He would make the acquaintance of that gravel walk instead of sitting out the hour somewhere in the rear, as he had hitherto been accustomed to do.

What's the use of having ears if you don't use them?
Nobody would be any the worse, and his mind would be at rest.
"And do you know, sir, that he did actually carry this cowardly resolution through.

There came a night--I think it was Tuesday--when the order came, and they took the road to Belport.

Not a word did his employer utter the whole way.

Solemn and still he sat, and when they arrived he descended without a word, rang the bell and entered the house.
It was very warm, that night, Holmes said, and before long he heard the glass doors open onto the balcony, and knew that his wished-for chance had come.