They were Durrance and his servant, and they came out at once on to the road.

Lieutenant Sutch hailed Durrance, who walked to the side of the trap.
"You received my telegram in time, then ?" said Durrance.
"Luckily it found me at home." "I have brought a bag.

May I trespass upon you for a night's lodging ?" "By all means," said Sutch, but the tone of his voice quite clearly to Durrance's ears belied the heartiness of the words.

Durrance, however, was prepared for a reluctant welcome, and he had purposely sent his telegram at the last moment.

Had he given an address, he suspected that he might have received a refusal of his visit.