“It's Andrew, sir,” a voice answered from the darkness below, and an indistinct figure emerged from the shadow of the house. “Mr. Benson has had a fall, sir. You are not to be alarmed, but he wants to see you.”
“Wait a moment,” said Stephen, and he struck a match, lighted the gas, and dressed hurriedly. As he quitted the house, he stopped at Virginia's door, and told her what had happened, then he joined Andrew.
As they strode down the deserted street, Andrew more fully described the accident.
“But was he alone at the time?”
“No, sir, General Gibbs was with him.”
“And is still with him, I suppose? But you have been for a doctor?”
“Yes, sir, I stopped at Dr. Anderson's as I come along.”
“Do you know whose idea it was that you should come for me?” asked Stephen with sudden doubt. He could hardly believe that Benson had sent for him.
“Mr. Benson wanted you.”
“Are you sure? He gave you the order?”