"What sort of a fellow was he?" said I.
"He was a clean-shaven man, sir, rather red in the face, with reddish hair turning grey on his temples."
"Heavily built?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well; what did he say?"
"He said that you would know what affair he was come about—that it was very urgent; and that he could not stay in town beyond noon to-day. He said, sir, that he was to be found till then at the Mitre without Aldgate."
Well; that was enough for me. But I did not relish the prospect of no sleep again; for I cannot trust my wits when I have not slept my seven or eight hours. But there was no help for it.
"James," said I, "bring my morning up here at once, with some meat too. I may not be able to dine to-day, or not till late. When you have brought it I shall have a letter ready, for Mr. Chiffinch. That you must take yourself. Then return here, and pack a pair of valises, with a suit in them for yourself. Have two horses ready at eleven o'clock: you must come with me, and no one else. I do not know how long we may be away. You understand?"
"Yes, sir."
"Very well. I must get some sleep if I can before eleven."