But no; better his friend should see the thing when it was complete.
About eight o'clock he reached the journalist's chambers.

Malkin had not yet arrived.

Peak amused himself with examining certain tropical products which the traveller had recently cast pell-mell into his friend's sitting-room.

Then sounded a knock at the door, but it was not such as would have heralded the expected man.
'A telegram,' observed Earwaker, and went to take it in.
He returned with hoarse sounds of mirth.
'Our friend excuses himself.

Read this characteristic despatch.' Peak saw with surprise that the telegram far exceeded familiar dimensions.