Over a door, set in the wall, stood out in clear lettering the words, "John Trotman, Veterinary Surgeon." Feeling a little doubtful of what their reception would be like, he pulled the bell.

There was a pause, a long pause, and then they heard the sound of light, quick footsteps, and the door was unlocked.
"Who's there?
What is it ?" came in a woman's voice, and a quaint figure, dressed in a short, dark dressing-gown, and looking not unlike Noah's wife, appeared holding a lantern in her hand.

She had a kindly, shrewd face, and when Radmore said apologetically, "I'm sorry to disturb you, but the matter is really urgent, and we've brought a sick animal many miles in order that it may benefit by Mr.Trotman's skill," her face cleared, and she said cordially: "All right, sir, come right in." As they walked along through a curious kind of trellised tunnel, Timmy carrying Josephine and her kittens, there arose an extraordinary chorus of sounds in which furious barking predominated.
"You have a regular menagerie here," said Radmore, smiling.
"Why, yes, sir," she answered simply, "but they'll all quiet down after a bit.

They're startled like, hearing strange footsteps." She led them into the house, and so through into a pleasant little parlour, full of the good 18th Century furniture which may still be found in the older houses of an English country town.

Sporting prints--some of considerable value--hung on the walls.