The passage of a motor-car through Dunford in the night-time was too common a happening to disturb sleepers¹ or excite the curiosity of a wakeful person.  To-night John Corrie was wakeful, as he so often was till long after midnight, and it is probable that he was not aware of the big car’s approach till it stopped at his own door.  Being a dealer² in motor-spirit, he at once perceived a reason for the stoppage.  More than once in the last few years he had been called in similar wise to the receipt of custom, though never quite so late as this.  On the last occasion he had, without opening the door, curtly³ refused supplies.  Nowadays, however, he could not afford to turn money away at any hour of the twenty-four.  So in shirt, trousers, and slippers⁴ he was into the shop almost as soon as the expected knock fell.  Still, it was better to make certain before opening.