Jimmy was down on his knees, trying to peer through the crack of the other cupboard door.

“Wait till Bill comes and you shall hear the whole story. This is his staff work⁠—and a jolly creditable bit of work it is. Hallo⁠—what’s Loraine flying up the stairs for as though she’d got a mad bull after her?”

Loraine was indeed racing up the stairs as fast as she could. She burst in upon them with an ashen face and terror in her eyes.

“Bill⁠—Bill⁠—Oh, Bundle⁠—Bill!”

“What about Bill?”

Jimmy caught her by the shoulder.

“For God’s sake, Loraine, what’s happened?”

Loraine was still gasping.

“Bill⁠—I think he’s dead⁠—he’s in the car still⁠—but he doesn’t move or speak. I’m sure he’s dead.”