'Thank'ee, sir,' said the Boots, and away he went.

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

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

'Winkle - Winkle!' shouted Mr Tupman, calling into the inner room. 'Hallo!' replied a faint voice from within the bedclothes.

'You're wanted - someone at the door;' and, having made the effort to say that much, Mr Tracy Tupman turned round and fell fast asleep again.

'Wanted!' said Mr Winkle, hastily jumping out of bed, and putting on a few articles of 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 and confronted him; 'gentleman says he'll not detain you a moment, Sir, but he will not take no for an answer.'

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