The publisher looked up with a start, and saw Simmonds standing before him.
"Did you laugh, Simmonds?"
"No, sir!" replied the clerk with a surprised look.
"Who laughed then?"
"There is no one here but ourselves, sir--and I didn't laugh."
"Did you hear nothing?"
"Nothing, sir."
"Strange!" and Brown began to feel chill again.
"What time is it?" he asked with an effort.
"It is half-past six, sir."