"Special message from 'is h'Excellency, sir," came in the familiar cockney of the messenger, with the added caution, "don't speak so loud, please—it's that private—"
Stanley nodded, quite oblivious of the fact that he was invisible, and added in lowered tones:
"Go round to the front, and I'll come down and let you in."
He cautiously made his way downstairs, pausing at every creaking board in fear that he had awakened the household, and traversing the long hall, opened the great front door, and admitted the shivering John; for the night was cool, and several hours of watching and waiting had chilled the messenger thoroughly.
"How long have you been out there?"
"Since ten, sir."
"Good Heavens! and it's past midnight! Come up to my room, and I'll give you some whiskey."
"Thank ye, sir. I shan't mind a drop—it's that cold, but I'll take off me boots first."
"Take off your boots!"
"'Is h'Excellency was most par-ti'cler, sir, as no one but you should know as I was 'ere."