'Thank you, sir,' said the servant, and away he went.

'What's the matter?' asked Mr Tupman, as a loud knocking at his door woke him from his deep sleep.

'Can I speak to Mr Winkle, sir?' replied the servant from outside.

'Winkle - Winkle!' shouted Mr Tupman, calling into the inner room. 'Hallo!' replied a voice from deep underneath the sheets and blankets on the bed.

'You're wanted - someone at the door'. Once he had finished making the effort to say all this, Mr Tracy Tupman turned round and fell fast asleep again.

'Wanted!' said Mr Winkle, as he quickly jumped out of bed. He quickly put on a few items off clothing. 'Wanted! at this distance from London - who on earth can want me?'

'Gentleman in the coffee - room, sir,' replied the Boots, as Mr Winkle opened the door; 'gentleman says he'll only take a moment of your time, Sir, but he will not go until he has seen you.'

'Very strange!' said Mr Winkle; 'I'll be down at once.'