He shouted again, “Oh, what is it? Hullo! hullo! hullo! ”

The ringing abruptly ceased, and a low, anxious voice was heard: “Hullo! hullo! hullo! Is that you, John? Hullo!”⁠—Stephen’s voice.

“Yes; what is it?”

“Can you come round a minute? I must see you. It’s urgent .”

“What about?” said John, with a vague premonition.

“About⁠—about⁠—you know what!⁠—about the other night⁠—you must come! I can’t leave the house.”