Chapter 2: Day One

[Mr. Handy]

"Nae lad, not a ghost," says Alexander. "We're searching for your family's treasure."

[HoneyDog]

“Now George, don’t bother our guests with your ghost tales. You’re too imaginative!”

Gertrude smiles at Alexander and blushes.

[Philulhu]

Something about the tone of the conversation caught Vic’s ear. She leaned forward so she was at eye level with George, smiled and said, ”I like a good ghost story, Master Forby. Have you got one to tell?”

[HoneyDog]

“George just has a liking for such stories” says Gertrude. “He hears them from the villagers sometimes. Perhaps the dinner table isn’t the best place for them.”

“In fact, it’s past your bedtime, young man” says Forby, who looks uncomfortable during all this talk. “Off you go! You’re still under the weather. You don’t want to end up like me!”

Grumbling, George is led off to bed. As darkness draws in, Forby becomes increasingly anxious.

“Make sure all of the doors and windows are locked!” he tells Gertrude.

“But, Harry, it’s incredibly hot!” Gertrude protests.

“Just do it, dammit woman!” Forby roars, going red in the face.

Gertrude, shocked, runs from the room.

[Mr. Handy]

"Do any of the fireplaces in the house have what might be described as an iron dog with red eyes?" asks Alexander, quickly changing the subject and hoping to bring Harry Forby out of his foul mood.

[HoneyDog]

“What?” says Forby. He is sweating profusely and his eyes skirt anxiously around the room. “I’ve no idea what you’re blabbing on about man.”

[Philulhu]

Vic looked on uncomfortably as Harry’s temper got the better of him. Something had obviously got him rattled, starting with Master George’s mention of ghosts.

”Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” she thought to herself, and said, ”You seem ill at ease, Mr. Forby. Tell me, have you seen any ghosts?”

[HoneyDog]

Forby looks at Vic with what seems to be a mixture of amazement, fear and fury.

“What?” he finally splutters. He grabs his canes and rises to his feet. Without another word he rises and leaves the room.

Spoiler:

Anyone can roll Psychology if you like.

[aine]

"Please don't go, Mr Forby, I think it is time for we ladies to retire and leave the gentlemen to their, Er, cigars." Isolde says as he leaves, looking pointedly looking at Vic.

Spoiler:

aine rolled 1d100:
93

[Philulhu]

”Well, that was going to go one way or another... ...” thought Vic to herself, as she watched Forby head towards the door.

Spoiler:

Psychology (50%) -

Philulhu rolled 1d100:
55

[Mephistophilis]

Harry Brown watches Forby leaving the room. 'Our Mr Forby is hiding something, perhaps he is scared?'

Spoiler:

Mephistophilis rolled 1d100:
43

[Mr. Handy]

"He doesna seem quite himself," says Alexander.

Spoiler:

Psychology roll (5% base skill) about Forby:

Mr. Handy rolled 1d100:
26

[HoneyDog]

As the companions are talking Gertrude returns, wiping her eyes.

“You must forgive Harry” she says. “His illness means he’s really not himself.”

Collecting herself, she asks, “What do you plan to do now? You must be very tired after looking around all day in this heat.”

[Mr. Handy]

"Well, I was planning to look at the fireplaces," says Alexander. "One of them may have the 'iron dog with red eyes' that shoots sparks. What can you tell us about the fireplaces in the house?"

[HoneyDog]

Gertrude looks mystified.

“They’re just fireplaces as far as I’m aware. There are a lot of them. Well, if you’re sure. Please don’t hesitate to call on me or Bates if you need anything. I’ll bid you goodnight, I must see to Harry and the house.”

She takes her leave.

[Philulhu]

Spoiler:

What time of day is it?

[Mephistophilis]

Harry Brown goes to the window and looks out.

Spoiler:

Is it dark outside?

[HoneyDog]

Spoiler:

It is about 7.30pm, and while still light now it will be dark soon.

[aine]

"Do you suppose anything might happen during the night?" Asks Isolde. "Alexander, if you and Liv are looking at fireplaces and the folios until late this evening; maybe Harry and I could rise very early and keep watch until dawn."

[Mr. Handy]

"Aye, if you like," says Alexander.