The bell was rung again, and James appeared in an instant.

"Send this," said Rudolf.

"The offices will be shut, sir."

"James, James!"

"Very good, sir; but it may take an hour to get one open."

"I'll give you half an hour. Have you money?"

"Yes, sir."

"And now," added Rudolf, turning to me, "you'd better go to bed."

I do not recollect what I answered, for my faintness came upon me
again, and I remember only that Rudolf himself helped me into his
own bed. I slept, but I do not think he so much as lay down on
the sofa; chancing to awake once or twice, I heard him pacing
about. But towards morning I slept heavily, and I did not know
what he was doing then. At eight o'clock James entered and roused
me. He said that a doctor was to be at the hotel in half an hour,
but that Mr. Rassendyll would like to see me for a few minutes if
I felt equal to business. I begged James to summon his master at
once. Whether I were equal or unequal, the business had to be
done.

Rudolf came, calm and serene. Danger and the need for exertion