Can you come to us at once?
"H.L.
"P.S .-- David is all right--only shaken and covered with mud.

It occurred five minutes ago." "Dear me!" said Brett.

"Dear me!" There was such a hiss of concentrated fury in his voice that Winter was puzzled to account for the harmless expression the barrister had twice used.

The detective knew that his distinguished friend never, by any chance, indulged in strong language, yet something had annoyed him so greatly that a more powerful expletive would have had a very natural sound.
Brett glared at him.
"It is evident," he said, "that you do not know the meaning of 'Dear me.' It is simply the English form of the Italian 'O Dio mio!' and a literal translation would shock you." "It doesn't appear that much damage has been done to your client," gasped Winter, for Brett had unceremoniously dragged him from his chair with the intention of rushing downstairs forthwith.
They hurried out together, and dashed into the waiting hansom.
"Think of it, Winter," groaned the barrister.

"Whilst we were seduced by a dorking and a French sausage--an unholy alliance--the very man we wanted was waiting in Northumberland Avenue.