Then he heard footsteps upon the stairs, and as they drew nearer the smell grew stronger.

When it had reached a degree of intensity that caused the major to fear that it might break some of the furniture, there was a knock at the door.

Then a man entered with a bundle under his arm, and as he did so the major thought that he had never smelt such a fiendish smell in the whole course of his life.

He held his nose; and when the man saw the gesture, he said, "I thought so; the usual effect.

You hold it tight while I explain." "What hab you god id that buddle ?" asked the major.
"That, sir," said the man, "is Barker's Carbolic Disinfecting Door-mat.