It fell very nearly on Mr.Jacobs' Homburg hat.
"All right, my lord," he said, as Heyton muttered a sullen apology.

"I was just taking a stroll." He went up the steps, and stood beside Heyton, looking at the view with obvious admiration; then presently, he said, "I was going to ask you if you'd mind signing a paper for me, my lord.

It's just a little report for Scotland Yard; scarcely necessary perhaps, but still----" "All right," said Heyton, dully.

"Here, come in here!" They entered the library by the French door.
"A beautiful room: magnificent!" murmured Mr.Jacobs.He drew a paper from his pocket and spread it out on the writing-slope.

"Just here, my lord, if you please; it's a kind of authorization from you to take charge of the case." He handed Heyton a pen, and Heyton looked at the paper hazily and was about to sign, when Mr.Jacobs, in drawing the inkstand nearer, had the misfortune to upset it.