"What?" I asked, very surprised. "Is it so very important? Can't it wait till to-morrow?"
"No, unfortunately it can't. It's most imperative that I should see you. Something has happened. Do come!" he begged. "But don't attract attention—you understand!"
"Something happened!" I echoed. "What?"
"That woman. Come at once—do, there's a good fellow. Will you—for my sake and hers?"
The mention of the woman decided me, so I replied "All right!" and hung up the receiver.
Within half an hour I alighted in Courtfield Gardens and walked up Harrington Gardens to the door of my friend's house, which I saw was already ajar in anticipation of my arrival.
Closing the door noiselessly, in order not to attract the attention of the alert porter who lived in the basement, I crept up the carpeted stairs to the door of the flat, which I found also ajar.
Having closed the door, I slipped into the hall and made my way to the warm, cosy room I had left earlier that night.
The door was closed, and without ceremony I turned the handle.
I threw it open laughingly in order to surprise my friend, but next instant halted in amazement upon the threshold.