It was now as dark as ever it would be that night, and the thunderclouds which hung all over the valley deepened the gloom.

Gloomy and dark the spot indeed was where I was to meet the man of whom Mr.Gilverthwaite had spoken.

By the light of my bicycle lamp I saw that it was just turned eleven when I reached the spot; but so far as I could judge there was no man there to meet anybody.

And remembering what I had been bidden to do, I spoke out loud.
"From James Gilverthwaite, who is sick, and can't come himself," I repeated.

And then, getting no immediate response, I spoke the password in just as loud a voice.