The Kirk (Ascot)

[Mr. Handy]

"What became of the servant?" asks Bonnie.

[Philulhu]

”The servant was reputed tae have disappeared around the same time as Alexander McMorn if I remember correctly. It was a very long time ago. Certainly there’s nae one alive now who was around at the time,” said Reverend McCallan. ”As for a journal… ….” He paused for thought and then stood and said, ”Follow me.”

He lead the group back to the kirk, pushing open the heavy wooden door to let them in. He lead the way over to a plaque on the wall and pointed to the names written there. ”Archie McPhee was Reverend at the time. He will hae kept a journal. That might tell ye what he want tae know, not that I know where it is. I’ll counsel ye not tae visit the Manor House though. Nae good will come of ye going there and stirring up the ghosts!”

[Snapper]

"I'm Hugo Ascot, Reverend, and I'm an Africa man myself, although I asure you I'm an honest protestant. Do you happen to recall what part of Africa this servant chap was from, or where this McMorn fellow travelled to in Africa? "

[Philulhu]

”I’m sorry Mr Ascot, but I have no idea. It was a century ago so unless it was recorded in Reverend McPhee’s journal, I really wouldn’t know,” said Reverend McCallan briskly.

[BoyBlunder78]

"What supernatural occurences have been reported about the Manor do ya ken?"

[Joajackson]

”I’m sorry Mr Ascot, but I have no idea. It was a century ago so unless it was recorded in Reverend McPhee’s journal, I really wouldn’t know,” said Reverend McCallan briskly.

"So fazerr... What kind of demon do you zink haunts ze house. Ze man of ze Afrrica, was from ze Land of ze Paraos?"

Father Ó Shaban, priest of an african religion, was very convenient for this context.

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank ye, Reverend," says Bonnie. "Our investigation may not be complete if we dinna visit the manor, though perhaps that could at least be postponed, and we would appreciate your prayers. We shall of course study the journal before we proceed."

[Philulhu]

Reverend McCallan blinked as he processed Father Ó Shaban’s question. ”I am nae familiar with the demons of Africa,” he replied. ”But I do know that demons are the work of Satan and they seek to tempt ye from the path of righteousness. I only know what locals tell me about the village but it is reputed to be haunted since Alexander McMorn disappeared. As such, and as the minister for this village, I forbid ye from visiting the manor lest ye stir up trouble for the local people.”

[BoyBlunder78]

"May we see the journal?" Asks Dr Douglas , "Oh, one more thing, do you know of a Duncan? we believe he was friends with the deceased and his wife."

[Philulhu]

Reverend MacCallan looked slightly exasperated. ”I didnae say I had his journal, I said he will hae kept one. Where it is now though, is anyone’s guess. Although… …” He stood and looked at the list of names on the board for a moment, then said, ”Ye might well ask Gordon, who runs the Post Office. He’s a McPhee.”

”The only Duncan in the village is Duncan Brodie. He’s a neighbour of the McColls.”

[Snapper]

Ascot is keen to calm the reverend. "Thank you, Reverend, you have been very helpful with all of our annoying questions and I hope we haven't distressed you. Your warning shall be headed."

"Can I trouble you for one more question? I agree that no native predators are left on these isles that could do such damage, all were hunted out centuries ago. Big game hunting is my trade in Africa, you see. But might there be any well-to-do landowners hereabouts with an exotic pet from foreign parts? Lions, tigers, other big cats, bears?"

"It's a more popular idea in America but you can never tell what craziness people will get into their heads when they have a few spare pounds."

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank ye again," says Bonnie. "We shall seek out Gordon McPhee. Do ye know Duncan and the McColls well?"

[Philulhu]

”I know all my parishioners,” replied Reverend McCallan. ”It’s a small village so not much escapes my notice.”

”There’s nae ‘big game’ around here, Mr Ascot. Earl Cawdor wouldnae hear of it, what with turning his land over to hunting and shooting. I shouldn’t imagine ye’ll find so much as a fox within five miles.”

[Mr. Handy]

"We've heard a rumour about Duncan and Mrs. McColl," says Bonnie. "I thought you might know whether there was any truth to it."

[Philulhu]

Bonnie could see the colour rising in Reverend MacCallan’s cheeks. ”Is that what’s it’s come tae?!” he snapped.”Poor Mrs McColl a widow not yet a week and people are already spreading scurrilous rumours!”

He turned and walked off angrily in the direction of the door. ”I’d advise ye not to go around repeating such tawdry accusations. That poor woman! As if she hasnae suffered enough! I’m spent enough time here - ye’s can show yerselves out!”

[BoyBlunder78]

"Well that went swimmingly i think."Dr Douglas mentions to the group."Maybe a change in tack is in order when we visit Mr McPhee. Talk less of the supernatural and maybe more on local history if we are to hopefully see this journal. No doubt word of investigations will have spread throughout this village."

[Joajackson]

"Well that went swimmingly i think."Dr Douglas mentions to the group."Maybe a change in tack is in order when we visit Mr McPhee. Talk less of the supernatural and maybe more on local history if we are to hopefully see this journal. No doubt word of investigations will have spread throughout this village."

"Forrgiveness if I am inabrobiate, yes. But I dunt zink zat my prresence herre allows ze relaxation of ze rumourrs. I have heard quite a small town tale, farr away forreigners don't tend to bring, ze tranquility."

[Snapper]

Ascot looks at his companions with amusement. "Please tell me you made arrangements for our having some supper before you annoyed the lady at the hotel. We don't seem to be doing so well with tact and diplomacy here."

Spoiler:

About what time is it?

[Philulhu]

It’s approaching 4.30pm.

[Mr. Handy]

"Aye, we did," says Bonnie. "I'm sorry about that. Let's go to the post office now before it closes. I shall keep my mouth shut this time."