* * * * *

I was still brooding all the way up Fleet Street, and even to my own door; until I saw James standing there; and at the sight of him I knew that something was fallen out.

I said nothing, but nodded at him only, as a master may, but he understood that he was to follow upstairs.  There, in my chamber I faced him.

“Well?” said I.  “What is it?”

“Sir,” he said, “a fellow came last night and seemed much put out when I told him you were out of town.”

“What sort of a fellow was he?” said I.

“He was a clean-shaven man, sir, rather red in the face, with reddish hair turning grey on his temples.”

“Heavily built?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Well; what did he say?”

“He said that you would know what affair he was come about—­that it was very urgent; and that he could not stay in town beyond noon to-day.  He said, sir, that he was to be found till then at the Mitre without Aldgate.”

Well; that was enough for me.  But I did not relish the prospect of no sleep again; for I cannot trust my wits when I have not slept my seven or eight hours.  But there was no help for it.

“James,” said I, “bring my morning up here at once, with some meat too.  I may not be able to dine to-day, or not till late.  When you have brought it I shall have a letter ready, for Mr. Chiffinch.  That you must take yourself.  Then return here, and pack a pair of valises, with a suit in them for yourself.  Have two horses ready at eleven o’clock:  you must come with me, and no one else.  I do not know how long we may be away.  You understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Very well.  I must get some sleep if I can before eleven.”

Then a thought came to me.  If Rumbald must be gone from town by noon, would he not likely want me to go with him?

“Wait,” I said.  “I do not know this man very well; but I will tell you that his name is Rumbald and that he lives at the Rye, near Hoddesdon.  You had best not come with me.  But do all else as I have said; but you must ride by yourself at eleven, to Hoddesdon; and put up at the inn there—­I forget its name, but the largest there, if there be more than one.  Remain there until you hear from me again:  I may want a courier.  Do not go a hundred yards from the inn on any account; and do not seem to know me, unless I speak to you first.  You may see me, or you may not.  I know nothing till I have seen Rumbald.  If you do not hear of me before ten o’clock to-night, you can go to bed, and return here in the morning.  I will communicate with you by to-morrow night at latest.  If I do not, go to Mr. Chiffinch yourself and tell him.”

My mind was working at that swift feverish speed which weariness sometimes will give.  I was amazed afterwards at my own foresight, for there was very little evidence of what was intended; and yet there had come upon me, as in an illumination, that the time for which we had waited so long was arrived at last.  I do not see how I could have guessed more than I did; neither do I now see how I guessed so much.