Introduction

He broke off, and Larraby heard the catch in his breath; the note of horror. Then, without warning and as if without cause, a different sound came over the wire – the sound of a man, laughing.

The laughter was soft and deep and warm; it sounded like the laughter of a happy man. And it grew louder. The caller did not speak again but Larraby could hear him breathing, harshly, stertorously. Then the laughter grew louder and louder still, closer and closer, until it was deafening in Larmby’s ear. He moved the receiver away as one of the junior assistants, young Aristide Smith, was passing; Aristide paused.

The laughter stopped, as suddenly as it had begun.

There was a moment’s absolute silence, followed by a click as the receiver was replaced.