"Your mission must be an urgent one," said the Advocate, throwing up the window. "Is it murder or robbery?"
"Neither. Something of far greater importance."
"Concerning me?"
"Most vitally concerning you."
"Indeed. Then I should welcome you."
With strange recklessness he held out his hand to assist his visitor into the room. The man accepted the assistance, and climbing over the window-sill sprang into the study. He was bloody, and splashed from head to foot with mud.
"Have you a name?" inquired the Advocate.
"Naturally."
"Favour me with it."
"John Vanbrugh."