If the highest tower of Rochester Castle had suddenly walked from where it was standing, and moved itself next to the coffee-room window, Mr Winkle still could not have been more astonished. What the stranger was telling him was too amazing for him to believe. His first idea was that his coat had been stolen. 'May I ask you to wait for just one moment?' he said.

'Certainly,' replied the unwelcome visitor.

Mr Winkle ran quickly upstairs. His hands shook as opened his bag. There was the coat in its usual place, but when he looked closely, it was clear that the coat had been worn the night before.

'It must be true,' said Mr Winkle, letting the coat fall from his hands. 'I drank too much wine after dinner. I have a very confused memory of walking about the streets, and smoking a cigar afterwards.'

'The fact is, I was very drunk. I must have changed my coat and gone somewhere - and then insulted somebody. I am sure this is what has happened, and that is why this stranger is here.' Saying this to himself, Mr Winkle went back to the coffee-room. He was miserable and depressed, but he was determined to accept the challenge of the fierce Doctor Slammer, no matter what might happen afterwards.