Play@YSDC

Meddler looks as if he is about to scoff, but something in Isolde’s look makes him reconsider.

“Well, the ice house is further up, but I can assure you its of no interest. The quarry hasn’t been used in many years. Let’s go to the stables and we can try to find Old Fred.”

"Lead on, MacDuff," says Alexander.

Meddler looks confused at the reference, but nonetheless leads the party on back to the courtyard at the rear of the house.

As they approach, they hear barking, and shortly two large dogs amble up, regarding the party curiously. They seem friendly though, and their tails are wagging. Following them is an old man with a scowl on his face. He is short in height but looks to be fit and healthy for his age. He nods to the party but says nothing.

“This is Fred, the groundskeeper” introduces Meddler. He indicates the dogs, who are sniffing curiously at the companions. “The setter is called Mike, and the bull-mastiff is Peter”.

The dogs wag their tails enthusiastically at hearing their names. Fred bows his head slightly, but still refrains from speech.

"Hello, lads," says Alexander, crouching low to face the dogs. "Mike, Peter." He rises again. "Well met, Fred. How are your dogs at tracking?"

"Good enough" Fred replies. "But if you're thinking of finding whoever it was lurking around, we already tried that, and the dogs couldn't find anything."

"Aye, I was," says Alexander. "Well, it was worth a try."

Meddler clears his throat.

"Well, I need to be getting along. I have an appointment in London and I want to get there in time for dinner. I will see you all tomorrow."

He bows and takes his leave.

Fred pays Meddler's farewell no attention.

"They're not my dogs" he tells Alexander. "Mr. Forby got 'em a while back to help keep the estate secure, like".

"I can't imagine the setter does much for security- he's such a softy!" Isolde fondles Mike's ears. " I expect you're a good barker though." She turns to Fred, "Have they heard anything in the night recently?"

"No" Fred replies. "They've been quiet."

He regards the dogs silently.

"Does Harry get out much lately?" asks Alexander.

Fred looks at Alexander in a confused way.

"'Course not! E's sick! Ain't that why you're 'ere?"

”That’s right,” chipped in Vic, “But there’s nothing obvious that might have caused Mr. Forby’s condition.”

“Mr. Forby seemed to think it was to do with the family treasure, which might be found in a laurel tree. Does that mean anything to you?” she asked. She watched the old man carefully as she waited for his reply.

OOC,Psychology - Old Fred (50%) [dice]0[/dice]

"Right," says Alexander. "He called us out here because he wants us to find the old family treasure."

"Well, of course finding that treasure would make 'im feel better. As to whether it's in a tree, I 'ave no idea."

Fred pauses for a minute.

"I've worked 'ere for years" he continues. "There's always been rumour of that family treasure. And I'm sure a few from the village or whatever 'ave come sniffin' around after it. Whether it's real or not, I really don't know".

'Has Mr Forby always been so obsessed with the family treasure or is this a new thing?' says Harry Brown. 'I presume he has searched all the obvious locations, the mausoleum, the ice house and so on?'

"I think everyone's 'ad a look at some time or other" Fred replies. "I keep an eye out for it meself. But it seems like 'is latest interest stems from that night 'e took a funny turn."

"Yes, we'd like to look at the mausoleum if possible. I suppose Harry might have been attacked by a treasure hunter and this has spurred him on to find it first. Still, it's odd that he is so afflicted mentally." Says Isolde.

"I don't know why 'e said that" says Fred, scowling. "Mr. Forby has the key."

"Aye, he does seem rather obsessed," says Alexander, "possibly to the point of it being bad for his health. Perhaps if we can find the treasure, he will improve."