Chapter 5: Night Two

[HoneyDog]

Monday 8th August, 1881

Approx. 8.30 pm

Forby House

As night draws in, Forby, drawn inward to himself and looking more paranoid and feverish than ever, is carted off his room by the servants. He insists again that every door and window be securely locked and bolted.

Eventually, peace settles over the house, apart from the figure of John Meddler, who patrols the front rooms, anxiously looking out into the grounds beyond.

Isolde is good to her promise and feeds the captive subject of young George. But before the investigators can settle into any routine, Meddler gives a shout from his position at the kitchen window.

“I saw something moving out there!"

[Mephistophilis]

Harry whispers in Vic's ear, 'watch him', and bounds to the back door, pulling it open. 'Where?' he shouts to Meddler.

[Philulhu]

Vic takes up a position by the kitchen door, where she can keep an eye on both Harry and Meddler.

”What can you see?” she says to Meddler, quietly so that she doesn’t disturb the rest of the house.

[HoneyDog]

"Out there!" shouts Meddler, pointing into the foliage in the darkness. "Come on!"

He runs out, heading in the direction he indicated.

[Mr. Handy]

Alexander hurries outside, following Meddler.

[Philulhu]

Vic watched as the three men ran through the door. Meddler had been the only person who had seen anything and she didn’t entirely trust him so she quickly decided to stay behind in case anyone tried to enter the house though the open door.

Stepping back into the kitchen, she grabbed the nearest heavy skillet she could find, and then stood in the shadows, waiting to see what developed.

[Mephistophilis]

Harry glances back to Vic, nods in acknowledgement, and hurries on alongside Meddler and Alexander.

[HoneyDog]

Meddler runs across the courtyard and into the grounds beyond.

"There!" he shouts excitedly, he turns to beckon to Alexander.

"Quick man, follow me!"

He heads into the trees.

[aine]

"Considering he's an army officer he's being a total dolt at a stealthy attack." Murmurs Isolde from the shadows, "Vic, I don't believe there is anything out there and he's trying to draw us away; keep watching but let the kitchen seem empty!" She draws back so she can peer into the kitchen from an adjoining room.

[Mr. Handy]

"We can't leave him to go out there all by himself," says Alexander. He hurries after Lt. Meddler

[HoneyDog]

The night is dark but some illumination is offered by the moon. Alexander sees Meddler crash through the undergrowth and stop for a moment, looking around.

“There he is!” he exclaims excitedly, and takes off again, heading in the direction of the mausoleum.

[Mephistophilis]

Harry hurries on behind Meddler and Alexander.

[Mr. Handy]

Alexander also rushes after Meddler.

[HoneyDog]

Meddler crashes on ahead. In the glare of the moonlight, the Forby mausoleum can be seen ahead.

Abruptly, Meddler stops, looking around. Sweat streams from his forehead.

“I can’t see him!” he hisses. "Where did he go?"

[Mephistophilis]

Harry looks around the undergrowth then stares sceptically at Meddler, 'What did you see man?'

[Mr. Handy]

"Could he have hidden inside the mausoleum?" asks Alexander.

[HoneyDog]

Meddler is still scanning the foliage. The night is unusually warm, and Meddler mops his forehead with his handkerchief. He doesn't look at Alexander or Harry; he is intent on the undergrowth around them.

"It was a bulky figure, I couldn't make out any distinct features. I thought I got a view of the face though - it looked like a mask. At least I hope so".

[Mephistophilis]

'Watch him' says Harry to Alexander as he heads off towards the mausoleum.

[HoneyDog]

Meddler turns around in a flash and starts after Harry.

“Watch who? Me? What are you insinuating?” he says angrily, an edge in his voice.

[Mr. Handy]

"I think he just meant to watch your back and make sure nobody sneaks up behind you," says Alexander.