He paused midway in his threat and removed his eyes from
the children. Sophia crept towards the house, while Tristram seized
his opportunity and slipped away to the safe side of the privet
hedge.
"Let me present," said the Doctor, "Mr. Josias Finch, of Boston, New
England."
"Attorney-at-law," Mr. Finch added, lifting his hat politely.
He was a little man with a triple chin and small, intelligent eyes
that twinkled deep in a round, fat face. His dress was of a
slate-coloured material, decorated with silver buttons, and he wore a
voluminous wig.
"With news for you, Captain."
"Important news," Mr. Finch echoed. He pulled out a silver snuff-box
and offered it to Captain Runacles. "You don't indulge? But you
will suffer me, no doubt. Ah," he went on, inhaling a pinch, "it has
been a long journey, sir, and my stomach abhors sea-voyaging."
"Shall we step into the house?" suggested Captain Runacles.
"By all means, sir. My business is simple, but may require some
elucidation. May I suggest that Dr. Beckerleg accompanies us?
He is already acquainted with the drift of my commission, for reasons
I will expound hereafter."
"Of course. Come in, Doctor." He led the pair into his dining-room.
"I may as well state, Mr.
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