Why, do you know that it has been tried, at a certain
house we are acquainted with?'
'The Warren!' cried John. 'No, sure!'
'Yes, sure--yes. It's only known by very few. It has been whispered
about though, for all that. They planed the board away, but there it
was. They went deep, but it went deeper. They put new boards down, but
there was one great spot that came through still, and showed itself in
the old place. And--harkye--draw nearer--Mr Geoffrey made that room his
study, and sits there, always, with his foot (as I have heard) upon it;
and he believes, through thinking of it long and very much, that it will
never fade until he finds the man who did the deed.'
As this recital ended, and they all drew closer round the fire, the
tramp of a horse was heard without.
'The very man!' cried John, starting up. 'Hugh! Hugh!'
The sleeper staggered to his feet, and hurried after him. John quickly
returned, ushering in with great attention and deference (for Mr
Haredale was his landlord) the long-expected visitor, who strode into
the room clanking his heavy boots upon the floor; and looking keenly
round upon the bowing group, raised his hat in acknowledgment of their
profound respect.
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