These last words he addressed to the person outside, by placing his mouth close to the keyhole.
A voice responded something, the only recognisable word of which was "donkey."
"What do you say?" cried the clerk, again. "You are—a—a—donkey, do you say?"
"No," said the voice from the outside through the key-hole. "But you are."
"Oh, am I, you infernal vagabond? I'll soon let you know what's what, I will, you rascal."
With this the clerk began to open the door, and the moment he got the key in the little lock, so that Mr. Lupin was thoroughly aware it was the one he wanted, he sprung upon the unfortunate clerk, and dashing his head against the door, which was heavily plated with iron, he knocked him insensible in a moment.
To open the lock was the work of an instant, and the door creaked upon its hinges.
"Who are you?" said Lupin.
"A messenger from the Secretary of State," said the man on the outside, "and I shall report your insolence."
"Don't," said Lupin.