Peckover, arrested in his intent, had opened his eyes, and now stood staring half dazed at the new-comer.

"Hullo!" yawned that person genially.

"Eh?" ejaculated Peckover hazily, eyeing him with suspicion, and not quite able to realize the situation.

"Excuse me if I disturb you," said the man, with another tremendous yawn. "If I don't sit down somewhere I shall drop on the floor."

Peckover told himself that this was scarcely the detective, and even if he were his condition gave colour to a wild hope of escape.

"Tired?" The superfluous question was put tentatively.

"You bet."

"Dry?"

"Always."

"Have a glass of fizz?" In Peckover's situation even that unusual hospitality was a matter of indifference.