nearly five o'clock before
`` He has just stepped out , '' was the answer . `` Tell him , when he comes in , to please call at the mayor 's office before he goes home , '' replied Gertrude , `` Miss Van Deusen wishes to speak with him . '' She hung up her receiver and turned back to the duties of her desk . It was nearly five o'clock before she heard anything further . Then her telephone rang and a strange voice came over the wire . `` Mr. Fitzgerald has fallen and sprained his knee . He has to be put to bed , but wants to know if you wo n't come to see him tonight .