Chapter 4: Mysteries of The Sudan

[Mr. Handy]

OOC,Is there any way we can find out what church the colonel attends? If so, we can go there.

[HoneyDog]

OOC,It's at least 10.30 - by the time you get to Hampstead it should almost be lunchtime, so church services will have been and gone. You'll just have to call at his house. Harry can call at the club then. I'll set a scene for him, and everyone else can call at the Colonel's house. I don't think calling unannounced in these circumstances will be seen to be too rude. I'll set it up later today.

[andyw666]

OOC,Sounds good.

[HoneyDog]

Harry,[b]Harry [/b]returns home to change and then heads to the Army and Navy Club in time for lunch. As he arrives, the man on duty at reception tells him that [b]Major Gower[/b] got his message, and will be at the club at 7pm that evening if he would like to meet then.

Reg & Helena & Preston & Winter,[b]Reg, Helena, Preston and Winter[/b] take a cab up to Hampstead. Not knowing the exact address, the cabbie asks passersby and is directed to Kandahar House. The time is now a little after 12pm. It is situated north-west of the village center, covering several acres of land. It is surrounded by an 8-foot brick wall, with a single gate at the front which opens onto a circular drive. The house itself is an impressive 3-stories, and is situated at what must be the center of the enclosure. A fountain sits in front. Visible to the rear is what looks like a large garden. To the west of the house is what looks like outbuildings; perhaps stables or a carriage house. [ooc]Everyone, you can roll Idea.[/ooc]

[Mr. Handy]

Something occurs to Reg.

OOC,Idea roll (75% stat) outside Kandahar House: [dice]0[/dice]

[andyw666]

Harry is rather pleased to hear this good news and hopes his friends have at least equal luck with the colonel. He settles down for a good lunch, lubricated with something pleasant from the vine.

OOC,[b]Harry's[/b] plan is to drift about the Club for the afternoon, buying people drinks, looking to see if anyone can contribute anything on what the Buffs got up to in The Sudan, or failing that, any other tales of The Sudan (which has been an ongoing problem for Britain for some time). His pretext will be that he is working on another book of military reminiscences.

[HoneyDog]

Harry,[b]Harry[/b] learns a couple of things from his afternoon at the club, but nothing which sheds any light on the deaths. The 2nd Buffs had suffered a lot of casualties in the Sudanese Campaign, with many wounded or sick from disease. Although no blame is attached to [b]Colonel Hollingsworth[/b], it is known that he had taken a hard line with the locals as a result. There are no specific details forthcoming, and this is just hearsay. [b]Harry[/b] also learns that in fact another former officer of the 2nd Buffs is living in London. This is [b]Elliott Sangster[/b], formerly a medical officer who now has his own practice. It appears that he shuns his former army colleagues and doesn't frequent the club.

[Rooter]

Dr. Francis Preston

Spoiler:

Idea 70[dice]0[/dice]

"Quite a tidy little abode," Preston observes, approaching the house.

[andyw666]

Satisfied with his intelligence gathering efforts, Harry settles down to while away a happy afternoon at the Club playing cards with other chaps, and look forward to meeting the major at 7. He will still keep his ears peeled for any interesting chat.

[HoneyDog]

OOC,Helena Idea 65: [url=http://orokos.com/roll/580599]Idea[/url]: [u]1d100[/u] [b]4[/b] Winter Idea 60: [url=http://orokos.com/roll/580600]Idea[/url]: [u]1d100[/u] [b]38[/b]

Reg & Helena & Preston & Winter,As the carriage pulls up to the front of the house, it occurs to everyone that this property is far too grand for someone on a Colonel's pension to afford. [b]Hollingsworth [/b]must have an alternative and profitable source of income.

[Rooter]

Dr. Francis Preston

"In fact one wonders how the Colonel gets along on an army pension. Must have some treasures in the attic." Preston alights and goes to ring the bell.

[Mr. Handy]

"I was thinking the same," says Reg. "He probably has an inheritance or investments, I shouldn't wonder."

[HoneyDog]

Helena & Reg & Preston & Winter,The door is opened by a tall, elderly grey-haired man dressed in butlers livery. He registers no emotion as he regards the companions. [color=#008000]"May I help you?"[/color] he asks politely.

[Rooter]

Dr. Francis Preston

"Good morning, is Colonel Hollingsworth at home? We have mutual acquaintances at the Army and Navy Club and wished to discuss a matter of import." Preston gives their names.

[HoneyDog]

The butler nods gravely as he peruses their calling cards. With a wave of his hand, he directs them to a reception room.

"Please wait here. I will inform the Colonel."

With that, he leaves the room.

After leaving our heroes to kick their heels for about ten minutes, he returns.

"I'm very sorry, but the Colonel is very busy. Could you explain the nature of your visit in more detail?"

[Rooter]

Dr. Francis Preston

Preston feels it is best not to mention any specific details to the serving staff. "Suffice it to say that we come with a warning that his life is possibly in danger."

[HoneyDog]

OOC:   I won't bother to hide the posts, so please read along Andy. Just don't forget to let Harry drop his monocle in his soup or something if he hears shocking news.

The butler coughs, ever so slightly, but remains unperturbed. “I see sir, but, the Colonel was insistent regarding the nature of your inquiry”.

[andyw666]

OOC,A monocle! What an excellent suggestion. Very in keeping.

[Mr. Handy]

"This concerns the recent untimely passing of members of his regiment," says Reg.

[HoneyDog]

The butler nods in understanding. “I shall convey that to him, sir.”

Another fifteen minutes passes before the butler returns again.

“I’m terribly sorry, but the Colonel cannot meet with you at this time. He thanks you though for your interest, and suggests that you contact the police if you have any information regarding the death of Sergeant-Major Crouch.”

He extends his arm, indicating that they should leave.