He disposed of supper in similar fashion, and then waited with a throbbing pulse for the second call from the senior member of the firm of White & Fulton.
After an incredible period of waiting he heard the slight rasping of the fork in the keyhole.

Then the door was opened and the older partner entered.

Before speaking he carefully relocked the door.
"I believe you're glad to see me," he said to Ned.

"You're sitting up.

I don't think I ever before saw a boy improve so much in twenty-four hours.