Chapter 5: Night Two

[Mephistophilis]

Harry turns back to Meddler and puts his finger to his lips, he points towards Meddler and Alexander and gestures for them to stay put, he then starts back towards the mausoleum.

[HoneyDog]

Meddler looks unconvinced by Alexander’s explanation, but he stays silent. The scowl on his face is visible in the gloom. He watches Harry as he moves towards the mausoleum.

[Mr. Handy]

Alexander remains where he is, keeping watch.

[Mephistophilis]

Harry heads over to the mausoleum, scanning the undergrowth for any intruder. When he gets to the mausoleum he checks the door to see if it is still locked.

[HoneyDog]

OOC,Did you lock it after your visit? As far as I know, Harry and Alexander are the last to visit the mausoleum.

[Mephistophilis]

OOC,I'd think they would have locked it again when they left, or at least, that's Harry's recollection

[Mr. Handy]

OOC,I agree. We wouldn't have left it unlocked.

[HoneyDog]

The door to the mausoleum is firmly locked. Meddler makes an exasperated noise.

"Don't you think we would have heard that door close?" he says angrily. "I'll bet the blighter's long gone by now!"

[Mephistophilis]

'Well if it's the man in the mask we're looking for there's one place he is likely to be going' says Harry impatiently. 'Get some lanterns, we'll head down to the quarry and catch him stowing his costume'.

[HoneyDog]

"What? Don't be foolish man!" snaps Meddler. "The quarry is far too dangerous at night. You'll end up breaking a leg, if not your neck. And you don't know for sure that he's heading that way. You can count me out."

[Mephistophilis]

OOC,What time is it? We started at 8.30pm in August - I'd guess sunset is around 9pm - is it still light?

[Mephistophilis]

Harry looks to Alexander, 'The quarry edge is treacherous. Should we wait until morning? If he is not able to return in the dark perhaps we could catch him early'.

OOC,I presume Alex knows I found the mask and so on in the building by the quarry so the intruder is likely to return there to stow them - if there was any such intruder - Harry might be able to tell if anything has been moved since he was last there

[Mr. Handy]

"Aye, best to wait until dawn," agrees Alexander.

[HoneyDog]

The last traces of the sun have disappeared, and the grounds are wreathed in shadow.

Meddler takes one last look around.

"I'm returning to the house" he announces. "Maybe he'll be back later."

[Mephistophilis]

As Meddler walks back towards the house Harry hangs back and whispers to Alexander. 'I did not see anyone, how about you? I don't trust Meddler, there was something overly theatrical about events this evening. I would like to get back to the quarry and see if there is any evidence that someone has used that outfit. Unfortunately I think Meddler is right, it would probably be too dangerous to go in the dark. Either way we mustn't let him sneak out overnight. '

[Mr. Handy]

"I didna see anyone either," whispers Alexander, "but what could be his motive for deception?"

[aine]

As it has been so quiet, Isolde leaves the kitchen and risks a look into the back yard where the stables are.

[Mephistophilis]

'Well that is the question. But what motive would anyone have for dressing up like a monster and scaring Forby witless? What might happen and who benefits?

[Mr. Handy]

"That's something we'll have to investigate tomorrow," says Alexander.

[HoneyDog]

The companions return to the house.

Isolde pokes around the courtyard and stables, but all is quiet.

Meddler spends the next couple of hours prowling around, looking out of windows, but the intruder does not return. Eventually he announces he is retiring for the night.

OOC,Would you all like to retire too?