"Who has been murdered?" he asked.
"The man whom I told you about yesterday—the numismatist, Hume."
"Ah!" Ashton-Kirk drew in a long breath and his eyes began to glow. There was an instant's pause, then he said: "The hour is rather unconventional; but if you will receive me, I'll have you tell me about this matter privately and at once."
"By all means," she answered, eagerly. "I was about to beg of you to come."
"In a half hour," said he, briefly. "Good-by."
He hung up the receiver and touched one of the buttons. When Stumph came, he said:
"Turn the cold water into my bath. Then order the car in haste."
"Yes, sir."
"Afterwards you can lay out a rough suit, heavy shoes and a soft hat."
"Instantly, sir."