Half-past three.

He touched the bell.
"Tell the groom to saddle `Pomona' for me, Raffles.

I will come to the stables in a minute or two and mount there." "You need a bit of exercise this weather, you do," remarked Raffles to himself, as he retired, "to keep warm." A few minutes later the tutor was riding smartly to Yeld.

During the half-hour occupied by that journey the signs of the approaching storm became manifest.

The blue of the sky took a leaden hue, and out at sea an ominous cloud-bank lifted its head on the horizon, while the sultry air seemed to breathe hot on the rider's cheek.
He pulled up short at Dr Brandram's door.
"What's the matter now ?" asked the doctor.