He unfastened the bolts without haste.

The case might be urgent, but a steady hand and cool nerve were usually even more essential than speed in his opinion.

He opened the door therefore with a certain deliberation, and faced the sharp night air with grim resignation.

"Well?
Who is it?
Come in!" He expected to see some village messenger, and the sight of Piers, stern-faced, with the fur collar of his motor-coat turned up to his ears, was a complete surprise.
"Hullo!" he said, staring at him.

"Anything wrong ?" Piers stared back with eyes of burning hostility.