“Hullo, Bill. I say, what’s the matter? You don’t look your usual bright little self.”

“I’m worried,” said Bill. “I was worried anyway, and then something else turned up and gave me a jolt.”

“Oh!” said Jimmy. “How lucid! What’s it all about? Can I do anything?”

Bill did not reply. He sat staring at the carpet and looking so puzzled and uncomfortable that Jimmy felt his curiosity aroused.

“Has anything very extraordinary occurred, William?” he asked gently.

“Something damned odd. I can’t make head or tail of it.”

“The Seven Dials business?”

“Yes⁠—the Seven Dials business. I got a letter this morning.”