In fairness to myself I must add, first, that it was through no improvidence on my part that the domestic animal above referred to obtained possession of the document, and, secondly, that I made such desperate efforts to recover it intact as resulted in my sustaining a fall of considerable violence upon one of the least resilient floors I have ever encountered. If you do not believe me, your duly accredited representative is at liberty to inspect the many and various contusions upon my person any day between ten and eleven at the above address.
Yours faithfully,
etc.
P.S.—My cousin-german has just read this through, and says I've left out something. I think the fat-head is being funny, but I just mention it, in case.
P.P.S.—It's just occurred to me that the fool means I haven't asked you to send me another one. But you will, won't you?
For no apparent reason I was suddenly awake.
Invariably a sound sleeper, I lay for a moment pondering the phenomenon. Then a low growl from the foot of the bed furnished one explanation only to demand another.
I put up a groping hand and felt for the dangling switch.
For a moment I fumbled. Then from above my head a deeply-shaded lamp flung a sudden restricted light on to the bed.