'A written apology!' repeated Mr Winkle. His voice showed that he was as amazed as it was possible to be.

'Of course you know what will happen if you do not apologize,' replied the visitor calmly.

'Were you definitely asked to give this message to me?' inquired Mr Winkle, who was completely confused by this extraordinary conversation.

'I was not there when it happened,' replied the visitor, 'and you would not give your name to Doctor Slammer. But he he told me I would know you because you wear a very unusual coat - a bright blue coat, with a gold button showing a picture, and the letters "P. C."'

'Mr Winkle was so astonished by this exact description of his coat that he almost fell over. Doctor Slammer's friend went on talking - 'I asked at the bar just now, and I found that the owner of the coat I am talking about is staying here. He arrived with three gentlemen yesterday afternoon. I immediately asked the gentleman who seemed to be the leader of your group, and immediately he told me it was you.'