MR. HEREFORD ENTERTAINS
9
serves life itself only by alertness of mind and quickness of eye and hand.
The stranger took the seat Hereford had not offered him.
"I am on my way to New York from Java, Mr. Hereford," Annis explained. "I have been living in Java for the past six years. I was in Samarang when Miss Regan—who, I am told, is your ward—was there last year."
Hereford, looking steadily at him, said nothing.
"On the possibility that you have not been informed of the position into which Miss Regan put herself at that time I have dropped in to see you, as I believe—having observed what I have—is the duty of a gentleman."
"That is a phrase open to many construc-
