"I believe I did, in my flurry and haste. I thought of it as I ran up the street, but would not lose time in going back to shut it."
"He is gone, Mr. Strange," said Dr. Dickenson, advancing towards me, for I and Lennard had stood near the door. "It is a case of sudden death."
I sat down, bewildered. I could not believe it. How awfully sudden! "Is it apoplexy?" I asked, lifting my head.
"No, I should say not."
"Then what is it?"
"I cannot tell; it may be the heart."
"Are you sure he is dead? Beyond all hope?"
"He is indeed."
A disagreeable doubt rushed over my mind, and I spoke on the impulse of the moment. "Has he come by his death fairly?"
The surgeon paused before he answered. "I see no reason, as yet, to infer otherwise. There are no signs of violence about him."