The first few pages of the story are narrated by The Joker, who sneaks through Gotham City in the dead of night, unseen and unheard. He finally arrives at a small toyshop, startling the owner, an old man by the name of Papetto. Papetto initially shows no fear toward the Harlequin of Hate, and supposes that he is here for "the last of your special consignment". It is only when he draws a gun that Papetto begins to become afraid, blubbering that he had built all of the toys to Joker's specifications. Joker is not dissuaded, and squirts a chemical out of the gun and into Papetto's face. As Papetto dies, Joker claims his "prize" - a small cymbal-banging toy monkey, which he comments is "cute". After he collects the monkey, Joker leaves behind his calling card and disappears into the night.