When he had done this, he again retired; and Sir John, reclining in an easy attitude upon his pillow, once more turned a smiling face towards his visitor.
'You will forgive me, Mr Varden, I am sure, for being at first a little sensitive both on your account and my own.

I confess I was startled, notwithstanding your delicate exordium.

Might I ask you to do me the favour not to approach any nearer ?--You have really come from Newgate!' The locksmith inclined his head.
'In-deed! And now, Mr Varden, all exaggeration and embellishment apart,' said Sir John Chester, confidentially, as he sipped his chocolate, 'what kind of place IS Newgate ?' 'A strange place, Sir John,' returned the locksmith, 'of a sad and doleful kind.

A strange place, where many strange things are heard and seen; but few more strange than that I come to tell you of.

The case is urgent.