A murder gone cold

 Darbeyfield Barn Murder Investigation Accounts

Player A

From the Journals of Dr J. Watson

It was a sore blow to me that the Inn was full, so goodness knows where we would spend the night. Holmes seemed unconcerned and asked the Innkeeper where the Darbeyfield Barn got its name from? It seemed that the Darbeyfield’s had been one of two local landowning families, the other being the Coulters. Darbeyfield Manor had burnt down years ago and the only member of the family left was old Miss Victorine, who lived in the Dower house. She had sold the barn and most of the land to the Coulter’s and lived now on profits from investments. Holmes asked him if he knew where Jonathan and Ivy Leke lived and was told that they were the gardener and maid at the Dower house. This was back along the way we had arrived. Holmes thanked him and said that we would leave our bags there until where we would stay the night was established. So at least this problem had not wholly escaped his mind. He led me out and along the street, “Do you know who has filled up all the rooms of the Inn Watson?”

 “No Holmes, I have not given the matter any thought.”

 “It is your friends of the Occult Verification Society damn them! I glimpsed their names on the register. Now the locals are likely to be set on their guard.”

 “Well Holmes with a ghost involved this does seem to be a case more up their street than yours!”

 “We shall see!” snapped Holmes striding along at a great rate.

 A housekeeper answered the door at the Dower House and taking Holmes’ card said she would see if Miss Victorine was prepared to admit visitors. Presently she returned to say that she was and ushered us into the parlour where the aged mistress of the house sat. Holmes tried to get her views on the murder of Mr Jasper Coulter but she just parroted the official view that Miss Strangeholm had done it. He then suggested that there might have been other people with grudges against Coulter that she might know about. She stonewalled admitting to no such knowledge. Holmes really wanted to speak to the Lekes but it would have been a social faux pas to ask to do so. So he excused us and the housekeeper showed us out. Holmes suggested that her mistress must know more than she let on but the woman said it was not her place to comment on what her mistress knew. Stymied we went into the street with Holmes saying we would now go to Coulter House. I was expecting to retrace our steps to go through the village but Holmes said that there was another way past the infamous barn. So we went that way and there encountered the OVS. Mr Helping introduced us to the Honourable Mrs Marjorie Butterworth, a new member. He said that he had a suspect in mind but Lady Leica was attempting to obtain better information by occult means within the barn. Holmes said that he had three suspects plus a shoal of probable red herrings. I said that we were going to Coulter house to try to narrow the field down. Mr Helping then said that they would be going there also.

    Whereupon Holmes immediately strode off past them and I had to follow. We heard a screech from the strawberry fields on the right but Holmes carried on regardless. A mongrel then blocked our way growling. “Show no fear Watson and it will give way!” said Holmes and he was right. The dog slunk away into the wood to our left but it left a cloud of fleas which attacked us viciously. Slapping them away put us in danger of the OVS catching us up but we managed it. Soon Holmes entered the porch of the imposing Coulter House and rang the bell. “You had better do the talking Watson!”

A woman whom I took to be the Housekeeper answered the door and asked us our business. I replied that we had come to call on Sir Benjamin Coulter and gave her my card. “I shall see if he is available Sir.” And she went back inside.

After a short while she reappeared and said that Sir Benjamin would receive us. She led us into a parlour where the knight stood frowning at us.

 “Doctor Watson, I do not think that I know you?”

 “No sir. We are visitors come here to study your fine church but have discovered that the local Inn has no more accommodation available. The Innkeeper suggested that you might be able to let us stay the night. Otherwise I fear we shall have to return to Norwich with our mission abandoned.”

 “Where have you come from for I do not think you hail from Norwich?”

 “We are domiciled in London but frequently travel around. We collaborate to write magazine articles covering churches, castles and other buildings of sufficient antiquity and interest.”

 “Well a worthy cause I suppose. You may stay here for tonight. Do you hear Miss Primfield, please make the necessary arrangements. But first it is tea time, please send that in first.”

 “Our bags are at the Nelson Inn sir?” I interjected.

 “Very well, Miss Primfield send the boots to collect their bags as soon as he returns!”

 “Very Good sir!” she went out and shortly a maid appeared carrying a tea tray with sandwiches and some splendid cakes upon it.

  On my commenting on the excellence of a Chelsea bun Sir Benjamin responded

“The bread and cakes are all baked by our village baker Mr Earnest Leaven. He is successful enough to have a van selling his wares in eleven villages.”

Holmes started commenting on the portraits and pictures on the walls. These included one photograph of Jasper Coulter but when he tried to broach the matter of his murder, Sir Benjamin snapped that he preferred not to talk about it. He said that he was sure that the Vicar, Bartholomew Hurt would be very pleased show us his church. So taking the hint we left. We went down the drive between a tall box hedge and the rear of a large stable block. At the end we turned into St. Judith’s Square and found the Vicarage just past the church. Two small girls accosted us, “Are you from London Mister?” asked one so I said “Yes.”

“Are you working for the newspapers?” asked the other. In view of our cover story to Sir Benjamin I answered yes again, not fancying trying to explain the difference between a magazine and a newspaper to ones who would not be old enough to read! This seemed to satisfy them. Beyond there was quite a crowd of people gathered around an iron pump and I commented to Holmes, “I do not like the look of them, they look rather angry!”

“Yes that fellow seems to be stirring them up. If it is for our detriment it could indicate a Moriarty type criminal organisation. We will definitely study the church!”

 Another housekeeper answered the Vicarage door and soon the Vicar appeared, very eager to show us the church. {GMs note, St Judith actually lived in Halstock Dorset}         

 “The first church was a wooden one built by the Angles in King Edwin’s time. Saint Judith or Juthware as she was more accurately known was the daughter of one of his successors. She instigated the building of the church and was rather ostentatiously pious. Her stepmother resented the moneys spent on the church and hated Judith. So much so that accused her of shaming the family by becoming pregnant, in front of her brother Bana. Bana had been drinking and was known for his short temper. As the Stepmother Evilla expected, Bana became madly enraged. He cut off Judith’s head with one slash of his sword. But the body stood up and carried its head away to place it on the church’s altar! So they buried her under it and the Church of Rome canonised her as a martyr. Of course the Danes burnt the church and the grave’s actual position was lost. Hubert Coulter built a new stone church in the twelfth century but the position must have been different because every August 13^th, Judith’s ghost was seen carrying her head to place it on the new altar. That old Inn sign on the wall is a depiction of it. The Nelson Inn used to be called the Quiet Woman in the last century. According to the accounts the problem was that the head would leave bloodstains on the expensive altar cloths. So Sir Hugh Darbeyfield donated a silver plate for her to put her head on, which solved the problem! However it had been noted where the ghost came from and excavations revealed the actual grave which had a shrine put on top of it.  Alas the silver plate was taken to pay for Henry VIII taxes on the church and replaced by a pewter one. Sir Ralph Coulter made a fortune capturing a Spanish Galleon. He tore down the old church and built the present one hence its decorated style. This time he took care to position the new altar over the grave of St. Judith. Her ghost has never been seen since! When the roundheads were taking over, Sir John Darbeyfield stole the pewter plate and some of the lead off the roof when he went to fight for the King. So they had the present treenware plate made from bog oak from the broads. I have never seen any bloodstains on it!”

 The Vicar then went on pointing out and extolling the features of his church. Briefly these were the old font brought from the previous edifice, the Fan tracery ceiling by the conynge plaisterer of Norwich and the stained glass East window made in Ely. He laughingly pointed out the cursed cushions! There were rush cushions laid on most of the pews and most of the hassocks were also covered in rush work. The cursed ones were four on a pew near the back. They looked similar to the rest but they had been made by Fay Strangeholm and now nobody would sit on them! This enabled Holmes to ask him whether he thought that she was really guilty. “Well the court found her so. To tell the truth I was very glad that the police solved the crime so quickly! We all were, especially as the woman was an outsider who had not lived here very long.”

I added “But surely Mr Coulter had other enemies?”

 “He did but I prefer not to speak any evil about the dead. Let us hope he is in a better place.” He then allowed us to leave.

Outside we could see that the mob, now considerably smaller, had turned their attentions to the Nelson Inn. The Vicar headed off to restrain them but Holmes tugged my sleeve, “Little but hard knocks are to be won by intervening in parish disputes Watson, especially when one is an outsider.” We therefore headed back towards Coulter house with dinner on our minds. My mind anyway for who knows where Holmes’ thoughts were!

As we rounded the high hedge at the start of the drive to house we met the OVS.

 “I would proceed with caution if I were you.” Said Holmes, “A mob seems intent on wrecking the accommodation you had fully booked. We are staying with Sir Benjamin.”

 “We will go around the back garden way.” answered Ronald Helping. “Despite an otherworld contact we do not know the murderers identity as yet. Agate Primfield is our lead suspect and she is in Coulter House. Perhaps you could question her?”

 “It is so my intention. Good luck with the other locals.” So we carried on up the drive. 

On the way Holmes said gloomily “The trail is cold Watson. I fear that Fay Strangeholm will remain the murderer as it is still possible that she was.”

 “But the ghost indicated otherwise to the Constable. I do not think there would be any profit in a ghost lying! It would surely be too late.”

 “Watson there are no such things as actual ghosts. They are merely figments of a person’s imagination! Hard evidence is what we need.”

We had dinner with Sir Benjamin and his wife Lady Anthelia. Conversation was decidedly strained at first but Holmes got me talking about my experiences in India and Afghanistan. I knew enough not to touch on our detective activities, at least until Lady Anthelia retired so we could drink port.   

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Then Holmes asked Lady Anthelia what she knew about Darbeyfield Mansion which he had heard had been a striking building with an interesting history. She replied that she had heard that this was the case but coming from elsewhere she knew little of the subject. She said that the honourable Miss Divina Darbeyfield was the best person to ask about the subject. She would probably provide a guide to show us the ruins. Thus was provided an excuse for us to stay at Coulter House for a second night if necessary. The dessert course over, Lady Anthelia left us and a bottle of fine tawny port brought in by the valet.                 

   Soon Holmes excused himself and I was left to keep Sir Benjamin occupied, listening to his boring stories about duck shooting on the fens. Holmes went into the kitchen and asked for a cup of tea. He said coffee and brandy kept him awake at night. Present were the Cook Mrs Rawlings and the maids Peggy and Poly King. Mrs Rawlings brewed him a pot of Green Chinese tea. On Holmes asking them what they thought about the murder last November, Mrs Rawlings tried to change the subject. She said that talking about it was not popular in the residence of the victim! Holmes said that he could not understand how a slip of a girl could kill such an athletic man as Mr Coulter had appeared to be from his photographs! He said that normally women used poison to kill their victims. Mrs Rawlings took umbrage at this on behalf of her sex but Polly said that Fay would not have had a chance to poison him. Mr Jasper had long lost interest in her. Mrs Rawlings then said that Mr Coulter had naturally always had his meals from her kitchen. A woman of Fay Strangeholm’s poor reputation would never have had a chance to set foot in the place! Mr Primfield then demanded admittance at the back door and was let in. Holmes suggested that he might like a cup of tea too but he said he was too tired and hurried away to his bed. Holmes continued probing and soon Polly confided that Miss Agate and Tillie Tulip did not go for the umbrella until early the next morning. Peggy agreed saying that Miss Agate was with them at the Dance Buffet until it finished at midnight.

    The next morning after breakfast, we headed back to the Dower House. The housekeeper answered the door and Holmes asked if we could speak to Miss Ivy Leke. She eyed him suspiciously but on my smiling at her in an encouraging way she relented. “Provided that I can remain present, I do not think there can be any harm.” She led us through to the kitchen where Miss Ivy was washing up some breakfast dishes. Whilst Holmes asked Ivy for her views about the murder I distracted the Housekeeper Mrs Bronze. Gathering that in that small household she was also the cook I commented on the array of jam’s preserves and pickles on the shelves. Fortunately she had made most of them and was ready to tell me their recipes and preparation problems. Holmes told me later that Ivy had confirmed that Agate had not left the dance before the finish. She confirmed some of the items concerning PC Lymington’s list of suspects and gave her opinions on the characters of the Baker and the Basket-maker. She told him that Rowena Cowl, the one person who had left the dance, was still staying with her aunt in the School building next door. So that is where we headed next. As we neared it we could hear the pupils chanting their tables from the first floor.

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An elderly woman, presumably the Aunt, answered the door. She allowed us to meet Miss Cowl in a parlour. She readily answered Holmes’ questions about the night of the murder. She had left the dance intending to meet Mr Coulter at the barn. She had met a man near the church who convinced her not to go. He had threatened to fetch her Aunt. At the time she did not know who he was but now she knew that he was Mr Leaven the Baker. She returned to the dance. She did not know of anyone else leaving before it finished. She saw Miss Primfield at the buffet but had no idea whether she was there all the time. She did not know Tillie Tulip as many of the workers were strangers to her. She did remember Sukey Kettle there, wearing black ribbons in her hair. They did not match her yellow frock. This seemed to be all Holmes could get from her so we thanked her and left.

“Next on the list, Mr Leaven the Baker and Mr Barker the Basket maker!” growled Holmes striding off towards St. Judith’s Square.

In the bakers was a delicious smell of baking bread and an array of very tempting cakes and pies. I bought two iced buns to help keep us going. The Baker and his woman assistant were present. Holmes questioned the Baker, asking him what he remembered of the night of the murder. He said that it was to be a busy night for him as his assistants were all at the dance. He had to do a double bake as the Norwich workers would buy many of his wares before departing early next morning.

Whilst the oven was heating up he went out for some fresh air which is when he met Jasper Coulter’s latest particular. He warned her of her likely fate and convinced her to return to the dance around ten past eleven. He then returned to his shop to start making the dough for the bake. His assistants George and Angela Comb returned from the dance

Around quarter past midnight. Mrs Comb, the assistant agreed saying that it had been a fine dance but hearing about the murder the next day had spoilt things. Holmes asked her where he could find Mr Barker the Basket maker and she replied “Why, next door at number two Sir.”

In there we found Mr Barker with his wife and a daughter. Mr Barker and the daughter were constructing baskets. Holmes began, “We hope you do not mind but we are staying with Sir Benjamin. We are writing an article about the experiences of a quiet village suddenly plunged into notoriety by a most foul murder. What can you remember of that night if you please?”

 “Not much. We stayed in and went to bed as normal. We did not hear about the murder until the following afternoon!” replied Mr Barker.

 “I thought I heard someone leave the bakers next door at about twenty past eleven, that is long after the dance had started.” said the daughter.

 “And you are Miss Aline Barker?” suggested Holmes and I saw Mr Barker’s face grow grim.

 “Oh no I am her sister Athene. Aline is away from here nowadays. It might of been someone coming in of course. I was just falling asleep at the time.”

 “And how did you all feel about Mr Coulter being dead?”

 “I did not cry about it! He was an evil one as my poor Aline would attest.” Said Mr Barker and the two women remained silent.

 “Can you give us the addresses of Mrs Henderson, Mr Pennyworth and Miss Clarke please?”

 “Miss Clarke is the maid at the Vicarage and Mrs Henderson lives at number three Toft Row. Mr Pennyworth also lives somewhere in Toft Row.” replied Miss Athene.

 So we went back across the Square eating our buns to Toft Row and knocked on Number three’s door. We were fortunate enough to find four people inside who were prepared to talk. They all seemed uneasy and I think they may have been involved in the window breaking riot and glad when we did not mention it. They were the Landlady Mrs Nelly Henderson, Edmond Pennyworth, Jim Edshaw and Hob Jukes. They claimed that they were all inside on the night of the murder. Due to being out of favour with Mr Jasper and the Primfield’s they were not invited to go to the harvest dance. Edmond Pennyworth said that he heard someone running through the garden at the back going towards the Square some while before eleven o’clock that night. From what he had heard afterwards it might have been Fay Strangeholm. We went outside to have a small yapping dog attach itself to us. “Ignore it and it will go away!” said Holmes, “We will work our way along to see if anyone else heard these footsteps. I have my doubts, as all those four are on the suspects list. There were four sets of stab wounds on the body and it may have been a gang who are now providing one another’s alibis.”

 Next door three of the occupants had been at the dance and thus out of the reckoning. The fourth was Hunter Syme who claimed that he was out poaching that night with Joe Happenshaw. They had left around ten o’clock and seen a strange light from the Coulter Grove. It must have been low against the wall of the stone shed beside the big house. They feared it might be the gamekeepers on the watch and gave it a wide berth. When they returned about half past three it had gone. They had had a successful haul.

At number seven Mrs Doreen Calmer was in. She said that on the night her husband was losing money playing cards with Wordy Primfield and the postman. She with her son Ralf and daughter Alice were at home sleeping. Alice had claimed that she heard someone running through the garden before the eleven o’clock chimes but she was probably making it up.

 At number nine, home of the Lightfoot family no one was in but the dog was still there.

At number eleven only Mrs Happenshaw and her baby were in. Her daughter Lizzie was at school and her husband Joe the moler was at work. When Holmes said that it had been claimed that he had been out poaching on the night of the murder and that that was not his concern, she confirmed it. They had brought some rabbits in the early morning. That was the end of the Row and I said that it was time for some lunch. Holmes glowered as he usually does when basic human needs get in the way of his work. However after a few strides he said “Yes we could eat at the Inn. Perhaps we can meet the Occult Verification Society to compare notes. They may have divined who it is from reading the tea leaves or some such! I think I may know who did the deed but obtaining hard evidence after all this time is just about impossible. I have not worked out where the light in the grove fits in.”

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So we started crossing St. Judith’s Square towards the Inn. In the distance I could see the policeman and Vicar conferring with Mr Primfield in front of the Church and a postman heading towards Coulter house. In front of the villages shop the redoubtable Miss Badamaru backed up by the surly Manko was arguing with a man. But we went straight in to the Inn to get our orders for lunch in before them. They came in shortly afterwards and we arranged two tables close together to confer. Holmes told them that he had some strong leads as to who committed the murder but finding proof after all this time was likely to be impossible. Ronald Helping replied that their occult sources had failed to pin the blame although they were certain that Fay Strangeholm was innocent. He said that if we could provide a strong suspect they had occult means capable of frightening a guilty person into a confession. He said that they had doubts about Mr Primfield, Miss Primfield and Sir Benjamin. Arthur Nown the boots had said that only Mr Jasper had left Coulter House during the dance but he might have been wrong. Holmes responded that whilst not convinced of Sir Benjamin’s guilt he did suspect him of aiding a cover up of the facts. He admitted that his main contenders were a collaboration of the four living in Number 3 Toft Row and Mr Leavening the Baker. The four all had motives and the victim had been stabbed four times. Naturally they were providing one another with alibis. Miss Cowl had admitted that it was Mr Leavening who had persuaded her to return to the dance and he had confirmed it. He was abroad that night although the time did not fit with the time on the victim’s watch.

   Whilst these discussions were taking place a man was busy repairing the broken windows. Lady Marjorie asked him if he lived in Ploughstead and yes he lived in the Dower House. This perked up Holmes’ interest and offering him a drink he found that this was Jonathan Leke. He with his sister Ivy had manned the cloaks at the dance. He confirmed that only Rowena Cowl had left the dance before the end and that Miss Primfield had run the Buffet. He did not know either Sukey Kettle or Tilly Tulip. He seldom took an interest in the temporary workers. Zebedee had been upset because of the loss of many potatoes from the pit. Ones stained with blood!

 “But there would be hardly any blood there!” objected Mr Holmes.

 “There would be being many once the boy had painted them! He would be selling them to the tourists I expect!” laughed Doktor Nichtwissen.

Ronald Helping was trying to get Leke to say who he thought could have committed the murder if it was not Fay Strangeholm, when we heard a woman screaming outside. We all rushed out to find one woman trying to calm another carrying a baby. “The baker is dead! Dead in there!” she shrieked.

“There is a dead man in there.” agreed the other. So I said that I was a doctor and went into the bakery. There indeed was the baker slumped over his counter with one of his delicious iced buns in his hand, half eaten. He was still warm but had no pulse. He had blue stains around his mouth and there was a blue filling in the iced bun. “It looks like suicide with rat poison.” I told Holmes, “He has probably eaten at least one more of these buns. Suicides usually overdose to make sure.”

 “Yes the law is that cyanide rat poisons must be stained with either indigo or lamp black. I have send Helping and one of his band round the back, to check no one has left that way in case it was murder. However that does seem rather less likely now. We had best send for the constable.”

 Lady Marjorie sent the German servant across to the police station whilst I found an envelope on the counter, “Here Holmes, it is addressed to you!”

He opened it and after a quick scrutiny read it out to those many present

To whom it may concern,

                                Whilst of sound mind and body I have decided to commit suicide with rat poison. This is to spare both my family and the village unnecessary scandals and tribulations. My family the Leaven’s are of ancient yeoman stock with honourable traditions to maintain. My brother Frederick has the family farm. My daughter Bettina is married to a farmer and Beatrice to an undertaker. Who knows who Bunny would have married had she not fallen under the spell of the heinous villain Jasper Coulter. Alas she did, lost her reputation and then became a streetwalker in Norwich. Then she wrote that the rogues managing her, had sent her to Great Yarmouth where her clients would not be gentlemen but rough seamen! There was nothing I could do! For the sake of her sisters she could not return to Ploughstead! That was when I determined to put an end to Coulter’s never-ending villainy. His latest target was Rowena Cowl a girl of yeoman if impoverished stock. From Bunny I knew that Coulter made a habit of luring girls to the Darbeyfield Barn around ten-thirty on the night of the harvest dances. Well before then I put a shielded lamp against the wall of the stone shed. This allowed me to spot his coming from Coulter House in good time. I was sure the girl would come through the less muddy village route and give away her approach by the sound of her footsteps. In the event Coulter was early and the girl late. I had the key to the barn given to Bunny and so got inside it. I borrowed a fork and dug a hole large enough for a body in one of the potato pits. I had nearly finished when I saw Coulter coming so I slipped inside the barn and re-locked the door. I had brought a rolling pin and a kitchen knife for the task but decided that the fork would be better as it could not be traced to me. When he came in he turned to look at the north door which I had left ajar on purpose. I clouted his head with the fork handle stunning him. Then I stabbed him several times with the fork to make sure. I rolled him onto a sack and dragged him to the potato pit and heaved him in. Then I saw his pocket watch damaged and dangling. The minute hand was hammered in at twenty-seven minutes past ten. Stupidly I altered the hour hand only to make it twenty seven minutes past eleven. If I had made it twelve or one everyone at the dance could have been a suspect! Hastily I covered him with the potatoes, turves and sheeting expecting the girl at any moment. I mopped up the blood with another sack, which I hid under one of the piles. Then I ran back into the Square and met Miss Cowl near the Church. I warned her of her fate if she met Coulter as my daughter Bunny had done. I said that if she persisted I would fetch her Aunt from the School to her. She turned back and I went to retrieve the warning lamp. Then I began to bake before George Comb and his wife returned from the dance at quarter past twelve. I was surprised that the body was found so quickly and even more so when Fay Strangeholm was arrested. Since I knew she was innocent I expected her to be acquitted! When I heard she was to be hanged I had difficulty sleeping so I bought some sleeping powders from Magda Brown. She told me “Your time approaches a lot earlier than you expect! Be prepared for it!” Well after the hanging I was very sorry for the girl but things seemed to quieten down in the village. I made my will with Fardown and Shuttleworth in Norwich and   wrote most of this letter in readiness. Tourists came to visit the barn and PC Lymington kept asking questions but the case had been closed so I was beginning to think I might have got away with it. Now the great detective Sherlock Holmes has been in questioning me and I know that I am doomed. I have sent George and Angela out on missions so that I can finish alone.

 I killed Jasper Coulter in the Barn with the potato fork and do not regret it. No more girls will be ruined by him. I was wrong not to admit my guilt earlier and will now go to my maker for his judgement.

                                                        Earnest Leaven 

“Can we check that this is his handwriting?” added the ever suspicious Holmes but a glance at the baker’s Accounts book and other documents put it beyond doubt that he had written the letter. Ronald Helping and Doktor Nichtwissen came in the back door and were put in possession of the facts by Lady Marjorie. As she finished Constable Valance arrived and we had to go over it again. Realising that the letter would have to be surrendered as evidence for the Coroner’s Court, Lady Marjorie and I both made out copies of it. The constable took statements from us and the two women who had found the body. The Innkeeper sent his ostler off to Beatrice’s Undertaker husband to make arrangements.

Holmes looked at me, “Well it could have been better, but at least he was second on my list as far as we had got. It is only twenty past one Watson, I am sure that if we bestir ourselves we can reach the metropolis by early evening. I would prefer to deny Sir Benjamin of the pleasure of our company any longer!”

So we made our apologies collected our bags and managed to catch the 4-35 back to London.  

Once back Holmes wrote to Constable Lymington telling him that the real murderer had written a confession and committed suicide. He was in an uncertain mood. On the one hand he was annoyed at not fully solving the case before the suicide but on the other proud that it was his reputation that had forced it. There again he had not found any certain link with the Moriartia as he now called Moriarty’s organisation.

Around a fortnight later he received the following letter,

Dear Mr Holmes,

                                       I wish to thank you for your efforts in revealing the true culprit off the murder for which Fay Strangeholm was executed. I am afraid that this dreadful miscarriage of justice has been hushed up for fear of discrediting the rule of law but her grave now has her name on it instead of just a number as formerly. For this we can thank the efforts of Captain Charity Hill of the Salvation Army who was one of the two women who found the dead baker. The other was a woman who had born Mr Jasper Coulter a baby and who was en-route to apply to Sir Benjamin for support. Under the circumstance’s the support obtained was most generous!  I am sorry to report that following the news of her father’s death Miss Bunny Leavening drowned herself in the Great Yarmouth docks. Like her father the coroner recorded her death as suicide whilst the balance of her mind was overset.

    As I have informed my cousin Detective Inspector Hastings I do believe that there is a criminal organisation in Norwich and Mr Lynn the banker is connected with it. Whether he is connected to this Professor the Inspector speaks of I know not, I know that you are interested and will contact you should I hear of anything possible connections.

                                                Yours Faithfully Ermintrude Flintworthy

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Player B

From the Journal of Lady Leica Badamaru

With the youth Arthur Nown we passed the Darbeyfield Barn to be shown the now empty potato pit where Mr Coulter’s body had been found. He gave a vivid description of the gruesome scene revealed when the potatoes had been removed. The blood soaked clothing and the glassy stare of the deceased. He said that Mr Zebedee Hanger who had found the body had been having nightmares ever since. A tip having been paid he then unlocked the door at the east end of the barn and let us in. On the right was a heap of empty crates which he said were for the strawberry harvest. On the left were heaps of hemp sacks which could be used for either grain or potatoes. Young Arthur said that the body had been dragged out on one of the sacks but the police had taken it away and not returned it. They had returned the potato fork with which Mr Coulter had been killed. It now hung on the wall beside another like it. The murder weapon was stained with the some bright red stuff that too obviously was not blood. On the floor a little way in he proudly showed us more shiny red stains purporting to be those from Coulter’s bleeding body. Tactfully no-one mentioned the fakes. Mr Helping bribed the boy to help us block up the air vents to darken the barn enough. He said that he did not believe in ghosts but for money would do anything we wished. When it was dark enough Helping took him and everyone except the Professor and myself out of the big south door. The only light now came in from the two owl holes near the roof so I thought it was dark enough. I emptied my head of other thoughts preparing to cast the spell. When ready I chanted,

‘A chema Fay Strangeholm! ’ and as with Cordelia, she materialised in a translucent form in front of me. She looked startled so I apologised for disturbing her, “Are you Fay Strangeholm?”

 “Yes I am, or was.”

 “Thank goodness I can hear you. We are here hoping to prove your innocence. We are the Occult Verification Society and we would welcome any help you can give us. When you were involved with Mr Coulter did you have any jealous rivals?”

 “There were some perhaps but they were seasonal workers who were long gone by the time of his death. I did not get on very well with most of the Ploughstead villagers but I cannot think of any with a reason to particularly hate me. Living in Ploughstead making rush baskets was better than what they were trying to get me to do in Norwich!”

 “On the night of the murder did you see Mrs Tillie Tulip and Miss Agate Primfield?”

 “No as I told the court I stayed indoors all that night!”

 “At the trial did you see anyone who seemed satisfied when you were found guilty?”

 “Miss Primfield did but there was only her and Sir Benjamin from the village there in court.”

 “And you can think of no one in the village who hated you for any reason at all?”

 “Not really.”

 “And you have no idea who might have killed Mr Jasper? We are trying to help to prove your innocence!”

 “I am afraid not.” 

Meanwhile outside Marjorie Butterworth gave Arthur thrupence for what he could remember of the night of the murder. He lived in Coulter House and all he could remember was Mr Jasper going out at twenty minutes to ten that night. He had been given an alarm clock so he could get up early to help the maids light the fires. He was better able than most to tell the time accurately. Most people in the village relied on the chiming of the church clock. Mr Helping said that really they were there on occult business and not really acting as detectives.

“Ah but sometimes other information’s can be a help.” suggested Doktor Nichtwissen.

Marjorie nodded and then noticed two men approaching from the village.

“Marjorie, may I present Doctor John Watson and Mr Sherlock Holmes.” said Ronald. “This is our newest OVS member, the Honourable Mrs Marjorie Butterworth!” she bobbed a curtsey whilst they both bowed. Ronald said that we had a suspect but that I was trying occult means to obtain more information within the barn. Mr Holmes said that he and Watson had three suspects plus a shoal of probable red herrings. He and Watson were going to Coulter House to narrow the field down.

Ronald suggested that perhaps we might join them but they sped on past and were on their way when Professor Learning and I emerged from our rather disappointing encounter. We imparted the fact that I had contacted Fay Strangeholm’s ghost but her only enemy seemed to be Miss Primfield. Mr Helping said that Holmes was already heading her way and we followed after them along a path towards the big house. On the way a man came running after us and called away young Arthur who I could see was reluctant to leave us.

   We reached the front door of the house. It was opened by a snooty servant who said he would see if Miss Agate was available but that we should go round to the rear door. So we went round to the rear door. On the way we saw a small doglike creature with reddish brown fur slinking away. Marjorie told me it was a fox so I have actually seen one at last. Certainly nothing compared to the wolves of Transylvania!

   When Miss Primfield could at last be persuaded to meet us she was as unhelpful as possible. When we asked her about Tillie Tulip (a fabricated tail involving an Inspector Ling of Norwich) she simply ignored the question. There is no doubt about it she has something to hide! However short of violence, there seemed nothing to do for the moment, so we headed towards the village via the drive to Coulter House. 

   When we rounded the high box hedge at the end we could see a crowd gathered round the pump at the far end of St. Judith’s Square. “That looks a bit threatening!” warned Ronald Helping.

 “Oh it is just locals having a parish pump discussion.” Suggested Marjorie.

 “They had discussions like that in Trafalgar Square two year ago and some people are still in hospital as a result!” answered Ronald, “I was there! We had best draw back a bit just in case they take out their grievances out on us!”

So we drew back round behind the hedge. We lurked there for some time debating what was best to be done. I did not see much point in going back to Coulter House to be snubbed again but Ronald was scared of the rowdy locals. Eventually Marjorie said that she had paid for the accommodation and she wished to have her dinner regardless of the locals. “After all we are armed!”

I said that I was sure there was a way behind the houses which would lead to the rear of the Inn. If we went that way we would not encounter the locals. So we had just started off when Dr Watson and Mr Holmes arrived from the St. Judith’s Square. 

“I would proceed with caution if I were you.” Said Holmes, “A mob seems intent on wrecking the accommodation you had fully booked. We are staying with Sir Benjamin!”

 “We will go around the back garden way.” answered Ronald Helping. “Despite an otherworld contact, we do not know the murderer’s identity as yet. Agate Primfield is our lead suspect and she is in Coulter House. Perhaps you could question her?”

 “It is so my intention. Good luck with the other locals.” And they headed up the drive.

We sneaked across between two huts and past a bakers van, to the rear of a row of terrace houses. As I expected, these led us to a door leading into the Inn kitchen and staff quarters. A man carrying a cutlass had come in the other way and went into the dining room ahead of us. We followed and discovered the Landlady and two maids looking at three broken windows. “Who did this?” demanded Lady Marjorie drawing her revolver.

 “A mob, that man was one of them! He is not a local!” said one of the maids pointing at the stair whence the cutlass man had gone. To my surprise Ronald Helping drew his pistol and went after him followed by Doktor Nichtwissen. The firearm must have given him courage. He said that he thought the man was going to steal some of our possessions. Anyway he did not get the chance as seeing that he was threatened, he ran along the corridor and jumped out of the window at the end. In fact he had an easy escape route down onto the stable roof and from thence to the ground. Ronald Helping fired two shots after him and said that he had achieved a hit. The man could only limp and was helped away by another. Going to the main door we found the mob dispersing and the Innkeeper bringing the village Constable towards us.

                                                +                      +                      +              

Ronald Helping with Doktor Nichtwissen and Manko came downstairs and went out to track down the intruder. The Professor, Marjorie and I checked our belongings which we are sure have been raked over. Nothing seemed to be missing but it is an unnerving happening. It could not have been the cutlass man as he did not have the time. When we went down we reported this to the Constable and the Innkeeper. The Landlady came through and said that due to the disturbances our dinner would be a bit late. The two maids were sweeping up the broken glass from three windows. The Innkeeper brought in some boards to keep out most of the draught from a nearby shed. He said that he would send for Jonathan Leke the local handyman to come and repair the windows on the morrow. What he was most concerned about was who was going to pay for them? Constable Valance said that he thought that Mr Primfield had instigated the riot. He with two others had threatened him when he tried to intervene.    

“Away with the occultists! Is what they was chanting.” said one of the maids “Begging your pardons Madam. I suspects that they was meaning your good selves.”

 “Yes, and that Jim Edshaw came in waving a pistol” said the other. “I soon sent him packing, I warned him if he did not, it would be doomsday before he could buy another drink!” 

The Constable asked they knew any of the others that threw the stones but they did not. With the broken glass flying about they naturally kept away from the windows.

The Constable told the Innkeeper that he would be reporting Mr Primfield’s actions to Sir Benjamin the next morning. He then asked us what we had done to stir up such hostility?

 “We have done nothing to upset anyone!” declared Lady Marjorie. “At least, perhaps not anyone who was not involved in Mr Coulter’s murder.”

 “What do you mean by that Madam? Mr Coulter was murdered by Fay Strangeholm and found guilty in a court of law!”

 “Your predecessor had doubts and we share them. I think this riot was raised to try and frighten us away from finding out the truth.”

 “Well Madam naturally if you can find hard evidence after all these months it will be my bounden duty to pass it on to my superiors in Norwich. Do you have any such hard evidence?”

 “Not at present.” Conceded Marjorie and the policeman left us.  

When the other three returned they told us that they had found spots of blood and tracked them to the Doctor’s house. He was treating a man who had been shot in the leg. He denied that he had ever been in the Inn and that he had been injured by accident in a nearby wood. Ronald and Doktor Nichtwissen told the doctor that they had both seen the man in the Inn and had traced the trail of blood to his house. The doctor suggested that if so they might call in the village constable which Ronald then did. Constable Valance asked what the man had done wrong that had allegedly induced Ronald to fire at him. Ronald said that he thought the man had gone into the Inn to steal property. But he did not think the man had had the chance to take anything. The Constable then asked the man for his name which was Jack Tarr, a seaman from Norwich. He asked if he wanted to press charges against anyone who had shot him. After a moment’s thought he said “No it was a true accident in the woods.” After all, the Doctor had heard his original story so it would have been rash to change it. So leaving Jack Tarr at the Doctor’s they returned to the Inn in time to have our dinner. When out of the hearing of the staff we discussed the murder and our means of solving it. The Professor suggested that I should call up the ghost of Jasper Coulter himself. I told them that I would need a good night’s sleep before I could attempt another summoning. The afternoon’s effort had indeed made me very tired. Besides Aunt Griseldis told me that attempting too much magic in one day might cause me to lose my powers altogether. Doktor Nichtwissen then offered to cast his summoning spell. “After all if anyone is knowing who it was who killed him it must surely be the victim himself!”

   So when the staff were all away, we went upstairs and laid out the sextagram on the hall floor. It was a little too small but we managed to get the purple candles into position and light them. At least there was not enough draught to blow them out this time. Three times the Doktor chanted the spell calling the Archangel Gabriel to summon Mr Coulter but nothing happened. “We could be having a better chance were we to do it in the barn where he died?” suggested Professor Learning.

 “Yes but we are now not having the key.” Objected Nichtwissen.

 “We could shoot out the lock! I have heard of that being done!” exclaimed Lady Marjorie.

 “Or I might be able to pick it, but I think tomorrow we can easily get the boy to let us in again. Lady Leica will have had a good night’s sleep by then and so we will have two strings to our bow.”

So we went to bed resolved to go to the barn in the morning. 

                                                +                      +                      +

In the morning as we were eating our breakfast the boy Arthur Nown arrived asking if we needed him to help us again. Since we knew he had a key to the Barn Mr Helping immediately agreed for the price of thrupence. So we soon set out and arrived at the barn without incident. However once he had let us in the Professor and Manko escorted him outside again. We blocked off the ventilation slits again to darken the chamber. After the purification rites, Doktor Nichtwissen laid out the sextagram sheet on the blood stain and lit the six purple candles. Then he beat the floor with the hazel rod and chanted “Oh Archangel Gabriel, lift my spirit to Jasper Coulter that he may come here!” Nothing happened so he repeated it and I must admit that I was not very hopeful. But then we heard the twanging of a harp and the angel appeared amidst a glow of bright light. “You have asked me to summon who?” he demanded fiercely.

 “Mr Jasper Coulter who was murdered here your eminence.” answered Sigismund.

 “I will try.” Responded the Angel and he disappeared.

 A short while later the rather grey form of a gentleman appeared staring at us.

 “Who are you? What am I doing here?”

 “We are being here to question you about who killed you in this place?”

 “Here?” The apparition peered about him. “Yes, I came here. I came in and I heard a noise and I saw that the big door was ajar which it should not have been and then… Then next, next I was looking down at my body amongst some potatoes. A man, the man Zebedee it was looking at me. He must have opened up the pit as the turves and the tarpaulin were laid on the ground. Then, then well I must not say more. I do not know who killed me for I was taken by surprise.” And he was gone!

 “Well my very first ghost!” crowed Marjorie. “You know I never really believed that they existed before. A pity he could not help us much.”

 “Yes but please milady Marjorie be not telling the world outside. We know that there are ghosts but only rarely will they show themselves and never when there are newspaper reporters and the like around. Whenever we tell outsiders of these things we become the target for the mockeries and have all sorts of strange people spying on us. This is our secret and since we have learnt little let us keep it so.”

Mr Helping nodded his head. “Yes it looks as though we shall have to become detectives after all, if we are to rest Fay Strangeholm’s ghost.”

I suggested that we might seek out Sherlock Holmes to see how he was progressing. After all if he did discover the identity of the murderer, we might use Cordelia to frighten a confession out of her or him. 

Ronald Helping agreed and decided that we should go to the village shop to start the investigation. On the way we saw a postman following us but did not think to question him. On reaching the shop I was accosted by a polite gentleman in a top hat who turned out to be an insurance salesman! A very persistent salesman! The others with our young guide entered the shop leaving Manko to guard me. The salesman just would not take no for an answer and was asking impertinent questions. I knew that threatening him with my dagger was not really appropriate ladylike behaviour in England. I wondered if I could deal with him using witchcraft!              

                                                +                      +                      +

Inside Ronald and the others were questioning the shopkeeper and his two assistants. On the night of the murder the two assistants had attended the dance and had seen Miss Primfield guarding the punch bowls. They had not been aware of the existence of Rowena Cowl until after the murder as she had come from elsewhere. Mr Jasper had not been at the dance at all and neither had Mr Primfield. Mr Emil Scoop who owned the shop had been home in his house two miles away that night.

“That was what he was saying, but how are we knowing it is the truth?” said Doktor Nichtwissen when we discussed this outside. “But he has no motive!” returned Ronald.

 “We are not knowing whether he has one or not. We are not knowing whether he has a wife and peoples at his house to give him an alibi either. It is to be hoped that Mr Holmes has made more progress than we have in this case.”

The Insurance Salesman tried to collar Ronald with his sales pitch but he had Manko shoo him away. “Your loss Sir.” he said shrugging his shoulders and he went to pester those inside the shop. We then went into the Inn next door to find Holmes and Dr Watson already there with their dinners ordered. 

   We arranged two tables close together so as to confer. Holmes told us that he had some strong leads as to who committed the murder but admitted that finding proof after all this time was likely to be impossible. Ronald replied that our occult sources had failed to pin the blame although they confirmed that Fay Strangeholm was innocent. Ronald said that if they could provide a strong suspect, we had occult means capable of frightening a guilty person into a confession. Assuming that he meant my uncertain ability to call up Cordelia I felt nervous. Cordelia was such a gentle ladylike person that even as a ghost I did not think her capable of frightening anyone! Ronald said that we had doubts about the honesty of Mr Primfield, Miss Primfield and Sir Benjamin. Arthur Nown the boots had said that only Mr Jasper had left Coulter House during the dance but he might have been wrong. Holmes responded that whilst not convinced of Sir Benjamin’s guilt he did suspect him of aiding a cover up of the facts. He admitted that his main contenders were a collaboration of the four living in Number 3 Toft Row and Mr Leavening the Baker. The four all had motives and the victim had been stabbed four times. Naturally they were providing one another with alibis. Miss Cowl had admitted that it was Mr Leavening who had persuaded her to return to the dance and he had confirmed it. He had been abroad that night although the time did not fit with the time on the victim’s watch.

   Whilst these discussions were taking place a man was busy repairing the broken windows. Lady Marjorie asked him if he lived in Ploughstead and yes he lived in the Dower House. This perked up Holmes’ interest and offering him a drink he found that this was Jonathan Leke. He with his sister Ivy had manned the cloaks at the dance. He confirmed that only Rowena Cowel had left the dance before the end and that Miss Primfield had run the Buffet. He did not know either Sukey Kettle or Tilly Tulip. He seldom took an interest in the temporary workers. Zebedee had been upset because of the loss of many potatoes from the pit. Ones stained with blood.

 “But there would be hardly any blood there!” objected Mr Holmes.

 “There would be being many once the boy had painted them! He would be selling them to the tourists I expect!” laughed Doktor Nichtwissen.

Ronald was trying to get Leke to say who he thought could have committed the murder if it was not Fay Strangeholm, when we heard a woman screaming outside. We all rushed out to find one woman trying to calm another carrying a baby. “The baker is dead! Dead in there!” she shrieked.

“There is a dead man in there.” agreed the other rather calmly under the circumstances I thought. Dr Watson declared that he was a doctor and went into the bakery with most of us following. There indeed was the baker slumped over his counter with a half-eaten bun in his hand.  It had a blue filling and there were blue stains round the man’s mouth.

 “It looks like suicide with rat poison.” said Watson, “He has probably eaten at least one more of these buns. Suicides usually overdose to make sure.”

Holmes nodded, “Yes the law is that cyanide rat poisons must be stained with either indigo or lamp black. I have sent Helping and one of his band round the back to check that no one has left that way in case it was murder. However that does seem rather less likely now. We had best send for the constable.”

 Lady Marjorie sent Manko across to the police station whilst Watson handed an envelope to Holmes, “Here Holmes, it is addressed to you!” he said in surprise.

Holmes opened it and after a quick scrutiny read it out to those of us present

To whom it may concern,

                                Whilst of sound mind and body I have decided to commit suicide with rat poison. This is to spare both my family and the village unnecessary scandals and tribulations. My family the Leaven’s are of ancient yeoman stock with honourable traditions to maintain. My brother Frederick has the family farm. My daughter Bettina is married to a farmer and Beatrice to an undertaker. Who knows who Bunny would have married had she not fallen under the spell of the heinous villain Jasper Coulter. Alas she did, lost her reputation and then became a streetwalker in Norwich. Then she wrote that the rogues managing her, had sent her to Great Yarmouth where her clients would not be gentlemen but rough seamen! There was nothing I could do! For the sake of her sisters she could not return to Ploughstead! That was when I determined to put an end to Coulter’s never-ending villainy. His latest target was Rowena Cowl a girl of yeoman if impoverished stock. From Bunny I knew that Coulter made a habit of luring girls to the Darbeyfield Barn around ten-thirty on the night of the harvest dances. Well before then I put a shielded lamp against the wall of the stone shed. This allowed me to spot his coming from Coulter House in good time. I was sure the girl would come through the less muddy village route and give away her approach by the sound of her footsteps. In the event Coulter was early and the girl late. I had the key to the barn given to Bunny and so got inside it. I borrowed a fork and dug a hole large enough for a body in one of the potato pits. I had nearly finished when I saw Coulter coming so I slipped inside the barn and re-locked the door. I had brought a rolling pin and a kitchen knife for the task but decided that the fork would be better as it could not be traced to me. When he came in he turned to look at the north door which I had left ajar on purpose. I clouted his head with the fork handle stunning him. Then I stabbed him several times with the fork to make sure. I rolled him onto a sack and dragged him to the potato pit and heaved him in. Then I saw his pocket watch damaged and dangling. The minute hand was hammered in at twenty-seven minutes past ten. Stupidly I altered the hour hand only to make it twenty seven minutes past eleven. If I had made it twelve or one everyone at the dance could have been a suspect! Hastily I covered him with the potatoes, turves and sheeting expecting the girl at any moment. I mopped up the blood with another sack, which I hid under one of the piles. Then I ran back into the Square and met Miss Cowl near the Church. I warned her of her fate if she met Coulter as my daughter Bunny had done. I said that if she persisted I would fetch her Aunt from the School to her. She turned back and I went to retrieve the warning lamp. Then I began to bake before George Comb and his wife returned from the dance at quarter past twelve. I was surprised that the body was found so quickly and even more so when Fay Strangeholm was arrested. Since I knew she was innocent I expected her to be acquitted! When I heard she was to be hanged I had difficulty sleeping so I bought some sleeping powders from Magda Brown. She told me “Your time approaches a lot earlier than you expect! Be prepared for it!” Well after the hanging I was very sorry for the girl but things seemed to quieten down in the village. I made my will with Fardown and Shuttleworth in Norwich and   wrote most of this letter in readiness. Tourists came to visit the barn and PC Lymington kept asking questions but the case had been closed so I was beginning to think I might have got away with it. Now the great detective Sherlock Holmes has been in questioning me and I know that I am doomed. I have sent George and Angela out on missions so that I can finish alone.

 I killed Jasper Coulter in the Barn with the potato fork and do not regret it. No more girls will be ruined by him. I was wrong not to admit my guilt earlier and will now go to my maker for his judgement.

                                                        Earnest Leaven 

“Can we check that this is his handwriting?” added the ever suspicious Holmes but a glance at the baker’s Accounts book and other documents put it beyond doubt that he had written the letter. Ronald Helping and Doktor Nichtwissen came in the back door and were put in possession of the facts by Lady Marjorie. As she finished the policeman arrived and we had to go over it again. Realising that the letter would have to be surrendered as evidence for the Coroner’s Court, Lady Marjorie and Watson both made out copies of it. The constable took statements from them and the two women who had found the body. The Innkeeper sent his ostler off to Beatrice’s Undertaker husband to make funeral arrangements. I saw Arthur Nown run off towards Coulter House. He must have been lurking around trying to spy on us I think.   

   “Well that is being the problem solved here. I am thinking we should be returning to London now!” stated Doktor Nichtwissen.

 “But we have not even visited the church. What about the headless Saint Judith?” objected Professor Learning.

 “Who has not been seen for hundreds of years! No! I am not liking this place. Our bags have been searched and the Inn attacked. The reason we came has been solved. The natives are hostile and they may well blame us for the suicide of their baker!”

 “But Lady Marjorie has paid for our rooms for a week! Surely we could at least stay for one night?” argued the Professor.

 “I do not begrudge that for a minute! I shall go or stay as the rest of you decide.” Said Marjorie and everyone looked at Ronald Helping.

 “I think the Doktor is wise to fear the reactions of the locals. I think we should go. I am sure that the Innkeeper will refund some of Lady Marjorie’s money as he will not want any more windows broken.” 

So joined by Holmes and Watson in the Inn’s van, we returned to Norwich to catch the 4-35 to London.

Ronald Helping wrote to PC Timothy Lymington telling him that the murderer of Jasper Coulter had committed suicide. He added that we had contacted Fay Strangeholm’s ghost and that she was not likely to trouble him anymore. So ended a case where although we did little to find the culprit we at least convinced Marjorie that we could converse with ghosts and the like.  

                                                +                      +                      +

Player C

Report of Arthur Nown to Sir Benjamin

Master as you instructed I met the group of strangers at the Nelson Inn. From the register they were a widow Mrs Marjorie A. Butterworth, whose agent booked the accommodation previously and her party. In this were Mr Ronald Helping, Professor Able Learning, Doktor Sigismund Nichtwissen, Lady Leica Badamaru and Mr Fritz Manko. I think some of these people are foreigners. I noticed that Mr Manko who is a servant, carried a cudgel and had two large bronze discs in his coat pockets. They looked like very, very large coins. Mr Helping carried a wooden mallet with him and they all seemed to have items, possibly weapons about them. However I volunteered to show them the Darbeyfield Barn and they were eager to accept. I led them there and first we looked at the now empty potato pit, where poor Mr Jasper’s body was found. Then I unlocked the door and led them into the barn. After looking at the bloodstains and the potato fork, they said that they wanted to undertake an occult experiment and asked me to help block the ventilation slits with the sacks. This I did thinking that you could have no objection. They asked me if I believed in ghosts so I said not but it appeared that these people did. Then they ushered me out the only two remaining being a lady and a gentleman. That is the Lady Leica and the Professor Learning. Since he is ancient and she is hatchet faced I did not think they intended anything improper. Naturally as I stood outside with the other four I tried to hear what was going on within. It seemed to be only some talk. The others wanted to know what I knew about the night of the murder but all I could tell them was I heard Mr Jasper leave the house at twenty to ten before I went to sleep. The man with mallet said that they were not really there to act as detectives. Then Ned Rawlings from Kirsted Green came up with a purse he had found. The man with mallet said it was his and tipped Ned a whole shilling! After he had left we saw two strange men coming from the village whom I thought might be more tourists. However the people with me recognized them and the man with the mallet introduced them to the widow as Doctor Watson and Mr Holmes the detective. They said that they were on the way to Coulter House to ask some questions and it seemed that the outside party were thinking of joining them. However Watson and Holmes would not wait and carried on alone. The two from in the barn came out and claimed to have met the ghost of the murderess but that she had told them little. We were following on after the other pair when Mr Primfield called after me to stop and tell him what I had learned. I rapidly told him what I have just written. He sent me back to the House whilst he returned to the village via the Strawberry fields. On my way I tripped and have been limping ever since. However on my return I was immediately sent to fetch Dr Watson and Mr Holmes’ bags from the Nelson Inn. In the square I saw the Vicar lead them into the church, whilst at the pump Mr Wordsworth was speaking to a large number of villagers. I went into the Inn and asked Lena the Barmaid where the bags were. She pointed them out to me beside the bar and I collected them. Very heavy they were too and my twisted ankle was not helping at all! Mr Wordsworth’s meeting was getting rather noisy but I concentrated on getting the bags up to the House. On the way I passed the strangers in the drive. On my return I was able complete and present this report to present to you Sir.

Sir Benjamin

You were standing in the parlour at the garden window, brooding over the arrival of these Londoners coming trying to cause a scandal. Anthelia was sitting sewing in the withdrawing room. Two men then passed in front of your window and went in to ring the bell. They looked to be respectably dressed, almost gentlemanly. Presently the housekeeper appeared say that a Doctor Watson and his companion wished to see you. She gave you his card engraved

    Dr John Watson M.D  

 22b Baker Street London

This did not appear too threatening so you told Miss Primfield to show them in.

“Doctor Watson, I do not think that I know you?”

 “No sir. We are visitors come here to study your fine church but have discovered that the local Inn has no more accommodation available. The Innkeeper suggested that you might be able to let us stay the night. Otherwise I fear we shall have to return to Norwich with our mission abandoned.”

“Where have you come from for I do not think you hail from Norwich?”

 “We are domiciled in London but frequently travel around. We collaborate to write magazine articles covering churches, castles and other buildings of sufficient antiquity and interest.”

 “Well a worthy cause I suppose. You may stay here for tonight. Do you hear Miss Primfield, please make the necessary arrangements. But first it is tea time, please send that in first.” You were thinking that if they stayed here you could find out easier what they were up to.

 “Our bags are at the Nelson Inn sir?” the Doctor interjected.

 “Very well, Miss Primfield send the boots to collect their bags as soon as he returns!”

 “Very Good sir!” she went out and shortly Peggy the maid appeared carrying a tea tray with sandwiches and cakes upon it.

  On the doctor commenting on the excellence of a Chelsea bun you told him

“The bread and cakes are all baked by our village baker Mr Earnest Leaven. He is successful enough to have a van selling his wares in eleven villages.”

The associate started commenting about your portraits and pictures on the walls. Seeing that of you late brother he tried to broach the matter of his murder but you told him you did not wish to speak about it! You then said that you were sure that the Vicar, Bartholomew Hurt would be very pleased show them his church. You knew this to be true. In fact they would have difficulty getting away from him! Fortunately they took the hint and left.

Sometime later Arthur Nown came back and gave you his report on the activities of the strangers. Whilst coming from London, they included people of foreign extraction!

   Later the Doctor and Mr Holmes returned in time for dinner served by Peggy the maid. Of course only my wife and I were present. They said they were impressed by the Church and the tales Vicar Hurt had told them.

Discourse of the Honourable Miss Victorine Darbeyfield

This was given to the Ladies of the Church Flower arranging committee over their china tea and cucumber sandwiches in the Vicarage. They comprised Mesdames Lady Anthelia, Mrs Xanthe Hurt, Mrs Divina Penge and Miss Sybil Penge.

“I had a visit from that detective whose name appears in the newspapers occasionally. Mr Sherlock Holmes. Here is his card! He came trying to ferret out if there were any scandals in the village connected with Mr Jasper’s death. Thinking we had had enough of that subject I told him nothing. He may be an expert of tobacco ashes and the habits of South American aboriginals but he was not going to become an expert on Ploughstead inhabitants from me! My Housekeeper Mrs Bronze said that he had hinted at bribing her for information but she sent him off with a flea in his ear! Of course with Ivy Leke to inform us we do actually hear quite a bit of what the lower orders are saying in the village. Most of it wildly exaggerated I have no doubt.”

                                                +                      +                      +

Sir Benjamin continued

At a dull dinner Mr Holmes asked Lady Anthelia what she knew about Darbeyfield Mansion. He said that he had heard that it had been a striking building with an interesting history. She replied that she had heard that this was the case but coming from away from Ploughstead she knew little of the subject. She said that the honourable Miss Divina Darbeyfield was the best person to ask about the subject. She could probably provide a guide to show him the ruins. The dessert course over, Anthelia left us with a bottle of fine tawny port that Blanders brought in.                   

   Soon Holmes excused himself and I was left to keep Doctor Watson occupied, telling him of my prowess at duck shooting in the fens. Then he had responded with some wild tales of his own in India. After Watson went to bed Mr Primfield came in. He said that Holmes was in the kitchen talking to the staff there.  He said that this made him uneasy as he had heard that he was a glory seeking detective. You responded by saying that if he expected to get any information out of the kitchen staff he would be sorely disappointed! Then you asked what the other strangers were up too?

 “I was informed by the boots that they had gone to the Darbeyfield Barn. There they carried out some occult hocus pocus inside it.” said Primfield. “This smacked of sacrilege since Mr Jasper died there and so I told some of the villagers. They became rowdy and decided to attack the Nelson Inn where the Londoners were staying. In fact they broke some of its windows. Both the Constable and the Vicar tried to restrain them but it was the return of the Londoners brandishing firearms that ended the riot. They fired at the mob and possibly injured someone. Though the excess is of course regrettable I feel sure that the Londoners now know that they are not wanted here!”

So you thanked him for his efforts and went to bed.

Report of Arthur Nown to Sir Benjamin

‘Following your orders I arrived at the Nelson Inn whilst the strangers were still eating their breakfast. On my offering to guide them again, they said that they wished to visit the Darbeyfield Barn again and would be glad to make use of my key. In due course we went to the Barn and I let them in. However as before they ushered me out and the Professor and the German servant kept me away from overhearing what was happening inside. Those inside were the two ladies, Mr Ronald Helping and the German Doctor. I saw that they blocked the ventilation slits with sacks as last time. I heard some chanting and a short sound like harp music. Then there was speech within but it was too indistinct to make it out. After quite a long while the sacking was taken down and they emerged. Mr Helping told the Professor that they had decided to try and meet Mr Holmes. He hoped he would have had more success than they had. So it seems that these people are friends of Dr Watson and Mr Holmes. They then headed for the Village shop. At the door The Insurance Agent who comes here every few months accosted the foreign lady. I followed the rest inside the shop. They bought a Norwich Clarion and whilst the widow scanned through it, the others questioned Emil Scoop and his two assistants about the night of the murder. The latter both attended the dance whilst Mr Scoop stayed at his home two miles away that night. According to them Mr Jasper did not go to the dance and Miss Agate was there serving the punch. The widow said that she had found nothing of interest and they all went outside. There they elbowed away the Insurance man who then went into the shop. At the Inn they thanked me for my services, hinting that they had finished with me. So I went round to the kitchen at the back of the Inn and whilst purchasing some lunch tried to hear what the strangers were talking about. Dr Watson and Mr Holmes were already inside and the Londoners joined them.  Mr Holmes told them that he had some strong leads as to who had committed the murder but finding proof after all this time was likely to be impossible. The man with the mallet replied that their occult sources had failed to pin the blame. They were sure that that Fay Strangeholm was innocent! The man with the mallet said that if a strong suspect could be found they had occult means capable of frightening a guilty person into a confession! They said that they had doubts about the honesty of Mr Primfield, Miss Primfield and you Sir! Mr Holmes responded that whilst not convinced of your guilt begging your pardon Sir, he did suspect you of aiding a cover up of the facts. He said that his leading suspects were a collaboration of the four living in Number 3 Toft Row and Mr Leavening the Baker. The four all had motives and the victim had been stabbed four times. Naturally they were providing one another with alibis. Miss Cowl had admitted that it was Mr Leavening who had persuaded her to return to the dance and he had confirmed it. He had been abroad that night although the time did not fit with the time on the victim’s watch.

Meanwhile Jonathan Leke was busy mending the three broken windows in the parlour. Mr Holmes bought him a pint and questioned him about the dance. He confirmed that Rowena Cowl had left the dance for a short while and that Miss Primfield had run the Buffet. He did not know either Sukey Kettle or Tilly Tulip. He seldom took an interest in the temporary workers. The man with the mallet began to question him too when we heard a woman screaming outside. We all rushed out to find a woman trying to calm another carrying a baby. “The baker is dead! Dead in there!” she shrieked.

“There is a dead man in there.” agreed the other who was the Salvation Army woman. Dr Watson declared that he was a doctor and he went into the bakery first. The baker was lumped over his counter with a half-eaten bun in his hand.  It had a blue filling and there were blue stains round his mouth.

 “It looks like suicide with rat poison.” said the Doctor, “He has probably eaten at least one more of these buns. Suicides usually overdose to make sure!”

Mr Holmes said, “Yes the law is that cyanide rat poisons must be stained with either indigo or lamp black. I have send Helping and one of his band round the back to check that no one has left that way in case it was murder. However that does seem rather less likely now. We had best send for the constable.”

 The servant with the cudgel was sent across to the police station whilst the doctor handed an envelope to Mr Holmes, “Here Holmes, it is addressed to you!” he said in surprise.

Mr Holmes opened it and after a quick scan read it out to us. It was from Mr Leaven saying that he was committing suicide with rat poison because he had murdered Mr Jasper and Mr Holmes was finding him out! It was quite long and then the Constable arrived and started taking statements form people. Mr Leamington said that he would send for an undertaker. I left to come and make this report to you Sir.’

   You were alarmed by this and looked for Mr Primfield but he had left the house to visit his Norwich friend at the doctors. So you headed down to the Square yourself. It appeared that all the strangers including Dr Watson and Mr Holmes, were intending to leave immediately their statements had been taken. This was all to the good and you visited the Vicar whilst they were getting packed. He had to be informed as in due course he would have to hold the funeral. This would have to be held out of doors on the un-consecrated ground north of the church where suicides were buried. Whilst there, you were joined most inconveniently with female Captain Hill of the Salvation Army. She was escorting a Miss Sally Bustle who had claimed that her baby had been fathered by Jasper. Apparently it was they who had found Mr Leaven dead. Whilst having doubts about the fatherhood claim it seemed best to make a handsome allowance to the woman. Especially with the Vicar present!

   You then went to consult with Constable Valance. You discovered that he had taken statements regarding the suicide, from Dr Watson, Miss Charity Hill, Miss Sally Bustle and Mr Sherlock Holmes. He had locked up the bakery but would open it for Doctor Penge to come and check the body to give a second opinion. He also had taken as evidence the half-eaten iced bun with rat poison in it and the confession letter. The envelope was addressed to Mr Holmes but it opened ‘To whom it may concern,’! It read:

To whom it may concern,

                                Whilst of sound mind and body I have decided to commit suicide with rat poison. This is to spare both my family and the village unnecessary scandals and tribulations. My family the Leavens are of ancient yeoman stock with honourable traditions to maintain. My brother Frederick has the family farm. My daughter Bettina is married to a farmer and Beatrice to an undertaker. Who knows who Bunny would have married had she not fallen under the spell of the heinous villain Jasper Coulter. Alas she did, lost her reputation and then became a streetwalker in Norwich. Then she wrote that the rogues managing her, had sent her to Great Yarmouth where her clients would not be gentlemen but rough seamen! There was nothing I could do! For the sake of her sisters she could not return to Ploughstead! That was when I determined to put an end to Coulter’s never-ending villainy. His latest target was Rowena Cowl a girl of yeoman if impoverished stock. From Bunny I knew that Coulter made a habit of luring girls to the Darbeyfield Barn around ten-thirty on the night of the harvest dances. Well before then I put a shielded lamp against the wall of the stone shed. This allowed me to spot his coming from Coulter House in good time. I was sure the girl would come through the less muddy village route and give away her approach by the sound of her footsteps. In the event Coulter was early and the girl late. I had the key to the barn given to Bunny and so got inside it. I borrowed a fork and dug a hole large enough for a body in one of the potato pits. I had nearly finished when I saw Coulter coming so I slipped inside the barn and re-locked the door. I had brought a rolling pin and a kitchen knife for the task but decided that the fork would be better as it could not be traced to me. When he came in he turned to look at the north door which I had left ajar on purpose. I clouted his head with the fork handle stunning him. Then I stabbed him several times with the fork to make sure. I rolled him onto a sack and dragged him to the potato pit and heaved him in. Then I saw his pocket watch damaged and dangling. The minute hand was hammered in at twenty-seven minutes past ten. Stupidly I altered the hour hand only to make it twenty seven minutes past eleven. If I had made it twelve or one everyone at the dance could have been a suspect! Hastily I covered him with the potatoes, turves and sheeting expecting the girl at any moment. I mopped up the blood with another sack, which I hid under one of the piles. Then I ran back into the Square and met Miss Cowl near the Church. I warned her of her fate if she met Coulter as my daughter Bunny had done. I said that if she persisted I would fetch her Aunt from the School to her. She turned back and I went to retrieve the warning lamp. Then I began to bake before George Comb and his wife returned from the dance at quarter past twelve. I was surprised that the body was found so quickly and even more so when Fay Strangeholm was arrested. Since I knew she was innocent I expected her to be acquitted! When I hear she was to be hanged I had difficulty sleeping so I bought some sleeping powders from Magda Brown. She told me “Your time approaches a lot earlier than you expect! Be prepared for it!” Well after the hanging I was very sorry for the girl but things seemed to quieten down in the village. I made my will with Fardown and Shuttleworth in Norwich and   wrote most of this letter in readiness. Tourists came to visit the barn and PC kept asking questions but the case had been closed so I was beginning to think I might have got away with it. Now the great detective Sherlock Holmes has been in questioning me and I know that I am doomed. I have sent George and Angela out on missions so that I can finish alone.

 I killed Jasper Coulter in the Barn with the potato fork and do not regret it. No more girls will be ruined by him. I was wrong not to admit my guilt earlier and will now go to my maker for his judgement.

                                                        Earnest Leaven            

This raised the spectre of a newspaper sensation likely to be very damaging to the family name. One far worse than the original murder trial which had been nasty enough! It indicated that Agate Primfield may have been lying about Fay Strangeholm’s guilt. You commended the constable on his diligence and returned to Coulter House. There you summoned Miss Agate Primfield and told her that Mr Leaven had confessed to the murder. You asked her if she had truly seen Fay Strangeholm on that night. She fetched the Affidavit of Mrs Tulip who was with her.

Miss Primfield said that they had not claimed to have seen her committing the murder, merely that they had seen her. She thought it a possibility that despite his confession Mr Leaven had not committed the crime at all but had merely fantasised that he had. After all, people who committed suicide were bound to have mental problems! She said she hoped that the newspapers would not make a big fuss over the man death. With this you felt in complete agreement!

   Later you convened a meeting with Dr Penge, Constable Valance and Mr Primfield. You told them that Mr Leaven had been a first class baker who had been a credit to the village. His quarrel with your brother notwithstanding you wanted to minimise the embarrassment to his family. You knew the Coroner at Hempnall who was a cousin of your wife and thought he would be reasonable. You wished him to hold the hearing at a time and date inconvenient to the Newspapermen and Ploughstead residents alike. Simple evidence confirming that the death was by suicide would be all that was needed. The Vicar had agreed to bury the body at a quiet ceremony outside the church. The others concurred and so it was done. The Salvation Army woman tried to upset the Norwich police over the matter but they found means to mollify her. It would have damaged the reputation of the British Justice system if it was revealed that an innocent person had been executed! The only real danger remaining appeared to be the talkative Arthur Nown, who seemed to be enjoying his entertaining the tourists too much. To get him out of the way, Mr Primfield found him a better paid post as Boots to Mr Oliver Lynn the Manager of Broad’s Bank in Norwich.

                                                +                      +                      + 

Player D

Report of Mr Wordsworth Primfield to Mr Oliver Lynn a Manager of Broad’s Bank in Norwich.

Dear Sir,

              Receiving your warning note and being apprised of the imminent arrival of a group of Londoners at the Nelson Inn, I awaited their turning up in an empty house with a view of the square. I had Jack Tarr and Collin Hollin with me. My sister Agate I left at Coulter house carrying out her housekeeping duties. There were six of the strangers, two women and four men. An agent Mr Swithin Easy booked a week’s accommodation for them under the name of the Honourable Mrs Marjorie A. Butterworth.  The others were Mr Ronald Helping, Professor Able Learning, Doktor Sigismund Nichtwissen, Lady Leica Badamaru and Mr Fritz Manko. Sir Benjamin had sent Arthur Nown the boots to show them the barn and keep a watch on them. This is the normal procedure when sensation seeking tourists arrive. Arthur is an artful lad and keeps them entertained. He has touched up the bloodstains in the barn and on the potato fork with paint. I saw him lead all six of the Londoners off towards the barn. Soon after two more men arrived and were inside around a quarter of an hour. Then I went to the Inn to establish the above identities and see what else I could find out. The Innkeeper had not been told the names of the last two visitors as he was unable to give them accommodation. He said that they were off to visit the Dower House. He thought that they were more murder site tourists. I hoped to check the Londoners baggage but Josiah Leamington the Landlord was un-co-operative. Then I went to kitchen where his wife with the two maids Dora and Lena were washing up. I waited until Carla Leamington left as I knew the maids would tell me all they knew. They said that the luggage left seemed normal but it was the things the Londoners carried with them that seemed strange. Mrs Butterworth’s umbrella had a sharp silver ferrule with a hall mark on it! The Professor had an ornate silver cross hung round his neck and always wore a smoking hat. They seemed to like silver because the other lady had a big silver dagger. Mr Manko carried two large bronze discs like giant coins in his pockets. He was the servant of the Doktor and they were both very foreign! He had silver rimmed glasses and carried a small case. All there was in it was a folded up canvas with symbols on it and a little brush. Mr Helping carried a mallet but it was only of wood and not silver as the maids would have thought! They certainly seemed to be a well to do bunch but pleasant enough unfortunately. Having found out all I was likely to I head across St Judith’s Square and on towards the Darbeyfield Barn. There I saw the Londoners on the path heading to the House. I ran after them and called back Arthur Nown who told me of their occult actions. I then sent him on to report to you and headed myself to the police station. On arrival I found the new constable Valance in his office.

“Constable as you may know I am Sir Benjamin’s Agent and have the affairs of this village much to my heart. It has been reported to me that the Outsiders staying in the Inn have been carrying out heathenish occult practises in the Darbeyfield Barn. Further at the Inn I have been told that they are all armed and carrying articles relating to witchcraft.”

 “Well Sir are these occult practises breaking the law in any way?”

 “At the moment we do not know what they actually were as the doors were all shut. But what about all their weapons are there no laws against carrying them?”

 “Not unless there is an obvious intent to use them against people Sir! Where are these people now?”

 “I think they were going to call at Coulter House.”

 “Well I am sure Sir Benjamin will know how to deal with them.”

 “I think they should be investigated. What if they have laid some enchantment? What if they have laid a curse? What if they come up with some cock and bull story about Mr Jasper’s murder to take to the newspapers? I worked for Mr Jasper and do not trust these people at all!”

 “I will tell you what I will do Sir. When they return for their dinner at the Inn as they surely will, I shall go and have a quiet word with them. Knowing that they have the eye of the law so to speak upon them, it will make them less likely to commit anything improper. Now if these occult practises you mentions had been in the church that would have been sacrilege but unless they have damaged anything in the barn I can see nothing unlawful in it.”

So you stormed out and went across to the Inn. Dora was on duty at the bar so you suggested she search the Londoners bags for anything unusual. She was most reluctant but a whole shilling changed her mind. She said that she would go up when Lena took over from her. Emerging from the Inn you met Jack and Colin who said that they had contacted all the likely people in Toft Row. So you sent them to call up the addresses in St Judith’s Square. Soon a goodly number came to assemble at the parish pump, eighteen in fact. So you began your speech:

 “My friends this ancient village is under threat of losing its venerated name due to outsiders. This day I have been told that Londoners staying at the Nelson Inn Have carried out heathen rites in the Darbeyfield Barn. Who knows what sort of curse they have laid upon? What more trials and tribulations we may have to endure. Our high esteem was damaged when that outsider Fay Strangeholm slew our own Mr Jasper. The Coulter’s have lived here for centuries and good or not so good they have always been true Ploughstead folk. And yet an outsider came here and carried out her fell intent. I say that we have to stay on our guard against those of the outside world. The outsiders care nothing for us, country bumpkins they call us and laugh at us. They concoct stories about us and blazen them over their news sheets. In the cities they have these strange religious cults and London has the worst of the lot. This day a band has come here to practise their unnatural ceremonies in the very place one of our Ploughstead villagers was done to death! They carry strange silver items with who knows what powers? I say that we should drive them out! Show them that we will not stand for their London ways! London and worse, for there are foreigners amongst them. Come let us show what Ploughstead folk are made off!”    

   Unfortunately despite your brilliant oratory the eighteen had shrunk to eight plus Jack and Colin by the time you decided that they were ready to strike.

These were Hob Jukes who had a shotgun, Jim Edshaw who had a pistol, Ian Hodge, the boy Ralf Mellow, Nelly Henderson, Susie Allington, Edna Dunsmore and Primrose Tower. Nelly Henderson shouted, “I see them accomming round the hedge at the end of the Square there! They took one look at us and scuttled back! They’s afeared of we!”

 Hob Jukes shouted “Ah and rightly so! But Wordy sir I just seen them other two go into the Church with the Vicar. Should we go haul them out?”

“Naw it’s them as was at the barn as we want in’t it Wordy?” shrilled Nelly.

                                                +                      +                      +

You replied “We should not commit sacrilege in the church, too many problems. We can deal with those two later! I fear that the others are now too far away for us to catch. But their accommodation lies over there at the Inn. If they come back to find a smoking ruin they must surely leave us in peace! We know how often our people have been thrown out of there to keep the nobs happy. Let us show them our disapproval! Forward!” And the mob sped across towards the Inn some picking up stones as they went.

 “Away with the occultists!” you shouted and others took up the cry. Whilst some chanted others threw stones and a window was smashed. Behind you the new policeman came out and tried to intervene. You told him he had best ignore what was happening. When he persisted, you with Jack and Colin made it plain his own safety was at stake and he fled back into his station. The seaman Jim Edshaw meanwhile entered the Inn waving his Pepperpot pistol. Unfortunately with you still being distant, nobody followed him and one of the barmaids chased him out. However you worked them up a bit more and two more windows were broken. But then Mr Hurt the Vicar stuck his nose in saying that unless we desisted he would report me to Sir Benjamin. So I set Colin onto him and they had a brisk bout of fisticuffs. At the threat of Jack and I joining in, the Vicar turned and headed back. Colin followed and knocked him down from behind. Then he threw him against the Vicarage door and the women within pulled him inside. Unfortunately this event plus the arrival of a woman pushing a pram had upset some of the people, and Leamington the Innkeeper coming out demanding someone pay for his broken windows upset more. He then went across towards the police station. Only Hob, Susie, Ralph and Jack remained. I told them to attack the Inn from round behind the stables. We went round that way and Jack had got inside, when I saw the occultists coming from the other direction bearing firearms. I told those behind me to disperse as we were outnumbered. This they did and Jack re-appeared leaping out of an upstairs window onto the roof of the stable.        

                                                +                      +                      +  

  Someone fired a pistol at Jack Tarr as he jumped down to the ground. He was hit in the leg and Colin had to help him along to the nearby doctor’s house. Leamington emerged from the Police Station with the Constable and I left to return home to Coulter House. There I was upset to find the detective Holmes in the kitchen questioning the female staff. He suggested I have a cup of tea but I refused. I then reported to Sir Benjamin.   

I told him Nown informed me that they had gone to the Barn and carried out some hocus pocus in it. I thought this smacked of sacrilege since Mr Jasper had died there and so I told some of the villagers. They became rowdy and decided to attack the Nelson Inn where the Londoners were staying. In fact they broke some of its windows. Both the Constable and the Vicar tried to restrain them but it was the return of the Londoners brandishing firearms that ended the riot. They fired at the mob and possibly injured someone. Though I thought the excess regrettable I felt sure that the Londoners now knew that they were not wanted here! Sir Benjamin gave me thanks for my efforts.

                                                +                      +                      +

Detective Holmes and his companion left Coulter House after breakfast. The story was that they were going to the Dower house, hoping for information about the old ruined Darbeyfield Mansion. I followed them heading for the police station and met PC Valance on the way. I immediately apologised for the disagreements we had had the day before. I explained that I like the other villagers was angry about the Londoners carrying out who knows what sacrilegious practises in the Barn where one of our own people was done to death! I admitted that I had been rather carried away and was sorry for it.

 “Well Sir it is not me that you wants to apologise to, it is to Mr Leamington for his broken windows. He is the one pressing charges and I was just going to Sir Benjamin on his behalf.”

 “Then we had better go to him so I can settle the matter.”

We then went into the Nelson Inn and met the Innkeeper. In the end I calmed him down and agreed to pay four whole pounds to repair the windows and to mollify his staff who had been upset. He agreed to drop the charges so there would be no need for Valance to call on Sir Benjamin. Next I asked the Constable to come with me to see the Vicar. I admitted that he too had suffered at the mob’s hands. We found him in the church. I explained our anger over the sacrilege committed by the Londoners in the barn. I apologised that one of our supporters had gone so far as to assault him. Since he was technically in my employment I offered three whole pounds to the Church funds as restitution. Mr Hurt agreed to say no more about the matter and put the money into the poor box. Thus with no charges to be pressed I felt free to return to the House for lunch.

   After lunch I went to visit Jack Tarr at Doctor Penge’s surgery. He was in pain and worried as it could be some weeks before he is fit for action. The Doctor said that providing no infection set in he would allow him to return to Toft Row in a couple of days.

Back at the House I heard that Mr Leaven the Baker had committed suicide and left a written confession that he had killed Mr Jasper. Sir Benjamin had headed out to consult with PC Valance over this. I suggested that this might be a worrying development to Agate but she thought she could handle the problem. She had Tilly Tulip’s Affidavit to hand which she thought should satisfy Sir Benjamin.    

Sir Benjamin would not be aware that Tillie was an old soak who would swear to anything for a bottle of gin! Fortunately she lived somewhere in London, probably not now the address given on the document so no one was likely to check. This proved to be the case when Sir Benjamin returned and questioned her. 

       Later Sir Benjamin called me to a meeting with Dr Penge, and Constable Valance. . He praised the Baker and wanted to minimise embarrassment to all. He knew the Coroner at Hempnall and thought he would be reasonable. He wanted the hearing when Newspaper reporters and villagers would be elsewhere. Simple evidence confirming that the death was by suicide would be all that was needed. The Salvation Army woman did try to make a fuss but the Norwich people squared her. Looking at me Sir Benjamin said the only real danger remaining was Arthur Nown’s big Mouth. I contacted you Mr Lynn and after considering the options of a simple disappearance or a disappearance to sea, you took him on as Boots in your own house. He is a smart lad and should be useful. 

                                                +                      +                      + 

Games Master’s Account

This adventure was inspired by the Red Barn Murder at Polstead in 1827. In this Mrs Marten dreamed three nights running that her step-daughter Maria had been murdered and buried in the nearby Red Barn. She and her husband had been told that Maria had married rich farmer William Corder and moved to the Isle of Wight. She had born him a son before and was expecting to be married at Ipswich. That was ten months ago but no letters had been received from her. Mr Marten eventually went to the barn and did discover his daughter’s buried body. Pathology not being much studied at the time, there was uncertainty as to whether strangulation, a bullet through the head or a stab in the heart had been the cause of death! William Corder had in fact moved to Ealing and obtained another wife through advertisements in the Morning Herald and Sunday Times. His advert ‘A Private Gentleman aged 24 entirely independent whose disposition is not to be exceeded…’ had received nearly a hundred responses! He had become a Schoolmaster and part owner of a girl’s school by the time he was arrested. He was tried and convicted at Bury St. Edmunds Assizes and hanged in August 1828. The story was over-dramatized by the news sheets of the time and many theatrical melodramas were based on it. Corder was usually depicted as the evil philandering squire with Maria being an innocent hardworking maiden. In fact before her death she had born three illegitimate children to different fathers!    

   For my whodunit I needed to create several suspects for which making the victim the ‘philandering squire’ appeared more sensible. (I did consider having a female victim uncertainly accusing several men of making her pregnant.) Since most of the suspects would be female the body was to be lightly buried in a disused potato pit beside the barn. The murder would take place in the barn, Brained and stabbed with a potato fork and dragged out on a sack and buried in a potato pit using the rusty potato fork. The victim would be the Honourable Jasper Coulter second son of the Baronet Sir Theodosius Coulter, owner of the Ploughstead estate. The murder to take place the night of the strip willow harvest ball 26/27^th November (Willow Osiers were cut and stripped of their bark for basket making.) When the investigators arrive in April the seasonal worker huts are empty, the last harvest being the Daffodil picking in March and the next the strawberry picking in the last week of May. I picked Wednesday 10^th April 1892 as a likely date to fit in with the return of the OVS from Transylvania. Naturally the more I thought about the action the more refinements were added. Of course the first thing I had to do was make a barn of suitable dimensions! The potato pits are in fact WWII gun emplacements.

   In addition to my growing number of Victorian figures from Blue Moon, Foundry and others I had recently bought some ‘Rioters’ from Perry Miniatures. With these I populated much of my village and devised specific rules for mob actions. So far the full mob comprises 10 women 24 men and 2 boys each with a card. The figures have their Christian names on the base and I expect to use them with their cards in future actions. In the event the mob failed to achieve their desired objective but certainly added colour to the story. The investigators made heavy weather in the early stages, not helped by poor dice throwing. I was expecting the action to last two or three evenings but it went on to the fifth. At the end of the third evening I was expecting Holmes and the OVS to have to give up and go back to London. Originally had I intended that Coulter House should be just off the table but realising the players would wish to call there I had to make it. Not wanting to use my Tudor mansion yet again I decided a Victorian style mansion was needed. I thought to make it suitable for future House party type whodunits or even haunted house scenarios, so it is larger than was actually needed. I did manage to give it windows and doors before the end of the action but it still lacks furniture. It takes a lot of time building up the full story line and naturally there are breaks in concentration. Along the way I had inadvertently re-named Sukey Kettle Tilly Tulip to the confusion of the players. I decide to stick with Tilly Tulip but a Sukey Kettle does have a mention. Thinking up right sounding names for large numbers of characters is not as easy as one might think and remembering them harder still. I admit that some of the forenames used for mob members were the same as sir-names of characters used in the ‘Curse of Crackenwald’. These had been pasted to their bases. For the mob card backs I thought the best I could come across was the Delacroix one of ‘Liberty’. For the normal chance cards I thought originally of a woodcut of a hanging but then came across the one actually used. It is a photograph of Madeleine Smith accused of poisoning her secret lover in Glasgow in a prominent case. The Jury gave the Scottish Verdict ‘Not Proven’.  

   For the future I fancy I might be returning to Norfolk at some time there being a few loose ends left hanging. However having just purchased a large number of police figures from Foundry, I am now thinking up a scenario to use them in.     

Introduction

Sherlock

Primfield

OVS

Sir Benjamin

Umpire

Game

Manor and Barn

Rules

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