midnight
For forty odd years he had enjoyed a large practice , but in all that time he had never had a case exactly like this . He made up his mind then and there that there was something about this case which was beyond him -- there was something about it that he could not fathom , that was shrouded in mystery . He wired without delay , an urgent message to an eminent physician with whom he was on excellent terms . It was almost midnight when Doctor Schimpf arrived at the Garner mansion . His friend , Doctor Crandall , was awaiting him , and together they made their way at once to the sick-room . `` This is an urgent case , I suppose , '' said Doctor Schimpf . `` I am afraid so , '' was the reply .