I sprang from my chair and hastily collected the necessaries for the journey. The little board and the lamp I put in my overcoat pocket; I overhauled the emergency bag and added to its usual contents a bottle of permanganate of potassium which I thought I might require. Then I tucked the evening paper under my arm and went out.

The coachman, who was standing at the horse’s head as I emerged, touched his hat and came forward to open the door.

“I have fortified myself for the long drive, you see,” I remarked, exhibiting the newspaper as I stepped into the carriage.

“But you can’t read in the dark,” said he.

“No, but I have provided myself with a lamp,” I replied, producing it and striking a match.

He watched me as I lit the lamp and hooked it on the back cushion, and observed: