Quick, who had clearly been leaning against it, literally fell into the
room, reminding me much of an overset wooden soldier.

"Hullo!" said Orme as, without the slightest change of countenance, his
retainer recovered himself and stood to attention. "What the deuce are
you doing there?"

"Sentry go, Captain. Thought the police might change their minds and
come back. Any orders, Captain?"

"Yes. I am going to North Central Africa. When can you be ready to
start?"

"The Brindisi mail leaves to-morrow night, Captain, if you travel by
Egypt, but if you go by Tunis, 7.15 a.m. Saturday is the time from
Charing Cross. Only, as I understand that high explosives and arms have
to be provided, these might take awhile to lay in and pack so as to
deceive customs."

"You understand!" said Orme. "Pray, how do you understand?"

"Doors in these old houses are apt to get away from their frames,
Captain, and the gentleman there"--and he pointed to the Professor--"has
a voice that carries like a dog-whistle. Oh, no offence, sir. A clear
voice is an excellent thing--that is, if the doors fit"--and although
Sergeant Quick's wooden face did not move, I saw his humorous grey eyes
twinkle beneath the bushy eyebrows.

We burst out laughing, including Higgs.