Sir Louis' footsteps were approaching.

He glared at me, made a sign to me to sit still, twisted his moustache savagely, and listened, breathing through his mouth to avoid the tell-tale whistle of his hairy nostrils.

I heard Grim start toward the hall, but Sir Louis turned him back and came straight in.
"It occurred to me I'd save you the time of coming up to see me this morning, Grim, and look in on you instead before I start my rounds.

Any new developments ?" "Not yet, sir.

I'll need forty-eight hours.