He giggled to himself tipsily.

‘Do you remember,’ came the quick voice of the Russian, ‘the letters he used to send. “Desire is holy-”‘

‘Oh yes!’ cried Halliday. ‘Oh, how perfectly splendid. Why, I’ve got one in my pocket. I’m sure I have.’

He took out various papers from his pocket book.

‘I’m sure I’ve — HIC! OH DEAR! — got one.’

Gerald and Gudrun were watching absorbedly.

‘Oh yes, how perfectly — HIC! — splendid! Don’t make me laugh, Pussum, it gives me the hiccup. Hic! — ’ They all giggled.