He had just arrived from town on his bicycle, out of breath and panting.
"Message for you, sir.

Will you sign ?" He held the book to Annixter, who signed the receipt, wondering.
The boy departed, leaving a thick envelope of yellow paper in Annixter's hands, the address typewritten, the word "Urgent" written in blue pencil in one corner.
Annixter tore it open.

The envelope contained other sealed envelopes, some eight or ten of them, addressed to Magnus Derrick, Osterman, Broderson, Garnett, Keast, Gethings, Chattern, Dabney, and to Annixter himself.
Still puzzled, Annixter distributed the envelopes, muttering to himself: "What's up now ?" The incident had attracted attention.

A comparative quiet followed, the guests following the letters with their eyes as they were passed around the table.

They fancied that Annixter had arranged a surprise.
Magnus Derrick, who sat next to Annixter, was the first to receive his letter.