better turn the man out and shut up the office. _Henry Inxling, Bookkeeper, to Peter Pitchin, Editor._ "STINGER" OFFICE, Tuesday, 8 A.M.