Chapter I – Strangest is the news that comes unexpectedly
First that letter from the Hall and now some unexpected news. That business was a long time ago and it would have been best had it remained firmly in the past. Still, whatever my feelings about it the urgency was only too clear. I do wonder about this new fellow... probably nothing more than a coincidence but the link to the Old Fox troubles me greatly. Something is not like it ought to be here... but what exactly?
They say the Southfarthing is pleasant at this time of the year and the woods are full of woodchuck and pigeon. Young Reginald ought to come, he has been in a sallow mood of late, some of the other lads too... The work here will have to wait until our return. Then so be it – we shall take only what provisions and stores that we have to hand. Rising at dawn we should be there by nightfall on the 18th at the latest by my reckoning.
