Game transcript mode ON. Type a backtick ( ` ) character at the start of an input to make a comment in your transcript. Type TSTOP to save your transcript. The dining room was a scarred remnant of the oldest vicarage, variously modified, molested and improved by succesive owners over the centuries. The walls were crooked, the ceiling beams did not run parallel, and the ghosts of earlier doorways and windows were still visible behind the plasterwork as if there had been some doubt about their place in the scheme of things before setting them in their current positions. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw the breakfast things and the dining table. Arthur was sitting on a chair. >TSTART OK >STAND Arthur stood up. The dining room was a scarred remnant of the oldest vicarage, variously modified, molested and improved by succesive owners over the centuries. The walls were crooked, the ceiling beams did not run parallel, and the ghosts of earlier doorways and windows were still visible behind the plasterwork as if there had been some doubt about their place in the scheme of things before setting them in their current positions. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw the breakfast things, the dining table and a chair. >STAND But Arthur was already standing. >N The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. Arthur saw Edna Taplow. Arthur almost ran into Mrs Taplow as he stepped into the hallway. "Good morning," he said as she scurried past him and disappeared into the dining room. The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >W The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw a set of steps, a chair and a pair of binoculars. >TAKE STEPS Arthur took the set of steps. >TAKE BINOCS Arthur wasn't able to take that. >X SHELVES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X BOOKSHELVES They were unobstrusively built into the walls of the study. >X BOOKS The shelves were tightly packed with a great many volumes of all shapes and sizes. Many appeared to be on ecclesiastical subjects, but there was also a sizeable selection on secular history, the natural sciences and folklore as well as some volumes that appeared so ancient and weathered that Arthur could not discern from their spines what their contents might be. >TAKE BOOKS Arthur plucked a couple of books from the shelves, knowing that one could often judge the character of a man from the composition of his library. The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a chair and a pair of binoculars. >READ SHAPLE But Arthur didn't have it. >TAKE SHAPLE Arthur wasn't able to take that. >TAKE VILLAGES QUESTION -> But which was it to be? But which was it to be? >1 ANSWER -> villages Arthur took 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple. >READ IT Arthur read: 'A sprawling settlement of around 300 souls, the village of Nether Haelstowne is the descendant of the original Haelstowne that once stood on higher ground to the north east of the present village. The earlier settlement was abandoned in the early part of the 15th century for reasons unknown; nothing now remains save The Vicarage. Without the nucleus of a church around which to grow, the development of the lower village was rather haphazard, resulting in the present diffuse arrangement of buildings. Most of the dwellings are constructed of the local sandstone, showing features typical of...' There followed much detailed architectural description, of little interest to Arthur. He skipped down the page and read the following: 'The name 'Haelstowne' is a toponymic curiosity. Parish records show that before the 18th century, the village was named 'Haelstow' and, if one reaches still further back, 'Aelfstow' and 'Aelstown' are recorded in deeds of the 14th and 15th centuries. The etymological roots of the name are in the Old English 'aelf', meaning an elf or sprite, and 'stow', meaning a place or locality; thus the original meaning may be rendered as 'Elf Place'. The familiar processes of corruption and convergence over several centuries have produced the homonymic 'Haelstowne' by which the extant village is now known.' The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a chair and a pair of binoculars. >TAKE SPIRITS Arthur took 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill. >READ IT QUESTION -> But which was it to be? But which was it to be? >2 ANSWER -> spirits The volume fell open at the page concerning Haelstowne and its locality which evidently had been most frequently consulted. Several of the pages had corners turned over, and there were pencil annotations throughout. Arthur read: '...of most remarkable tales concerning the abandoned village of Halestown in the South West of the county. According to local custom, the habitants thereof lived long amongst the fairies, being obliged to do so by a pact struck between themselves and the Devil. It was held that, every seven years, the Devil demanded a tithe of the fairies, which being paid he would grant them dominion over the village for a period of the same, until the tithe was again due. A human soul was the currency in which this diabolical payment was transacted, and the villagers lived their lives in miserable apprehension lest themselves or their children should be taken for their part in this unspeakable bargain. The spell was broken when a wise man discovered the secret by which their evil magic could be turned against them and banished them whence they came, by means of witchcraft. Thus was broken the pact. But in their leaving the fairies wrought a terrible revenge, destroying the village and transforming to wild beasts the people thereof. Many of the habitants of the nether village hold the story to be true, and indeed it is attested that the older village of Haelstowne was deserted in the 15th century. Furthermore...' After that the text became rather dull, so Arthur stopped reading, The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw a chair and a pair of binoculars. >DROP BOOKS QUESTION -> But which was it to be? But which was it to be? >1 ANSWER -> villages Arthur put down 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple. >DROP BOOKS Arthur put down 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill. >MOVE TAPESTRY Arthur moved the tapestry to reveal a door behind. The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a chair and a pair of binoculars. >E It was completely dark. Arthur could see nothing. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a chair and a pair of binoculars. >X FIREPLACE It had been inserted into the space once occupied by a much larger fireplace that had been bricked up at some point in the long forgotten past. The cast iron fireback looked mid-Victorian. Arthur noticed some ashes in the grate. Arthur saw a matchbox on the hearthstone. >TAKE MATCHBOX Arthur took the matchbox. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >S The drawing room was mainly used for the receiving of visitors and as such it contained the best of the furniture and the most display-worthy of the knick-knacks that had accumulated over the years. A large window looked out over the driveway at the front of the house. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a vase, a chair and a round table (in the middle of the room). >X VASE It was rather an ugly piece of heavy, ruby-coloured Victorian glassware, tall and conical with a wide neck tapering towards a pedestal base. When the sunlight shone through it, it cast a lovely red glow. Arthur noticed a large crack near to where the body of the vase joined the base, which would explain why it was now used for dried and not fresh flowers. It held some dried flowers. >N The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >U Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. >E Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >W Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. >DROP STEPS Arthur put down the set of steps. >E Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >S This was the guest room that was Arthur's for the duration of his stay. Plainly furnished with bed and washstand, and decorated with wall paper that might have been fashionable a century ago, it was nevertheless comfortable and served its purpose well enough. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a handkerchief. >TAKE HANDKERCHIEF Arthur took the handkerchief. >N Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >W Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >STAND ON STEPS Arthur didn't feel moved to attempt that right here and now. >U Arthur climbed the steps rather anxiously, stationed as they at the very top of the stairs. With every creaking footfall he imagined himself toppling over and falling into the jagged wooden throat of the staircase below. He breathed a sigh of relief when he reached the top without incident, and noted that the sill of the window recess was now quite near to him. Arthur enjoyed the view from the top of the steps, musing at the difference a vertical displacement of a mere three feet could make to one's perspective. The ledge of the window recess was just a little above him. He could reach it by going up. >U The recess was a cramped space cut into the thickness of The Vicarage walls. There was a stone ledge below and a low curved roof above, forming a short tunnel that terminated in a window to the north through which Arthur could see the lawn at the back of the house. The landing was down below. Arthur saw the window and a candle holder (empty). >TAKE CANDLE HOLDER Arthur wasn't able to take that. >XX HMM? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >TAKE HOLDER Arthur took the candle holder (empty). >OPEN WINDOW Arthur, with the warning voice of Mrs Taplow ringing in his ears and compelled by he knew not what, struggled with the stiff iron handle and eventually succeeded in opening the window. No sooner had he done so than a gust of wind took the casement and began to toy with it, causing it to swing back and forth before slamming it with a great crash against the outside wall. Arthur winced and peered anxiously at the window. Miraculously, the glass appeared still intact. Arthur felt a dread fear as he hear a door open somewhere below and the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching. He heard someone ascending the steps and a moment later, Mrs Taplow's fingertips appeared on the ledge, followed shortly by the rest of Mrs Taplow. The housekeeper swung herself up and into the recess with the agility of a schoolboy climbing an apple tree. Barely pausing for breath, she pushed past Arthur and, scowling, began the arduous task of trying to shut the window. He could only watch, red-faced, as she clung to the window frame with one hand and leaned out into empty air to try and catch the swinging casement. The recess was a cramped space cut into the thickness of The Vicarage walls. There was a stone ledge below and a low curved roof above, forming a short tunnel that terminated in a window to the north through which Arthur could see the lawn at the back of the house. The landing was down below. Arthur saw the window and Edna Taplow. Mrs Taplow cursed under her breath as the swinging casement eluded her grasp once again. >D Arthur enjoyed the view from the top of the steps, musing at the difference a vertical displacement of a mere three feet could make to one's perspective. The ledge of the window recess was just a little above him. He could reach it by going up. >D Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >D This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >W The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook. A delicious smell of baking filled the air. >X HOOK It was that most useful of artefacts, a hook. It was wrought iron and embedded in the fabric of the wall. A bunch of keys hung from the hook. A delicious smell of baking filled the air. >TAKE KEYS Arthur took the bunch of keys. A delicious smell of baking filled the air. >X RANGE It was the great slab of iron on which all of The Vicarage's meals were cooked and baking done. A delicious smell of baking filled the air. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an empty bucket. >X SINK The sink was a huge, heavy china edifice, like something carved from dinosaur ivory. Every day unspeakable acts were enacted within its cavernous depths in the cause of making the crockery clean. Above it was a single tap. It was empty. >X DRESSER It was an indomitable survivor of the Elizabethan age, so warped, smoke-damaged and riddled with woodworm in ages past that subsequent insults simply glanced off it. Arthur saw that the dresser contained a drawer. >OPEN IT That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >OPEN DRAWER Arthur opened the drawer. It contained a pair of scissors, a clothes peg and some cutlery. >X CUTLERY The drawer was clearly the equivalent of a third class train compartment, with passengers to match: a sad assortment of tarnished blades, bent prongs and cracked ivory handles, only fit for the scullery drawer. One particular knife, a cut above the rest, caught Arthur's eye. >TAKE KNIFE Arthur took the fish knife. >L The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an open drawer (which contained a pair of scissors, a clothes peg and some cutlery), an empty sink, the dresser and an empty bucket. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook. A delicious smell of baking filled the air. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw ashes in the fireplace, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a chair and a pair of binoculars. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >S The drawing room was mainly used for the receiving of visitors and as such it contained the best of the furniture and the most display-worthy of the knick-knacks that had accumulated over the years. A large window looked out over the driveway at the front of the house. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw some dried flowers (in the vase), a vase, a chair and a round table (in the middle of the room). >N The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. From up above, Arthur hear the sound of the window being shut and locked in place at last and a few moments later, footsteps descending the stairs. Mrs Taplow appeared, pausing as she saw Arthur hovering guiltily nearby. "I'll thank you, Mr Mapple, not to go opening windows where it's not warranted!" she said sharply, pushing a loose grey forelock back into place. With a final withering glance, she turned on her heel and hurried off in the direction of the kitchen. Arthur felt suitably chastened. The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >S The drawing room was mainly used for the receiving of visitors and as such it contained the best of the furniture and the most display-worthy of the knick-knacks that had accumulated over the years. A large window looked out over the driveway at the front of the house. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw some dried flowers (in the vase), a vase, a chair and a round table (in the middle of the room). >N The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >U Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >W The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. Arthur saw tiny things dashing by his feet. He supposed they must be beetles of some sort. >UNLOCK DOOR Arthur tried several of the keys in the lock before finding the correct one and unlocking and opening the door. >S Peldash's bedroom was a impersonal place with little to distinguish it from the guest room along the landing. The bed, wash stand and unfashionable wallpaper were almost identical, with the only notable feature being the large wardrobe that dominated the room. It seemed that Peldash only frequented the room to attend to those tedious necessities such as washing one's face, removing one's clothing and falling unconscious, that could not decently be carried out elsewhere. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a bed, a wardrobe (closed), a paperback book and a spectacles case (closed). >X WARDROBE It was a quite unremarkable looking wardrobe with that question-begging property that many a bedroom wardrobe had: namely that of being much taller and wider than either the door or the window. It was rather plain apart from a carved panel at the base, above which were the doors. The wardrobe was closed. >OPEN IT Arthur opened the wardrobe. Arthur noticed some clothes in the wardrobe. Peldash's bedroom was a impersonal place with little to distinguish it from the guest room along the landing. The bed, wash stand and unfashionable wallpaper were almost identical, with the only notable feature being the large wardrobe that dominated the room. It seemed that Peldash only frequented the room to attend to those tedious necessities such as washing one's face, removing one's clothing and falling unconscious, that could not decently be carried out elsewhere. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a bed, a wardrobe (open), clothes (hanging in the wardrobe), a paperback book and a spectacles case (closed). >X PANEL It rather crudely carved with a vine and flower design, definitely not the work of a master craftman. Arthur looked into the open wardrobe and noticed that the base inside was level with the bottom of the doors, above the panel. >X BASE Arthur examined the base of the wardrobe carefully. It seemed solid enough, though he did feel it give a little in the right hand corner at the very back of the wardrobe. >PULL BASE Arthur couldn't get a purchase on the base to pull it. He doubted if it would do any good in any case. >MOVE BASE That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >LIFE BASE Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >LIFT BASE Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >TAKE BASE Arthur wasn't able to take that. >PULL CORNER Pulling the corner seemed a rather pointless pursuit. >LIFT CORNER Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >TAKE CORNER Arthur wasn't able to take that. >MOVE CORNER That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >XX WAIT, HOW DID THIS WORK? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X CORNER Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X BACK Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >PUSH BACK Pushing the back seemed a rather pointless pursuit. >PUSH CORNER Arthur pushed down hard on the corner of the wardrobe and heard a distinct click accompanied by a sharp pain as something hard banged against his shins. He looked down and saw that a hidden drawer in the base of the wardrobe had sprung open. Pushing the corner seemed a rather pointless pursuit. >XX AH, RIGHT! Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >OPEN DRAWER But the drawer was already open. >X DRAWER It was a concealed drawer in the base of the wardrobe, fronted by a carved panel. The drawer was open. It contained a set of robes and a chalice. >X ROBES They were beautifully made from a very heavy, very stiff black silk. They were embroidered all over with strange symbols in silver thread and studded with thousands of tiny coloured jewels. They seemed in excellent condition, but from the style Arthur felt sure that they must be very old. >X CHALICE It was a plain silver chalice with barely anything in the way of embellishment or decoration. >N The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >D This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >W The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and Edna Taplow. A delicious smell of baking filled the air. Mrs Taplow gave a little yelp and rushed over to the range. She grabbed a cloth, opened the great iron door of the oven, and reached into the Hadean depths to withdraw a tray of scones which she deposited with a crash on the stove top. "There!" she said, gesturing at the tray, "Ruined! Whatever will Mrs Drywell have for her tea now, I should like to know?" Arthur was nonplussed: the scones looked perfectly fine to his untrained eye. He considered offering to consume them himself, or asking who Mrs Drywell was, before deciding that the wisest course of action would be to keep his mouth shut. The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw some scones, a hook and Edna Taplow. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an open drawer (which contained a pair of scissors, a clothes peg and some cutlery), an empty sink, the dresser and an empty bucket. >UNLOCK DOOR Arthur tried several of the keys in the lock before finding the correct one and unlocking and opening the door. >E Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >W Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an open drawer (which contained a pair of scissors, a clothes peg and some cutlery), an empty sink, the dresser and an empty bucket. >D It was completely dark. Arthur could see nothing. >U The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an open drawer (which contained a pair of scissors, a clothes peg and some cutlery), an empty sink, the dresser and an empty bucket. >E Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >W Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an open drawer (which contained a pair of scissors, a clothes peg and some cutlery), an empty sink, the dresser and an empty bucket. >E Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >N Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. >W Here the path ran eastwards along the back of the scullery and southwards along the west side of the house. >S The stony path ran northwards past the scullery and southwards to the west door of the house. >S The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. >E Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. >X CAR It was an Austin Seven Tourer, barely two years old, and Arthur's most prized possession. He bewstowed upon it the same affection that, had he been a father, he might have lavished on his child. It squatted proudly on the driveway in its maroon and black livery, the starting handle lolling tongue-like from beneath the front grille. Arthur had the impression of several small things taking flight as he approached the vehicle. He blinked in the sunlight and seeing nothing there, supposed that a fleeting butterfly or moth must have caught his eye. >DRIVE CAR Arthur leaned inside the car and set the controls to the starting position. Arthur grasped the starting handle and turned it smartly, expecting the engine to fire at once. He was surprised that it didn't, and tried to again. Surprise turned to dismay when, on a third attempt, the car still showed no sign of starting. Perplexed, he abandoned the handle and released the bonnet catch, sliding the metal panel up to reveal the engine. In truth, Arthur understood little about the workings of motor cars, but he knew enough to know that the engine had been tampered with. Several bolts appeared to have been loosened, wires had been disconnected and the cap was off the oil reservoir. As he reeled with a terrible sense of personal injury, he sensed rather than saw something brush past him and thought he heard quiet laughter. But when he swung around, there was nobody there. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. >S The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. >E It was a blazing hot day. The sun beat down remorselessly, the flowers wilted in the hedgerows and there was barely a breath of wind. Arthur looked along the long and dusty road to the village, shimmering faintly in the heat, and decided that he didn't much fancy the prospect of walking the five miles to Nether Haelstowne. He would need some means of transport. >W The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. >S The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Arthur noticed many birds flitting in and out of the hedge just here. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. >W Here the earthworks were more prominent and clearly traced the outlines of vanished buildings. Arthur spied a large, unusually shaped depression in the earth a little way off. >S In this flattish area the grass was conspicuously longer than elsewhere, as though these particular ground condition were especially conducive to its growth. As if from nowhere, a ragtag bunch of men and women appeared. They were singing loudly and seemed rather drunk. One of them, a woman in curiously old-fashioned clothing, smiled at him as she passed by. It was a smile with no warmth in it. Arthur looked back and was surprised to see that she was no longer amongst them. >X GRASS Arthur swept his way through the long grass, sending innumerable small creatures fluttering and scurrying out of his way. Presently, he came upon a circular wooden cover set into the ground and partly hidden by the surrounding vegetation. In this flattish area the grass was conspicuously longer than elsewhere, as though these particular ground condition were especially conducive to its growth. Arthur saw a heavy wooden cover. Arthur glanced across the field and saw a group of rabbits nibbling the grass nearby. They barely stirred as he passed, although Arthur was aware of their eyes watching him. He had a peculiar, fleeting impression of voices, as of something remembered rather than heard. Arthur shook his head, put his hands in his pockets and trudged on. >TAKE COVER The wooden cover was far too large and heavy for Arthur to pick up and carry around with him. >LIFT COVER Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >PULL COVER Arthur grasped the iron ring in the middle of the cover and pulled with all his might. At first it wouldn't budge but eventually, he succeeded in lifting it and inching it aside. Beneath was a gaping black hole that stared back at Arthur like a single, unblinking eye. In this flattish area the grass was conspicuously longer than elsewhere, as though these particular ground condition were especially conducive to its growth. Arthur saw a heavy wooden cover and a hole in the ground. A swarm of butterflies appeared from nowhere and fluttered about Arthur. One landed on his sleeve and he watched its wings open and close slowly and the long black tongue unfurl and begin to probe uselessly at the tweed of his jacket. And then an instant later, it had taken to the air and vanished along with its fellows. >X HOLE It was simply a hole in the ground. >N Arthur felt that he shouldn't leave the hole in the ground uncovered - heaven knew what or who might end up down there - so he grasped the ring and inched the cover back into place before leaving. Here the earthworks were more prominent and clearly traced the outlines of vanished buildings. Arthur spied a large, unusually shaped depression in the earth a little way off. >E Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. A group of people staggered by. They were an incongruous bunch - some looked ordinary enough but other were curiously dressed and had a peculiar insubstantial quality about them. They all seemed incredibly drunk. Arthur was aware of eyes watching him wherever he went. The place seemed alive with small creatures that did not seem to threaten but rather to tolerate his presence there, for the time being. >E The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. >X VANE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X CHURCH The 13th century church of St Wilfrid's was a crooked sandstone building with a slate roof and a crenellated tower, from which emerged the steeple. It was one of those buildings that seemed always to have been there and would always so remain. On top of the steeple, Arthur spotted a weather vane. >X WEATHER VANE The weather vane was too far away for Arthur to see much detail. >I Arthur was carrying a matchbox, a candle holder (empty), a fish knife, a bunch of keys and a handkerchief. >XX OOPS THOUGHT I TOOK THE BINOCS Arthur was carrying a matchbox, a candle holder (empty), a fish knife, a bunch of keys and a handkerchief. >N There were still a few crumbling headstones visible in this part of the graveyard, like broken teeth poking through the long grass, but most of the older graves were now no more than forgotten memories slumbering away the centuries in this quiet place. Arthur noticed a depression in the earth a little way off. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). >S The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). >E The porch was an Elizabethan tile and timber construction grafted onto the original fabric of the church and serving as a rudimentary shelter from the wind and rain. There were stone benches at either side and a badly weathered noticeboard with a few damp and faded notices pinned to it. The churchyard was west and the entrance to the church east. >E Arthur stood at the eastern end of the church. The interior of St Wilfrid's had survived the Victorian mania for architectural restoration that had marred many others; it remained for the most part marvellously, lopsidedly unimproved. It's thick masonry was pierced at intervals by irregularly placed windows that illuminated the medieval woodwork and tombstone-clad floor with haphazard shafts of light. The very walls, witness as they had been to all the joys and tragedies of human existence, seemed to exude a focused, hushed calm. The bell tower was directly above and to the east Arthur saw the nave with its rows of pews on either side. The way out was west and the chancel lay to the east. Arthur saw bell ropes and ordinary oak pews. >E Here, beyond a medieval rood screen painted with images of saints, the chancel of the ancient church was dominated by the monumental tombs of the Molyneux family. High up in the west wall was an unusual stained glass triptych window through which light streamed and shattered into coloured shards across the stonework below, lending a peculiarly lifelike appearance to the effigies slumbering there. To the west was the nave. Arthur saw funerary monuments and a triptych of stained glass. >W Arthur stood at the eastern end of the church. The interior of St Wilfrid's had survived the Victorian mania for architectural restoration that had marred many others; it remained for the most part marvellously, lopsidedly unimproved. It's thick masonry was pierced at intervals by irregularly placed windows that illuminated the medieval woodwork and tombstone-clad floor with haphazard shafts of light. The very walls, witness as they had been to all the joys and tragedies of human existence, seemed to exude a focused, hushed calm. The bell tower was directly above and to the east Arthur saw the nave with its rows of pews on either side. The way out was west and the chancel lay to the east. Arthur saw bell ropes and ordinary oak pews. >W The porch was an Elizabethan tile and timber construction grafted onto the original fabric of the church and serving as a rudimentary shelter from the wind and rain. There were stone benches at either side and a badly weathered noticeboard with a few damp and faded notices pinned to it. The churchyard was west and the entrance to the church east. >W The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). >W Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder and, glancing round, was surprised to see a robin perching there. It looked at him with black, unfathomable eyes, chirped once and then flew away. He watched it disappear across the field and vanish into the distance. >S Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. >N Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. >E The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). >S Arthur wandered amongst lonely tombstones. Some little effort had been made to keep the place tidy, but still it had the air of solemn neglect common to country graveyards. The grass grew long and ivy spilled in a great black tide from the trunk of an ancient yew tree, smothering a ruined sepulchre beneath. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). >X IVY It was a thick mass of entangled, dark-leaved ivy that descended in enormous quantities from the trunk of the yew and spread like a thick black wave across the monument beneath. Arthur noticed a bicycle that seemed to have been carelessly tossed aside and had been almost submerged in the ivy. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >N The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. A tiny shrew shot across Arthur's path, causing him to shriek in surprise. It paused for just an instant and seemed to look at him rather crossly, before disappearing into a hole in the ground. Arthur, somewhat shaken, felt a little embarrased at his reaction. >N Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Arthur noticed many birds flitting in and out of the hedge just here. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. At a little distance, Arthur saw two people quarrelling violently. He was generally relucant to intervene in domestic affairs but felt he had to when the woman pulled back her fist and punched her companion in the face. He ran over but as he approached they stopped fighting and ran away, leaving blood on the ground. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Here the stony path led westwards along the back of The Vicarage and southwards towards the back door. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Arthur saw Sidney Thurgood. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >X SIDNEY He was a stocky fellow with a face like a crumpled bedsheet. He wore a perpetually downcast expression and was never to be seen without his cap. >ASK SIDNEY ABOUT BIKE Arthur wouldn't ASK [CHARACTER] ABOUT anything but instead would simply ASK [CHARACTER] and they would respond according to the place and time. >XX AH, HELPFUL! Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >ASK SIDNEY Arthur showed the dilapidated bicycle to Mr Thurgood.n"I wonder, Mr Thurgood, if you would happen to know anything about bicycles? I found this one in the graveyard, beneath some ivy - goodness know how long it's been there - and, well, mechanical things are not completely, ah..." he tailed off limply, rather embarrassed at admitting to a lack of competence. Thurgood, embarrased in turn, squatted down and peered at the bicycle. "Nothing there that can't be easily mended, Mr Mapple," he mumbled from beneath his cap. "A new chain and that there wheel straightened out and she'll be right as ninepence." He stood, a little unsteadily, and without another word took the bicycle and disappeared in the direction of the cottage. >XX "MR THURGOOD.N" IS A TYPO Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >W Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >N Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. >W Here the path ran eastwards along the back of the scullery and southwards along the west side of the house. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. >S Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >E The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. >N The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. >N This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. As he stood looking at the flowers, Arthur had a sudden, powerful sensation of being watched. He thought he saw something move out of the corner of his eye, and imagined he heard a faint sound, like mocking laughter. But when he turned, there was nobody there. In spite of the warm sunshine, he shivered. This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. >X FRAME It was a timber frame with a glazed lid, designed to protect tender young plants from the weather during the cold months. Arthur could see a pair of gardening gauntlets inside. This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame and a pair of gardening gauntlets (inside the cold frame). >OPEN IT Arthur opened the cold frame. >TAKE GAUNTLETS Arthur took the pair of gardening gauntlets. >X FRAME It was a timber frame with a glazed lid, designed to protect tender young plants from the weather during the cold months. >X LID The lid of the cold frame was a simple timber construction, hinged at the back and holding a couple of panes of plate glass. Arthur noticed that one of the panes was rather loose. >TAKE PANE Arthur set to work on the lid of the cold frame. The timber strips holding the loose pane in place had rotted and Arthur made quick work of removing them; in a moment he had released the glass and held it proudly in his hands. He fretted a little over what Mr Thurgood would make of this vandalism and hoped the gardener wouldn't notice for a while. Luckily, there wasn't much call for a cold frame at this time of the year. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >L This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. >NE This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. >N This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. >W The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw some tools, a stub of candle and Sidney Thurgood. Mr Thurgood was there, tinkering with the bicycle. He looked up and nodded briefly as Arthur entered."Be done in a jiffy Mr Mapple, just hot to get this old chain off first..." He swore loudly as the wrench he was using slipped and bashed his knuckles. >TAKE STUB Arthur wasn't able to take that. >TAKE CANDLE Arthur took the stub of candle. Mr Thurgood, having finally overcome the reluctance of the shiny new chain to allow itself to be fitted to the grimy old bicycle, stepped back and wiped his brow. He then turned his attention to buckled wheel. With a little pressure applied to the rim the wheel became tolerably straight. Mr Thurgood turned it on its axle, grunted in satisfaction and began to reattach it to the frame. >ASK THURGOOD "Mr Thurgood!" cried Arthur, rather desperately, "My car! Do you known what's happened to it? "Mr Thurgood scratched his scalp through his cap. "I reckon as you'd better tell me, Mr Mapple" "It's been, well - interfered with. It won't start at all! Do you know anything about motor vehicles?" Arthur looked doubtfully at the disassembled pieces of the petrol mower and Mr Thurgood's oily hands and hoped the man might be as adept at putting things back together as he was at taking them apart. "I don't know as I do, Mr Mapple. But I can have a look at it when I've finished with the potting." Arthur felt a distinct sinking feeling and wondered if he'd ever see the Austin Seven on the road again. >ASK THURGOOD "Mr Thurgood, could you tell me where you were the night that Reverend Peldash disappeared?" "I would have been at the Settle, Mr Mapple. Lighting the Beltane fire." He meant the mound a few miles to the south of the village, know as The Devil's Settle. "That's an old custom around these parts, I believe." "That it is, Mr Mapple." He didn't seem minded to elaborate, so Arthur pushed on. "And afterwards? Were you there all evening?" "No, Mr Mapple. After we'd done with the lighting we went back to The Myrour for a few. There's always a celebration on Beltane night." "I see. And what time did you come back here?" "T'would have been after midnight by the time I'd cycled back from the village. Terrible storm there was brewing, I remember that. Came out of nowhere and broke just as I came inside. Thunder I've never heard the like of, like the sky was cracking clean across. I..." Mr Thurgood's face became distant for a moment, before adopting its usual, closed expression. "Yes?" Prompted Arthur, encouragingly. He felt as though the gardener had more to say. "Nothing else, Mr Mapple. I went to bed and didn't wake till morn. I'd...well, I'd had quite a few to drink you see, it being a special occasion and all..." He looked rather embrarassed to admit it, so Arthur didn't pursue. "Thank you, Mr Thurgood. That is most helpful." The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw some tools and Sidney Thurgood. Mr Thurgood tightened a final bolt and then stood back in evident satisfaction. "Good as new, Mr Mapple." he said, wiping his hands on an oily rag. He gave a final nod to Arthur and left the outbuilding. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >E This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >SW This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >X SUNDIAL It was a brass sundial with roman numerals etched around the face and a stylised image of the sun in the centre. Arthur looked at the unusual design and saw that it actually depicted two outspread hands held together the at the wrists, with the fingers spreading out like the rays of the sun. It was set into the top of a stone pillar, at the base of which was a plinth decorated with a mosaic. >X MOSAIC It was a detailed piece of master craftmanship, depicting a procession of fantastical creatures - half animal, half-human - against a backdrop of twisting vines and colourful flowers. One of the large tessera that made up a flower petal caught Arthur's eye as it glinted in the sunlight. Examining it more closely, he realised that it was a piece of a mirror. >N The potting shed was an example of jerry building at its finest: each wall seemed to have started life as part of some other structure, the roof was a dangerous construction of corrugated iron and asbestos and the two large windows at the front were of different shapes and sizes. The whole leaned alarmingly to one side but somehow it contrived to stay upright. There was a unique and powerful stench of creosote and compost that quite took the breath away. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw potted seedlings, Sidney Thurgood, a garden fork and a pair of shears. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >ASK THURGOOD "I hope someone has been taking care of the church since Reverend Peldash disappeared" said Arthur conversationally. "Ernest Snapewell will be seeing to that Mr Mapple." "Snapewell?" "The verger. He'll be keeping an eye on things right enough." >ASK THURGOOD "Did Reverend Peldash have a motor car?" asked Arthur. He hadn't seen any sign of one since he'd been there. "No." replied Mr Thurgood. "Well, how does one normally get to the village then? It's a fair way." "We walks, Mr Mapple, or goes by bicycle. And Marjorie Drywell comes along most days to give Edna a lift." >ASK THURGOOD "Was there anything unusual about the Reverend Peldash," enquired Arthur. "How do you mean?" asked Thurgood. Arthur realised that he wasn't quite sure what he meant. "Well...different. Out of the ordinary. Anything at all that might account for his disappearance." "I can't say as there was," said Mr Thurgood. >ASK THURGOOD "Have you been gardener here for a long time, Mr Thurgood?" asked Arthur, by way of making conversation. "Since I was a lad, alongside my father. And my father alongside his, in his time. There's always been a Thurgood at The Vicarage, same as there's always been a Taplow." "Always?" echoed Arthur. "As near as folks can tell." >ASK THURGOOD Arthur asked a question but Mr Thurgood just mumbled something inaudible from under his flat cap. >L The potting shed was an example of jerry building at its finest: each wall seemed to have started life as part of some other structure, the roof was a dangerous construction of corrugated iron and asbestos and the two large windows at the front were of different shapes and sizes. The whole leaned alarmingly to one side but somehow it contrived to stay upright. There was a unique and powerful stench of creosote and compost that quite took the breath away. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw potted seedlings, Sidney Thurgood, a garden fork and a pair of shears. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >X SHEARS They were an old and faithful pair of shears that Mr Thurgood kept sharp and well-oiled. >X FORK It was an ordinary garden fork. The wooden handle was split and the tines were out of true, but it had life in it yet. >X SEEDLINGS There were numerous young potted plants in various stages of growth, some just sending out their first tender shoots and other rapidly outgrowing their containers and ready to plant out. Many of the pots were standing in trays to catch the excess from watering. Arthur notice an unusual looking tray in which several pots were standing. He removed these and placed them on the bench alongside, revealing a fine porcelain dish. >X TRAY Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X DISH It was a rectangular porcelain dish with four dimples in square formation in the base and one corner moulded into a spout. The moniker 'Haresnape and Balls' was emblazoned on the base. It was empty. >S From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a fragment of mirror and a sundial. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. The light dimmed suddenly as he left the potting shed. Glancing at the sky, Arthur watched a lid of cloud slide across the bright disk of the sun, like an eyelid blinking shut. There was a rumble of thunder, far off and yet powerful enough that Arthur could have sworn he felt the earth tremble beneath his feet. A moment later a sudden deluge soaked him to the skin. And then, in an instant, the sky cleared and the sun shone brightly once more. From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a fragment of mirror and a sundial. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. The sense of an invisible, crackling energy filling the atmosphere was very strong here. Arthur felt a definite sense of presence although his eyes told him quite plainly that there was nothing there with him, except the darting things that he took to be insects, constantly fluttering and vanishing around him. >W From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a fragment of mirror and a sundial. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Here the stony path led westwards along the back of The Vicarage and southwards towards the back door. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >DROP BIKE Arthur carefully laid the bicycle down. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. >E Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >W Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. >N The stony path ran northwards past the scullery and southwards to the west door of the house. >S The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw ashes in the fireplace, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a chair and a pair of binoculars. >OPEN MATCHBOX Arthur opened the matchbox. It contained some matches. >TAKE MATCH Arthur took a match from the box. >LIGHT MATCH Arthur struck the match against the box and it flared immediately. The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw ashes in the fireplace, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a chair and a pair of binoculars. >PUT CANDLE IN HOLDER Arthur fixed the candle into the holder. >LIGHT CANDLE Arthur lit the candle. The match burned down to Arthur's fingers; hastily he shook it out and discarded the burnt match. The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw ashes in the fireplace, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a chair and a pair of binoculars. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, a closed cupboard and a notice. >X NOTICE It was a printed notice stuck to the wall. It seemed to have been cut from a publication of some sort. >READ IT The notice said: 'RED LIGHT ONLY' >X BENCH It was ancient and heavy, with such an air of enduring permanence that one could imagine it has occupied the same spot before the house existed, and the latter was built around it. Upon the bench, Arthur found a dusty old book. >X BOOK It was an old volume, bound in heavy paper and bearing the scars of frequent use. Its spine was cracked, its pages creased and dog-eared and the cover carried innumerable stains. Like all really useful books, its infirmities were proof of its indispensibility. >READ IT But Arthur didn't have it. >TAKE BOOK Arthur took Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >READ IT Arthur opened the book and began to read from the top of the page. '...precautions are taken, cyanide is a perfectly harmless chemical that may be handled quite freely. SAFELIGHTING On no account should undeveloped photosensitive materials be exposed to ordinary 'white' light, which would ruin them by uncontrolled exposure - a costly and irreparable mistake. However, black and white orthochromatic film is insensitive to red wavelengths and so a red light source can safely be used to process films and prints in the darkroom. PRINTING Printing from photographic film negatives is a straightforward process by which even the amateur, with practice and industry, may produce high quality pictures. There are two main techniques: contact printing and enlargement printing. CONTACT PRINTING This technique has not only the virtues of being relatively simple and requiring no special equipment, but also of producing detailed prints from large-format negatives (120 or 'Brownie' film). The basic process is as follows: 1. A sheet of photographic paper is placed on the worksurface. 2. The negatives are are cut up and placed face-downwards upon the photographic sheet. 3. A sheet of glass is placed atop both, to hold the negatives in place. 4. The arrangement is exposed to light for the requisite time (see Fig.31(b). The negatives may then be removed and the exposed sheet developed in the usual way.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, a closed cupboard and a notice. >DROP IT Arthur put down Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >X LINES They were lengths of twine spanning the length of the darkroom, evidently intended as a place to hang newly processed photographic materials to dry. >X CUPBOARD It was a simple, wooden cupboard attached to the wall above the workbench. The cupboard was closed. >OPEN IT Arthur tried and failed to open the cupboard. The door was ill fitting He could see no keyhole, so it seemed that it was not locked. Rather, he guessed, the wood of the door must have swelled a little and jammed in the frame. Arthur fancied that if he had a blade he could use that to lever it open. >LEVER CUPBOARD WITH KNIFE The fish knife had been made for better things, but nevertheless Arthur jammed it between the door and the frame of the cupboard, and succeeded in levering it open. The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a roll of film, a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), Practical Techniques in Modern Photography and a notice. >X LIGHTSWITCH It was an unremarkable lump of bakelite, whose sole purpose was to effect the turning on and off of the electric light. >X CUPBOARD It was a simple, wooden cupboard attached to the wall above the workbench. The cubboard was open. It contained a roll of film, a bottle and a flask. >TURN ON SWITCH That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >PULL SWITCH Pulling the switch seemed a rather pointless pursuit. >PUSH TWITCH Pushing the twitch seemed a rather pointless pursuit. >PULL SWITCH Pulling the switch seemed a rather pointless pursuit. >L The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a roll of film, a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), Practical Techniques in Modern Photography and a notice. >TURN ON LIGHT Arthur switched on the light. The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a roll of film, a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), Practical Techniques in Modern Photography and a notice. >XX I'VE REALIZED I'M NOT SURE WHETHER THIS LIGHT IS RED OR WHITE That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >X LIGHT Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw ashes in the fireplace, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a chair and a pair of binoculars. >I Arthur was carrying a pane of glass, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a bunch of keys, a handkerchief and a pair of gardening gauntlets. >DROP PANE Arthur put down the pane of glass. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw some scones, a hook and Edna Taplow. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an open drawer (which contained a pair of scissors, a clothes peg and some cutlery), an empty sink, the dresser and an empty bucket. >E Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >N Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >E The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. >N The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. >N This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. >NE This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. >N This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. >W The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw some tools. >X TOOLS They were the sorts of tools that one might expect to find in a handiman's workshop at a country vicarage. Arthur picked out the more useful-seeming amongst them. The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw a lump hammer, a screwdriver and a chisel. >TAKE CHISEL Arthur took the chisel. >E This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. >S This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. >SW This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. >S The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. >E Here the stony path led westwards along the back of The Vicarage and southwards towards the back door. >W The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. >N The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. >E From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a fragment of mirror and a sundial. >LEVER MIRROR Arthur managed to work the blade of the fish knife under the edge of the glass fragment and gently levered it loose. >TAKE MIRROR Arthur took the fragment of mirror. >W This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. >S The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. >W Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >W Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an open drawer (which contained a pair of scissors, a clothes peg and some cutlery), an empty sink, the dresser and an empty bucket. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw some scones, a hook and Edna Taplow. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a chair and a pair of binoculars. >DROP KEYS Arthur put down the bunch of keys. >TAKE BINOCS Arthur wasn't able to take that. >TAKE BINOCULARS Arthur took the pair of binoculars. >I Arthur was carrying an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a fragment of mirror, a chisel and a pair of binoculars. >DROP MIRROR Arthur put down the fragment of mirror. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw some scones, a hook and Edna Taplow. >D Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an open drawer (which contained a pair of scissors, a clothes peg and some cutlery), an empty sink, the dresser and an empty bucket. >D The cellar passage was a narrow, brick lined corridor that lead into darkness. It was very cold down there. The walls were crusted with salt and blind white spiders scuttled in cobwebbed corners. Arthur couldn't help but shiver. The passage led eastwards and the stairs upwards to the scullery. >E The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates. >X CRATES There were numerous crates and boxes containing old crockery, ornaments, pictures and other such miscellanea that had fallen from grace and relinquished the right to a place above stairs. A crate containing photographic equipment caught Arthur's eye. Arthur had been interested in photography as a boy although he had not progressed much beyond Brownie snaps or the most basic arts of the darkroom before the war had came along and put an abrupt end to childhood. Another crate contained dozens of plates, separated by sheets of newspaper. >X EQUIPMENT There were various lenses and fittings, mostly of Victorian vintage. Amongst the brick a brack, Arthur turned up an old Box Brownie camera. >TAKE CAMERA Arthur took the Box Brownie camera. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel and a pair of binoculars. >L The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. >X PLATS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X PLATES Beneath their thick envelope of dust, they appeared shiny and barely used. Arthur wondered briefly at that irrational human urge to manufacture things in such vastly wasteful quantities. There had not been produced enough cakes and sandwiches since time began to occupy the number of plates that streamed from the Potteries each year. The plates were separated from each other by sheets of paper. >TAKE PLATE Arthur didn't see the point in taking that with him. >S The coal cellar was as plain and functional as a room set aside for the storing of dirty black stuff should be. Arthur saw bare brick walls and a heap of coal glinting in the flickering light. An entrance led north to the cellar room. Arthur saw a heap of coal. >X HEAP It was a pile of perfectly ordinary household coal. Arthur looked closely and saw a sooty old shovel camouflaged effectively against the coal. >TAKE SHOVEL Arthur took the shovel. >N The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. >W The cellar passage was a narrow, brick lined corridor that lead into darkness. It was very cold down there. The walls were crusted with salt and blind white spiders scuttled in cobwebbed corners. Arthur couldn't help but shiver. The passage led eastwards and the stairs upwards to the scullery. >U The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an open drawer (which contained a pair of scissors, a clothes peg and some cutlery), an empty sink, the dresser and an empty bucket. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw some scones, a hook and Edna Taplow. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a bunch of keys, a chair and a fragment of mirror. >DROP SHOVEL Arthur put down the shovel. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a roll of film, a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), Practical Techniques in Modern Photography and a notice. >OPEN CAMERA Arthur opened the flap at the rear of the camera and saw that the chamber was empty. >PUT FILM IN CAMERA But Arthur didn't have anything to load the camera with. >TAKE FILM Arthur took the roll of film. >PUT FILM IN CAMERA It had been many years since Arthur had loaded a Brownie, but his fingers remembered what to do. He pulled out the winding key to release the inner chamber and the metal box slid into his hand. He fixed the spool of film into the holder in the top of the box and threaded the film across the rollers and into the slot in the empty reel beneath. He then slotted the inner back into the body of the camera and pushed it home with a click. >CLOSE CAMERA Arthur closed the flap at the back of the camera. >X CAMERA It was a Box Brownie camera similar to the one that Arthur had as a boy, old and grimy but seemingly in working order. Arthur felt a pang of nostalgia as he handled the chunky, leatherette-covered casing. There was a button that operated the shutter, a winder, and an indicator window set into the back flap, in which the frame number appeared when the camera was wound and loaded. The camera was closed. The indicator window was blank. >WIND CAMERA Arthur turned the winding key until the number 1 appeared in the indicator window. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a shovel, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a bunch of keys, a chair and a fragment of mirror. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel and a pair of binoculars. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >S The drawing room was mainly used for the receiving of visitors and as such it contained the best of the furniture and the most display-worthy of the knick-knacks that had accumulated over the years. A large window looked out over the driveway at the front of the house. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw some dried flowers (in the vase), a vase, a chair and a round table (in the middle of the room). >N The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw some scones, a hook and Edna Taplow. >ASK EDNA "Perhaps, Mrs Taplow, you might be able to tell me about the night Reverend Peldash disappeared?" said Arthur in business-like fashion. The old housekeeper stiffened. "I don't know as I've any more to say than I told the other gentleman, Mr Mapple," she said, busying herself conspicuously. "Yes, I've read your statement" said Arthur, "but I should still like to hear it for myself." "Very well Mr Mapple - if you insist." She sighed. "It was the first of May, Beltane as it's still known around these parts. I'd been down in the village, watching the fire being away on The Settle..." "The Settle?" repeated Arthur. "You mean the Devil's Settle?" Arthur had done a little homework; it was the mound to the south of the village. "That's right Mr Mapple. There's always a fire lit at sunset on May Day. An old tradition. There's a celebration in the village; you can see the fire from there." "And was Reverend Peldash there also?" asked Arthur. "No," she said. "The Reverend always said as how he didn't hold with such rites. Anyway, I was back here at The Vicarage by 10 o'clock, Marjorie Drywell having drove me back. I looked in the drawing room and the study and found Reverend Peldash wasn't there." "Did you look anywhere else?" asked Arthur. "Could he perhaps have gone to bed?" "I keep the Reverend's house, Mr Mapple, not his person," replied Mrs Taplow tartly. "But I was sure he wouldn't have gone to bed. He always kept late hours. So, I locked the door, expecting he'd come back in his own good time and knowing he had his own key, and I went to my bed." "I see. And the following morning you found he hadn't returned?" "That's not quite all, Mr Mapple." She hesitated for a moment. "You see, I was woken in the night by a great clap of thunder. Terrible, it was - like an earthquake. Scared me dreadful it did." "How extraordinary," said Arthur. "Just a storm, Mr Mapple. There's often strange weather around that time of year. Foretells of a hot summer, more often than not. Anyway, being awake I heard more noise below. I got up and went downstairs to check that all was in order, and I heard someone in the study. 'Reverend Peldash' I called, and he answered." "You heard his voice?" said Arthur. "Indeed I did, Mr Mapple," replied Mrs Taplow. "From the study. 'Is all well in there, Reverend?' says I, as there was something in his voice, I can't say what it was, that made me think all might not be. 'Yes,' he replies, 'quite alright, thank you Mrs Taplow. You may go back to bed.'. 'Very well Reverend,' I says, and so I did and, it being late, went straight off to sleep. Only I was woke again a little while later by someone leaving the house. The Reverend again, it must have been." "He went out again?" asked Arthur. It seemed most puzzling. "Do you know why?" "I do not, Mr Mapple, and it's hardly my place to wonder. I keep house, and that is all. Anyway, that was the last I heard of him for when I came down in the morning the Reverend was nowhere to be seen and I haven't set eyes on him since." "I see," said Arthur thoughtfully. "Thank you Mrs Taplow. I think that will be all for the present." The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw some scones, a hook and Edna Taplow. >ASK EDNA "Mr Thurgood seems a handy sort of fellow," said Arthur, conversationally. " Tell me, have you know him for a long time?" "Sidney? Why I've known him since he was a babe. He's reliable enough, Mr Mapple, though not quite the man his father was." There was something almost wistful in Mrs Taplow's tone. "Oh?" Arthur promoted. Mrs Taplow's expression closed and she carried on with her work rather hurriedly. "A bit too fond of the bottle, Mr Mapple. Like most of the men in the village. Seems to have got worse, mind, since the Reverend disappeared. But there now: I'm not one to tell tales." >ASK EDNA Arthur asked Mrs Taplow about the mound to the south of the village that he'd seen on his drive up. "The Devil's Settle you must mean, Mr Mapple. It's where they light the beacon at Beltane. You can see that fire for miles around." "And have you ever been there yourself, Mrs Taplow?" "Not since I was a girl. There's no reason, it being such a lonely old place." Arthur pondered for a few moments. "It's an unusual name. Do know what it means?" "Why, the Devil's Seat of course," she replied, "but I wouldn't go taking too much notice of names, Mr Mapple. There's a lot of foolishness talked about such things in these parts. Superstitions and the like. Best to take no notice of it. >ASK EDNA "I suppose you must have know many of Reverend Peldash's predecessors,"said Arthur. "Indeed, Mr Taplow. They've come and gone, and I've kept house for them all." "And how does Reverend Peldash compare? To the previous incumbents, I mean." Mrs Taplow hesitated for just a second. "Oh, no better and no worse, Mr Taplow. That's all" >ASK EDNA "Mrs Taplow, do you know anything about faeries?" "Faeries?", she repeated a little sharply, "Whatever do you mean Mr Mapple?" "Oh nothing," he replied, "Just something I heard. >ASK EDNA Arthur felt that he had exhausted the conversational potential of the Mrs Taplow. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an open drawer (which contained a pair of scissors, a clothes peg and some cutlery), an empty sink, the dresser and an empty bucket. >E Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >N Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Here the path ran eastwards along the back of the scullery and southwards along the west side of the house. >E Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >E The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. >N The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. >N This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >NE This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. >N This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. >W The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw a lump hammer and a screwdriver. >E This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. >S This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. >S This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. >E From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. >N The potting shed was an example of jerry building at its finest: each wall seemed to have started life as part of some other structure, the roof was a dangerous construction of corrugated iron and asbestos and the two large windows at the front were of different shapes and sizes. The whole leaned alarmingly to one side but somehow it contrived to stay upright. There was a unique and powerful stench of creosote and compost that quite took the breath away. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw potted seedlings, an empty porcelain dish, Sidney Thurgood, a garden fork and a pair of shears. Arthur saw tiny things dashing by his feet. He supposed they must be beetles of some sort. >ASK SIDNEY Arthur asked a question but Mr Thurgood just mumbled something inaudible from under his flat cap. >S From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. >SW Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. >SAVE QUESTION -> Save Game Save Game >1 ANSWER -> 1 QUESTION -> Overwrite Contents of Save Slot 1? Overwrite Contents of Save Slot 1? >1 ANSWER -> yes Saved Game In Slot 1 >U Arthur climbed up the rockery. Here a little more sunshine broke through the canopy, scattering light across the rocks beneath. The shrubs grew rather more thickly up here, around the little stand of rhododendron trees that crowned the summit. A rough path between the stones threaded its way down the rockery. >X TREES They were rhododendron trees, barely taller than Arthur and in full bloom. Above, they frothed with pretty white flowers whilst below,their closely spaced trunks seemed designed to conceal. >ENTER TREES Arthur, feeling a little foolish, forced his way through the foliage and between the trunks of the rhododendron trees, catching himself on a twig and tearing his jacket as he did so. Arthur was amongst the shadows beneath the rhododendron trees, looking out onto the rockery. There was a strange, expectant atmosphere as of things waiting to happen. There was a way out to the top of the rockery. >WAIT Arthur waited. To be crouching amongst the closely spaced, spiky branches of the rhododendron trees was proving to be rather uncomfortable, and Arthur was about to leave his confines when a small creature landed nearby. He looked and found that he could not see it quite clearly, though it was quite near to him. He looked harder, and suddenly his vision cleared. He caught his breath and felt a sudden rush to the head: the effect, no doubt, of seeing something that simply could not be. For there before him, quite plainly, was the tiny yet perfectly formed figure of a man. >X MAN It was a man in miniature, a diminutive figure clad in a curiously old-fashioned outfit of belted tunic and hose, shapeless leather shoes and a low-crowned felt hat. It had delicate features and piercing eyes that constantly darted back and forth, as though ever alert for danger. Arthur was entranced by its beauty, but there was something in its sharp, bright features that struck a chord of fear in him. The little man seemed wary, glancing about him as he floated across the rockery. He turned his gaze towards the shadows beneath the trees and Arthur felt piercing eyes slide across him like a blade against the flesh. The creature stared for a moment longer and its mouth twisted into the faintest smile. Arthur was gripped with cold fear. >X MAN It was a man in miniature, a diminutive figure clad in a curiously old-fashioned outfit of belted tunic and hose, shapeless leather shoes and a low-crowned felt hat. It had delicate features and piercing eyes that constantly darted back and forth, as though ever alert for danger. Arthur was entranced by its beauty, but there was something in its sharp, bright features that struck a chord of fear in him. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. The little man drew a tiny horn from inside his tunic, put it to his lips and blew. There was no sound - perhaps, reasoned Arthur, it was too high for human ears to detect - and presently a whole chattering company of little people appeared, floating like dandelion seeds around the hornblower. >Z Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. The rest of the little people drew forth instruments and began to play. Arthur strained to hear but could detect no sound, except perhaps for a faint whisper of voices, as high and thin as the breeze that stirred the tops of the trees. The whole company laughed and played and danced before him in a silent tableau. Arthur noticed a curious quality of flatness about them as though they were figures in a painting or cut from paper. He fancied that if he had the courage to try and touch them, his hand would pass straight through. >TAKE PHOTO Arthur wasn't able to take that. >PRESS BUTTON Arthur pushed the button and the camera clicked. At the sound of the camera shutter, the little people froze and several tiny heads snapped towards the trees where Arthur was hiding. He saw their faces full of malice and turned cold inside. The whole company suddenly flew up into the air, hovered above the rockery for an instant and the next moment were gone. >OUT With some relief, Arthur left the dark and cramped space beneath the rhododendron trees. Tiny things seemed to flit and scamper away from him as he emerged onto the top of the rockery. Here a little more sunshine broke through the canopy, scattering light across the rocks beneath. The shrubs grew rather more thickly up here, around the little stand of rhododendron trees that crowned the summit. A rough path between the stones threaded its way down the rockery. Tiny human-like creatures floated like thistle-down all around Arthur. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >D Arthur scrambled down the rockery. The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. >W This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. >S The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. >E Here the stony path led westwards along the back of The Vicarage and southwards towards the back door. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. >S Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. >W Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. As Arthur set foot on the drive he heard the tooting of a horn and leapt back as a motorized tricycle rocketed up the drive and stopped in a great cloud of sputtering smoke and a scattering of gravel alongside the Austin Seven. It was an extraordinary thing with high seats and three very large spoked wheels. It was steered by a handle set atop a horizontal wheel, while a long lever operated the brake. It would have looked more at home in a museum than on the open road. The driver, a woman in leather gloves and goggles, said something that Arthur couldn't hear over the noise of the engine and a moment later Mrs Taplow appeared around the side of the house, wearing a pair of driving goggles and clutching a basket. Ignoring Arthur, she greeted the driver and swung herself up into the vehicle, depositing her basket in the back. The engine roared noisily, the driver turned the vehicle around and they roared away down the drive, taking the narrow gateway at reckless speed, and then out into the lane and away. Arthur was left with a taste of petrol fumes in his mouth and smoke in his eyes, wondering if it was still legal to drive such a thing. Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. >S The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur saw a bicycle. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >XX OK, I THINK THAT'S PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING I'D DONE TO THIS POINT! Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >E Arthur mounted the bicycle and set off along the road to Nether Haelstowne At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. A group of people staggered by. They were an incongruous bunch - some looked ordinary enough but other were curiously dressed and had a peculiar insubstantial quality about them. They all seemed incredibly drunk. Arthur was on the bicycle. >X ROAD Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X LANE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur felt something crawl up his trouser leg and naturally panicked, jumping about and patting the area wildly. A moment later, he felt a sharp pain in his shin and saw a tiny person emerge from his clothing and float away. Arthur rode along the road to Nether Haelstowne, enjoying the unique, exhilarating sense of freedom that only cycling can bring. The weather was glorious, the birds were singing, the air was thick with the scents of high summer and for one brief moment Arthur felt entirely happy and carefree. Three seconds later, the world turned upside down. Arthur awoke and opened his eyes, unable to see anything until a dark shape blotted out the sun. With a bit of a struggle, he bought into focus the face that was looking down at him. "Oh, so you're not dead." The voice was somewhat brusque. "Thanks heavens. That would have been all I needed!" Arthur struggled upright and found that he was at the bottom of a shallow and thankfully dry ditch at the side of the road. He spotted his bicycle a little distance away, and vividly recalled the split second when they had parted company and he had found himself flying through empty air before blackness fell. He sat upright, rubbed his head and then tentatively tried to stand, discovering with gratitude that he could still do so. "Nothing broken, I see," continued the owner of the voice. "You were lucky Mr..." "Mapple," said Arthur, brushing dirt from his trousers. He discovered his shoulder to be a little stiff, but other than that he seemed relatively unscathed. "Arthur Mapple." "Ottoline Elderfield," replied the stranger, holding out her hand. She was a tall, striking woman with rather sharp features and dark hair wrapped up in a silk turban. She wore pantaloons and a jacket and blouse in a style that Arthur, having little experience of such things, assumed was rather fashionable. Disorientated, he made to shake her hand and was a little surprised to find himself yanked unceremoniously out of the ditch and onto the road. "I must say, Mr Mapple, that you ought to take more care on these roads. Heaven knows what you were daydreaming about back there, but you seemed completely unaware until I was practically on top of you!" Arthur saw that she was standing alongside her own bicycle. Arthur noticed the entrance to the side road and inferred that must have been where the collision happened. It occurred to him that she was the one who should have been looking where she was going, but he remained silent on the matter. "You're not local," observed Ottoline. "Are you on holiday around here?" "No," said Arthur, retrieving his bicycle from the ditch and noting with relief that it seemed undamaged. "I'm here on business." "Oh? What sort of business?" Arthur hesitated for a moment beneath her enquiring gaze. "I'm...well. I'm a policeman." "Oh!" said Ottoline, a cloud crossing her face. "A policeman. Here to ask questions, no doubt." "Amongst other things," Arthur replied vaguely, wondering why Ms Elderfield seemed to find the idea unpalatable. "In fact," he said, venturing to be direct with her, "I might begin by asking you some questions?" "If you must, Mr Mapple, if you must." She seemed suddenly impatient to get away and, mounting her bicycle, appeared ready to set off - but instead, surprised Arthur still more by turning from him and shouting into the empty road, "Crackers!". Arthur, nonplussed, barely had time to wonder which one of them that might be a commentary upon when he was startled by a huge black bird that appeared from nowhere and swept down to land neatly on the handlebars of Ms Elderfield's bicycle. She turned to him as the creature settled down and began to preen its feathers. "You can come and find me anytime, Mr Mapple." "In the village?" he asked. "No," she replied. "The other direction. Beyond the old village. Nevernear Cottage. That is where I shall be." She gave him a faint smile. "I'm afraid it is rather difficult to find, Mr Mapple - even for a policeman." And with that, she cycled off up the road with the crow perching on her handlebars. Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >XX AH, WELLL THAT'S ONE MYSTERY LESS (PLUS A FEW MORE) Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X HEDGES They were a tangled mass of hawthorn and bramble threaded with dog rose and honeysuckle and home to many small creatures. Some efforts had been made to trim them back along the sides of the roads, but it was difficult to suppresses their unruly nature >SE The backroad was less used and more unkempt than the main road from which it branched. The overgrown hedges were full of flowers and the verges frothed with daisies and cow parsley. The road ran southeast and northwest. Arthur was on the bicycle. >X HEDGES They were a tangled mass of hawthorn and bramble threaded with dog rose and honeysuckle and home to many small creatures. Some efforts had been made to trim them back along the sides of the roads, but it was difficult to suppresses their unruly nature >X FLOWERS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >SE Here the hedges gave way onto a more open area and the road made a sharp turn before it headed into the village. The road ran north into Nether Haelstowne or northeast along a back road, while a track led south. Arthur was on the bicycle. >NW The backroad was less used and more unkempt than the main road from which it branched. The overgrown hedges were full of flowers and the verges frothed with daisies and cow parsley. The road ran southeast and northwest. Arthur was on the bicycle. >SE Here the hedges gave way onto a more open area and the road made a sharp turn before it headed into the village. The road ran north into Nether Haelstowne or northeast along a back road, while a track led south. Arthur was on the bicycle. >NE Arthur couldn't go that way. >XX "NORTHEAST" SHOULD BE NORTHWEST The backroad was less used and more unkempt than the main road from which it branched. The overgrown hedges were full of flowers and the verges frothed with daisies and cow parsley. The road ran southeast and northwest. Arthur was on the bicycle. >SE Here the hedges gave way onto a more open area and the road made a sharp turn before it headed into the village. The road ran north into Nether Haelstowne or northeast along a back road, while a track led south. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S This wide expanse of waterlogged ground seemed a gloomy place, even in the brilliance of a midsummer day. Short, scratchy turf around the perimeter soon gave way to tall grasses and reeds, beneath which the peaty waters displayed a sombre inversion of the summer sky. There was a strange absence of birdsong and Arthur had the oddest impressions of a mist clinging to everything although he could see quite clearly that no mist was there. A timber trackway ran southeast across the boggy landscape, while a path led north back to the road. Arthur saw an information board and a fence. Arthur dismounted the bicycle. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >X TURF Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X GRASSES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X REEDS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X WATERS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X WATER Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >L This wide expanse of waterlogged ground seemed a gloomy place, even in the brilliance of a midsummer day. Short, scratchy turf around the perimeter soon gave way to tall grasses and reeds, beneath which the peaty waters displayed a sombre inversion of the summer sky. There was a strange absence of birdsong and Arthur had the oddest impressions of a mist clinging to everything although he could see quite clearly that no mist was there. A timber trackway ran southeast across the boggy landscape, while a path led north back to the road. Arthur saw an information board and a fence. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >LISTEN Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X TRACKWAY Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X BOARD It was an inscribed sheet of copper mounted on a stout timber lectern. >READ IT Arthur read: 'HAELSTOWNE WETLAND: EVIDENCE OF PREHISTORIC SETTLEMENT The piece of boggy ground before you is a mere fragement of the waterlogged landscape that covered this part of the Low Weald several thousand years ago. Rich in fish and wildfowl, this environment would have provided a veritable bounty for the hunter-gathers who roamed the area in prehistoric times and, later, for the small farming community for which the excavations of 1908-12 provided abundant evidence. The remarkable timber walkway crossing the wetland, know as 'The Drywell Track', is originally of Bronze Age date c.1500 BC, with many subsequent phases of rebuilding. Several large caches of deliberately broken metal objects, mainly knives and daggers, have been uncovered along the length of the walkway. Such ritual deposition in watery places is a well attested oblative activity known from many British and European sites. It is seen most frequently near crossing places in boggy environments; from historically recorded examples, it seems to be associated with a belief in 'magical barriers' and the traversing thereof.'. Beneath the writing was depicted a reconstruction of the site in Bronze Age times, and at the bottom of the panel was the legend 'Erected by the generous benefactors of the Haelstowne Historical Society, in honour of their president, D.P. Drywell MA Aberd, MSc, PhD Oxon, FRA, MWHS' This wide expanse of waterlogged ground seemed a gloomy place, even in the brilliance of a midsummer day. Short, scratchy turf around the perimeter soon gave way to tall grasses and reeds, beneath which the peaty waters displayed a sombre inversion of the summer sky. There was a strange absence of birdsong and Arthur had the oddest impressions of a mist clinging to everything although he could see quite clearly that no mist was there. A timber trackway ran southeast across the boggy landscape, while a path led north back to the road. Arthur saw an information board and a fence. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >XX EXTRA PERIOD AFTER "TRAVERSING THEREOF" Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X FENCE It was a line of posts with rails nailed between some of them, very much a work in progress. Judging by the state of the timber and the absence of any signs of recent activity, the work had been left off some time ago. The workers had probably nipped off to the local pub for a swift midday pint a couple of weeks ago and hadn't yet emerged. Arthur spotted a fence post on the ground. >X POST It was as ordinary as a fence post can be. >TAKE IT Arthur took the fence post. >L This wide expanse of waterlogged ground seemed a gloomy place, even in the brilliance of a midsummer day. Short, scratchy turf around the perimeter soon gave way to tall grasses and reeds, beneath which the peaty waters displayed a sombre inversion of the summer sky. There was a strange absence of birdsong and Arthur had the oddest impressions of a mist clinging to everything although he could see quite clearly that no mist was there. A timber trackway ran southeast across the boggy landscape, while a path led north back to the road. Arthur saw an information board and a fence. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >X TRACKWAY Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >SE This ancient trackway was constructed from huge split timbers driven deep into the boggy ground on top of which smaller logs and planks were fixed, forming a platform a few feet above the black waters of the wetland. Northwest was the broad sweep of the entrance to the wetland, while the timber track headed south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >X TIMBERS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X PLANKS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X LOGS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X WATERS It was deep and black. >S This part of the track bridged a wide, watery channel that ran across the breadth of the wetland, dividing it in two. Arthur looked ahead and had a strong impression that there was something there across the bridge that could not be seen, as though he was looking at a mirror reflecting the world from which he had come and hiding that which lay beyond. The track led south over the bridge and north in the direction of the road. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >X CHANNEL Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X MIRROR Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >XX HMM, INTERESTING Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X BRIDGE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >S Arthur sensed an invisible barrier. It seemed that he could go no further. >N This ancient trackway was constructed from huge split timbers driven deep into the boggy ground on top of which smaller logs and planks were fixed, forming a platform a few feet above the black waters of the wetland. Northwest was the broad sweep of the entrance to the wetland, while the timber track headed south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >NW This wide expanse of waterlogged ground seemed a gloomy place, even in the brilliance of a midsummer day. Short, scratchy turf around the perimeter soon gave way to tall grasses and reeds, beneath which the peaty waters displayed a sombre inversion of the summer sky. There was a strange absence of birdsong and Arthur had the oddest impressions of a mist clinging to everything although he could see quite clearly that no mist was there. A timber trackway ran southeast across the boggy landscape, while a path led north back to the road. Arthur saw an information board and a fence. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Arthur mounted the bicycle and carried on along the road. Here the hedges gave way onto a more open area and the road made a sharp turn before it headed into the village. The road ran north into Nether Haelstowne or northeast along a back road, while a track led south. Arthur felt something crawl up his trouser leg and naturally panicked, jumping about and patting the area wildly. A moment later, he felt a sharp pain in his shin and saw a tiny person emerge from his clothing and float away. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N This was the backroad leading into the slightly more affluent part of Nether Haelstowne, populated by those genteel enough to prefer a life away from the vulgarity of the main road that served the other side of the village. The road led north into the village and south towards a more open area. Arthur was suddenly surrounded by a swarm of tiny people all around him. They seemed everywhere: on his clothing and in his hair and darting around his face. He panicked and waved his arms about wildly - and then, quite suddenly, they disappeared. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >X CROSS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X STONE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X GREEN Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >W This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was on the bicycle. >X DWELLINGS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >W Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was suddenly surrounded by a swarm of tiny people all around him. They seemed everywhere: on his clothing and in his hair and darting around his face. He panicked and waved his arms about wildly - and then, quite suddenly, they disappeared. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw Edna Taplow and gossiping villagers. "Mrs Taplow was there, conversing in whispers with some of the villages. The group broke up abruptly when Arthur arrived. "Good day to you, Mrs Taplow," he said cheerfully. "Mr Mapple," acknowledged the housekeeper, giving him a rather pointed look. He had the unaccountable feeling that they had been discussing him before he arrived. The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Arthur was on the bicycle. >XX EXTRA QUOTATION MARK AT START OF THAT EARLIER PARAGRAPH That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >XX DID EDNA LEAVE? That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >X PUMP It was a sturdy iron post with a handle and a spout that had been dispensing water and occasional cholera to the good people of the village for hundreds of years. >XX HA! Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >L The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Idle gossip filled the air. Arthur was on the bicycle. >X GOSSIP Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >LISTEN Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X VILLAGERS There were various idle folk, sharing other people's trusted confidences with one another in loud whispers. Arthur spotted some curious characters amongst them wearing old-fashioned clothes and with a strange, not-quite-substantial quality about them. >XX MIGHT BE NICE TO LIST EXITS HERE? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >ASK VILLAGERS That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >XX HMM Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >LISTEN TO VILLAGERS Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >LISTEN TO GOSSIP Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >EAVESDROP Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N This short stretch of road between the village pump and Gennel Street had the neglected air of a place that existed only because of necessity but held no real interest to anyone. For all anyone knew it may have been stuffed with hidden treasures, but nobody ever lingered there long enough to find out. The road led south and east. Arthur was on the bicycle. >X Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >S The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. The air seemed thick with rumour and gossip. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >NW Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW Arthur couldn't go that way. >NE Arthur couldn't go that way. >SE Arthur couldn't go that way. >E This stretch of Tithe Street was lined with some fine examples of black and white tudor arthitecture that had somehow survived the ravages of the passing centuries. The street led east and west. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. The very atmosphere seemed heavy with gossip and idle talk. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N This short stretch of road between the village pump and Gennel Street had the neglected air of a place that existed only because of necessity but held no real interest to anyone. For all anyone knew it may have been stuffed with hidden treasures, but nobody ever lingered there long enough to find out. The road led south and east. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Rows of small terraced cottages faced each other across the narrow throughfare of Ginnel Street, mostly inhabited by families that had occupied the same few square feet for generations. The Street led east and west Arthur was on the bicycle. >X COTTAGES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E The cobbled way outside number 23 had little to distinguish it from any other part of Ginnel Street. The street led east and west, while the door to number 23 was to the north. Arthur was on the bicycle. >XX HMM, NOT SURE I SHOULD KNOW WHY THIS HOUSE IS IMPORTANT? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel and a pair of binoculars. >X 23 Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X NUMBER 23 Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X DOOR Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >KNOCK Arthur saw no need to disturb the residents of Nether Haelstowne in their own homes without just cause or reason. >E Here the terraces gave way as Ginnel Street met the passage heading in the other direction. The street ran west and the passage headed south. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >S This nonedescript passage linked the residential roads to the north and south. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The residences along this part of the road were a clashing mixture of styles that showed signs of much modification over the years, as though the architect had tried to correct some orginal disharmony but had only succeeded in making matters worse. The street led westwards or turned a corner and headed north. Arthur was on the bicycle. >X RESIDENCES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >XX "ORGINAL" Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >W Arthur stood outside a squat stone building that bore an inscribed brass plaque reading 'Miss Marjorie Drywell BVSc, MA, PhD (Cantab). Veterinary Surgeon'. The street led east and west, while south was the entrance to the surgery. Arthur saw a motor tricycle. Arthur was on the bicycle. >X TRICYCLE It was an extraordinary thing with high seats and three very large spoked wheels. It was steered by a handle set atop a horizontal wheel while a long lever operated the brake. It would have looked more at home in a museum than on the open road. >X LEVER Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >PULL LEVER Pulling the lever seemed a rather pointless pursuit. >X BUILDING Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X PLAQUE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >W This stretch of Tithe Street was lined with some fine examples of black and white tudor arthitecture that had somehow survived the ravages of the passing centuries. The street led east and west. Arthur was on the bicycle. >XX "ARTHITECTURE" Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >W The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Idle gossip filled the air. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E This stretch of Tithe Street was lined with some fine examples of black and white tudor arthitecture that had somehow survived the ravages of the passing centuries. The street led east and west. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Arthur stood outside a squat stone building that bore an inscribed brass plaque reading 'Miss Marjorie Drywell BVSc, MA, PhD (Cantab). Veterinary Surgeon'. The street led east and west, while south was the entrance to the surgery. Arthur saw a motor tricycle. Arthur felt something crawl up his trouser leg and naturally panicked, jumping about and patting the area wildly. A moment later, he felt a sharp pain in his shin and saw a tiny person emerge from his clothing and float away. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S Arthur dismounted the bicycle. Arthur propped the bicycle against a wall. Arthur had no reason or inclination to mingle with the sick animals and anxious humans at the Veterinary Surgery. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >W This stretch of Tithe Street was lined with some fine examples of black and white tudor arthitecture that had somehow survived the ravages of the passing centuries. The street led east and west. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. The air seemed thick with rumour and gossip. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >XX AH, HERE WE ARE Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur saw there was nothing there.. >E Arthur propped the bicycle against a wall. The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >W Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >X WINDOW Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X JARS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X ADVERTISEMENTS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X SIGN Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >X SALTER Mr Salter was a scion of the Salter dynasty of druggists, pill-makers and purveyors of poison who had owned the village chemist shop since time immemorial. He was a rotund, jolly fellow with a fulsome moustache and a permanent expression of mild amusement which he imagined was reassuring but was actually rather disconcerting for his customers. >X SHELVES It was just ordinary shop shelving. >X JARS They were large apothecary jars, intended more for display than for practical use. They contained various colourful liquids. >X APRON Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >ASK SALTER "Isn't is an odd thing that the church is so far away from the village, Mr Salter?"n"Well yes, I suppose it is Mr Mapple. Outside folks often comment on it, but us in the village - well, we've never know any different, have we?" He chuckled merrily as though at a joke that Arthur had missed."It's quite a journey to make on a Sunday morning," observed Arthur. "It's no journey for those of us that wants to make it," replied Mr Salter. "Separates the wheat from the chaff and no mistake. There's chaff enough in this village, Mr Mapple. Chaff enough!" He wheezed and rocked as though consumed with unaccountable mirth. >XX THERE'S A RANDOM "N" AFTER THE FIRST SENTENCE HERE Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >XX AND MAYBE A MISSING SPACE BEFORE "IT'S QUITE A JOURNEY..." Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >ASK SALTER "Are you acquainted with Reverend Peldash, Mr Salter?" asked Arthur. "Of course!" He bellowed with laughter, although Arthur failed to see what was so amusing. "Of course Mr Mapple. As we all are in the village. A very decent gentleman. Very decent." >ASK SALTER "Isn't is an odd thing that the church is so far away from the village, Mr Salter?"n"Well yes, I suppose it is Mr Mapple. Outside folks often comment on it, but us in the village - well, we've never know any different, have we?" He chuckled merrily as though at a joke that Arthur had missed."It's quite a journey to make on a Sunday morning," observed Arthur. "It's no journey for those of us that wants to make it," replied Mr Salter. "Separates the wheat from the chaff and no mistake. There's chaff enough in this village, Mr Mapple. Chaff enough!" He wheezed and rocked as though consumed with unaccountable mirth. >ASK SALTER "Are you acquainted with Reverend Peldash, Mr Salter?" asked Arthur. "Of course!" He bellowed with laughter, although Arthur failed to see what was so amusing. "Of course Mr Mapple. As we all are in the village. A very decent gentleman. Very decent." >L The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >X PRODUCTS There were the usual jars of ingredients mundane and exotic, and medicinal preparations made therefrom. There were a great number of patent medicines, a selection of medical hosiery and other things that the well-appointed modern chemist's saw fit to stock, such as stationary, tobacco and photographic supplies. >X STATIONARY There was a selection of paper and writing implements, envelopes and ink. All very mundane and of very little interest to Arthur. >X TOBACCO There were tall glass jars containing different varieties of tobacco, boxes of cigars, packets of cigarettes and snuff. In the absence of a dedicated retailer the chemist's shop could always be relied upon for one's tobacco products because after all, smoking was as likely to ensure good health as any of their other medicines. >X HOSIERY Arthur was no expert, but he knew a stocking when he saw one. >X MEDICINES There seemed to be endless small cardboard packages advertising such contents as 'Cutfork's Carminative Serum', 'Bertrand's Balsam' and 'Radney's Effective Itch Pills'. >X SUPPLIES There were the usual chemicals, plates and rolls of film as well as packets of photographic paper. >X PAPER Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >BUY SUPPLIES Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPER There were the usual chemicals, plates and rolls of film as well as packets of photographic paper. >TAKE IT Arthur wasn't able to take that. >BUY IT Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >ASK SALTER "Isn't is an odd thing that the church is so far away from the village, Mr Salter?"n"Well yes, I suppose it is Mr Mapple. Outside folks often comment on it, but us in the village - well, we've never know any different, have we?" He chuckled merrily as though at a joke that Arthur had missed."It's quite a journey to make on a Sunday morning," observed Arthur. "It's no journey for those of us that wants to make it," replied Mr Salter. "Separates the wheat from the chaff and no mistake. There's chaff enough in this village, Mr Mapple. Chaff enough!" He wheezed and rocked as though consumed with unaccountable mirth. >PURCHASE PAPER Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >BUY PAPER Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X PAPER Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X PHOTOGRAPHIC There were the usual chemicals, plates and rolls of film as well as packets of photographic paper. >TAKE IT Arthur wasn't able to take that. >PURCHASE IT Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >STEAL IT Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel and a pair of binoculars. >SHOW CAMERA TO SALTER Arthur couldn't find anybody who wanted that. >XX HRM Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >W Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >E The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel and a pair of binoculars. >XX I SUPPOSE I DON'T HAVE A WALLET ON ME... That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >X ME Arthur examined his person and saw the same unremarkable frame to which he was accustomed, not quite adequately tall nor sufficiently well-built for his own satisfaction. He pictured his face, as he'd seen it in the mirror: pale and round, rather innocent looking, a little naive. He'd grown a moustache as soon as he'd been able to, in an attempt to lend his countenance a little gravitas but even now at the age of 25, he looked like a schoolboy wearing it for a theatrical performance. He was dressed in his usual tweeds and brown brogues. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >NE The cobbles along this short stretch of road had been worn smooth by five hundred year's worth of thirsty folk making their daily pilgrimage to the public house at the end of the street. The Myrour Inn itself was an unsafe-looking structure with a jettied upper floor that projected out alarmingly over the street whilst the lower potion skulked beneath. A battered wooden sign swung from chains above the open door. Arthur could hear voices within. >XX SHOULD BE "YEARS'" I THINK Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel and a pair of binoculars. >X SIGN Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >N The Myrour, like many a village inn, had dug in its heels and refused to budge when each new century threatened to drag it forward in the name of progress. Consequently, the interior had changed little since the 1600s. The floor was of rough planks strewn with sawdust and the roof was studded with dangerously low beams. the furniture was of the crudest construction and the ineffectual, spitting gas light that had replaced the tallow of old was the only concession to relative modernity. The air was thick with the stench of ale and things less savoury, mingled with the yells and curses of customers. The way out was to the south and north led behind the bar. Arthur saw customers, Joseph Jarbell, Molly and a piano. The several sorts of games in progress were the cause of much liveliness and, despite the earliness of the hour, everyone appeared to be quite drunk. >XX "THE FURNITURE" SHOULD BE CAPITALIZED Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X GAME Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >S The cobbles along this short stretch of road had been worn smooth by five hundred year's worth of thirsty folk making their daily pilgrimage to the public house at the end of the street. The Myrour Inn itself was an unsafe-looking structure with a jettied upper floor that projected out alarmingly over the street whilst the lower potion skulked beneath. A battered wooden sign swung from chains above the open door. Arthur could hear voices within. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >SE Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >NE Arthur couldn't go that way. >NW Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >N The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. The very atmosphere seemed heavy with gossip and idle talk. >S The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >NE The cobbles along this short stretch of road had been worn smooth by five hundred year's worth of thirsty folk making their daily pilgrimage to the public house at the end of the street. The Myrour Inn itself was an unsafe-looking structure with a jettied upper floor that projected out alarmingly over the street whilst the lower potion skulked beneath. A battered wooden sign swung from chains above the open door. Arthur could hear voices within. >X SIGN Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The Myrour, like many a village inn, had dug in its heels and refused to budge when each new century threatened to drag it forward in the name of progress. Consequently, the interior had changed little since the 1600s. The floor was of rough planks strewn with sawdust and the roof was studded with dangerously low beams. the furniture was of the crudest construction and the ineffectual, spitting gas light that had replaced the tallow of old was the only concession to relative modernity. The air was thick with the stench of ale and things less savoury, mingled with the yells and curses of customers. The way out was to the south and north led behind the bar. Arthur saw customers, Joseph Jarbell, Molly and a piano. The several sorts of games in progress were the cause of much liveliness and, despite the earliness of the hour, everyone appeared to be quite drunk. >X CUSTOMERS It was a motley assortment of all trades and professions, young and old, rich and poor, vulgar and well-bred, thrown together hugger-mugger within the great leveller that was the village pub. Most seemed pretty well-oiled or well on the way to being so. Amongst the throng, Arthur spotted the occasional drinker whose unusually pale skin and curiously archaic clothing made them stand out from the rest. Those ones seemed the best oiled of all. >X FURNITURE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X DARTS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X BEAMS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X GAS LIGHT Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X PIANO It was a battered old upright piano, hammered over many decades into that unique tuning that only pub pianos have. It had a hinged lid that gave access the innards. >PLAY PIANO Arthur was a passable pianist but not a natural performer: confronted with an audience, all the music he knew seemed to go out of his head except for the old music hall tunes his uncle taught him when he was a boy. Arthur played an interesting take on Waiting At The Church on the out of-tune piano. >PLAY PIANO Arthur was a passable pianist but not a natural performer: confronted with an audience, all the music he knew seemed to go out of his head except for the old music hall tunes his uncle taught him when he was a boy. Arthur played a tinkling version of Where Did You Get That Hat? on the out-of-tune piano. >PLAY PIANO Arthur was a passable pianist but not a natural performer: confronted with an audience, all the music he knew seemed to go out of his head except for the old music hall tunes his uncle taught him when he was a boy. Arthur played a tinkling version of Where Did You Get That Hat? on the out-of-tune piano. >PLAY PIANO Arthur was a passable pianist but not a natural performer: confronted with an audience, all the music he knew seemed to go out of his head except for the old music hall tunes his uncle taught him when he was a boy. Arthur played a robust rendition of Alfie's Worth a Tanner on the out-of-tune piano. >OPEN IT Arthur opened the lid of the piano. He peered inside and spotted a tuning hammer, which he removed from the dusty depths. >X HAMMER It was a little hammer with a wooden handle and rubber head, designed for sounding piano wires during the tuning process.. >TAKE IT Arthur already had it. >L The Myrour, like many a village inn, had dug in its heels and refused to budge when each new century threatened to drag it forward in the name of progress. Consequently, the interior had changed little since the 1600s. The floor was of rough planks strewn with sawdust and the roof was studded with dangerously low beams. the furniture was of the crudest construction and the ineffectual, spitting gas light that had replaced the tallow of old was the only concession to relative modernity. The air was thick with the stench of ale and things less savoury, mingled with the yells and curses of customers. The way out was to the south and north led behind the bar. Arthur saw customers, Joseph Jarbell, Molly and a piano. The several sorts of games in progress were the cause of much liveliness and, despite the earliness of the hour, everyone appeared to be quite drunk. >X MOLLY Molly was the Myrour's recently acquired barmaid. A strikingly pale-skinned young woman in her early 20s, there was something in her manner that made her seem far older than her years. She oversaw the bar with a proprietorial air; that, and the slightly fearful glances that Mr Jarbell sometimes gave her, made it clear who was really in charge. >X JARBELL Mr Jarbell was the publican of the Myrour Inn. A stout fellow occupying an indeterminate late middle age, he was white haired and ruddy skinned and wore a perpetual expression of surprise as if he had never expected to find himself in the life he was living. >ASK JARBELL "Good day, "Arthur greeted the rather ruddy, slightly surprised looking gentleman drying beer mugs at the end of the bar. "I'm looking for the publican, Mr Jarbell." Arthur had noted the name from the licensee's plaque above the entrance. "You're speaking to him sir," replied Mr Jarbell, placing a grubby tankard back on the rack. "And who might you be?" "Arthur Mapple", said Arthur. "Oh yes. The detective chap isn't it? I thought you might drop by." Everyone here seemed to know Arthur's business but that, he supposed, was village life. "It's a fine establishment you have here, Mr Jarbell," said Arthur, looking round at the gloomy, gas-lit interior, the sawdust-strewn floor and the dubious clientele. "Do you get much trouble from the regulars?" "Not so much, Mr Mapple," replied Mr Jarbell."The odd bit of bother, but most know better than to try it. Only..." "Yes? Do carry on." The publican lowered his voice and glanced a little fearfully to where his barmaid was serving drinks. "Well, just recently, there's been a bit more. Incomers, you see. And..." He fell silent. Arthur glanced at the bar and saw the barmaid looking fixedly at Mr Jarbell before turning her attention back to the customers. >ASK JARBELL Arthur tried to engage Mr Jarbell in conversation, but it seemed he didn't want to talk. >ASK MOLLY Arthur talked to Molly. "A pint of beer, is it Mr Mapple?" She said rhetorically, for she was already filling a pint mug for him. Arthur was not a great drinker, and barely ever indulged in the daytime. >ASK MOLLY "Were you acquainted with Reverend Peldash at all?" asked Arthur. "The vicar that's gone missing?" answered Molly. "Can't say as I ever was. We're not church-going folk and I never saw him in here. P'raps he was teetotal?" >ASK MOLLY "Have you worked here long?" enquired Arthur of Molly. "Oh no, not for very long." said Molly,"But seeing as how Mr Jarbell has been so good to me, I think I'll be staying for a while." She smiled faintly in the direction of the landlord. It was a look without any warmth in it." >XX QUOTE AT THE END ISN'T NEEDED Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >ASK MOLLY "This place has been here a long time I expect," said Arthur, gesturing vaguely at his surroundings. "I expect so, Mr Mapple," replied Molly. "They say it's been here since the village was built and never changed much." "And how long would that be?" Molly laughed a little. "I'm sure I've no idea." >ASK MOLLY "What do you think happened to Reverend Peldash?" Asked Arthur. "I sure I've no idea, Mr Mapple. Perhaps he just wandered off? I daresay he'll turn up again, one day." She smiled faintly and Arthur had a sense that she knew more than she was telling. >ASK MOLLY Arthur couldn't think of anything else to ask Molly. >ASK JARBELL Arthur tried to engage Mr Jarbell in conversation, but it seemed he didn't want to talk. >L The Myrour, like many a village inn, had dug in its heels and refused to budge when each new century threatened to drag it forward in the name of progress. Consequently, the interior had changed little since the 1600s. The floor was of rough planks strewn with sawdust and the roof was studded with dangerously low beams. the furniture was of the crudest construction and the ineffectual, spitting gas light that had replaced the tallow of old was the only concession to relative modernity. The air was thick with the stench of ale and things less savoury, mingled with the yells and curses of customers. The way out was to the south and north led behind the bar. Arthur saw customers, Joseph Jarbell, Molly, a pint of ale and a piano. The several sorts of games in progress were the cause of much liveliness and, despite the earliness of the hour, everyone appeared to be quite drunk. >X MOLLY Molly was the Myrour's recently acquired barmaid. A strikingly pale-skinned young woman in her early 20s, there was something in her manner that made her seem far older than her years. She oversaw the bar with a proprietorial air; that, and the slightly fearful glances that Mr Jarbell sometimes gave her, made it clear who was really in charge. >X PINT It was a pint of cloudy liquid in a grimy china mug. >TAKE IT Arthur took the pint of ale. >DRINK PINT Given the colour of the ale and its unique bouquet, tentative sipping would have seemed the most sensible approach, but Arthur, wishing to appear at ease amongst the evident distrust of the locals, decided against it. He braced his tastebuds, imagined the smell of roses, and took a great swig of the ale. The stuff was an assault on all his senses and, once he had started, it seemed that the only sensible thing to do was to carry on - and so he did. In a few seconds he had consumed the whole frothy, yeasty mouthful. Wiping his mouth on the back of his hand, he considered that once it was down, the stuff wasn't quite so bad after all. >N Arthur lifted the hatch and made boldly to walk behind the bar but instead walked directly into Molly who had moved swiftly to fill the breach. "Now now Mr Mapple," she reproved, a little mockingly, "what business would you be wanting back here I wonder? Police or no police, I can't never let customers behind the bar. Mr Jarbell would never stand for it!" She smiled at her boss, who shrank back a little and gave a nervous laugh. Arthur turned away and heard the thud of the hatch closing behind him. >S "No taking jugs outside if you don't mind sir," said Mr Jarbell as he saw Arthur heading for the door with his pint of ale "or else you'll have the law down on us. 'Cept, of course..." he looked at Arthur a little uncertainly, "well, no doing it anyway, if you don't mind Mr Mapple." Arthur left the drink behind. Arthur put down the empty pint jug. The cobbles along this short stretch of road had been worn smooth by five hundred year's worth of thirsty folk making their daily pilgrimage to the public house at the end of the street. The Myrour Inn itself was an unsafe-looking structure with a jettied upper floor that projected out alarmingly over the street whilst the lower potion skulked beneath. A battered wooden sign swung from chains above the open door. Arthur could hear voices within. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >NE The cobbles along this short stretch of road had been worn smooth by five hundred year's worth of thirsty folk making their daily pilgrimage to the public house at the end of the street. The Myrour Inn itself was an unsafe-looking structure with a jettied upper floor that projected out alarmingly over the street whilst the lower potion skulked beneath. A battered wooden sign swung from chains above the open door. Arthur could hear voices within. >XX LIST EXIT? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >SE Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >NW Arthur couldn't go that way. >NE Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >E The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >ASK MAN That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >ASK SALTER "Are you acquainted with Reverend Peldash, Mr Salter?" asked Arthur. "Of course!" He bellowed with laughter, although Arthur failed to see what was so amusing. "Of course Mr Mapple. As we all are in the village. A very decent gentleman. Very decent." >ASK SALTER "Isn't is an odd thing that the church is so far away from the village, Mr Salter?"n"Well yes, I suppose it is Mr Mapple. Outside folks often comment on it, but us in the village - well, we've never know any different, have we?" He chuckled merrily as though at a joke that Arthur had missed."It's quite a journey to make on a Sunday morning," observed Arthur. "It's no journey for those of us that wants to make it," replied Mr Salter. "Separates the wheat from the chaff and no mistake. There's chaff enough in this village, Mr Mapple. Chaff enough!" He wheezed and rocked as though consumed with unaccountable mirth. >ASK SALTER "Are you acquainted with Reverend Peldash, Mr Salter?" asked Arthur. "Of course!" He bellowed with laughter, although Arthur failed to see what was so amusing. "Of course Mr Mapple. As we all are in the village. A very decent gentleman. Very decent." >L The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >X DOOR Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X PAPER Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >TAKE PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPER Arthur wasn't able to take that. >BUY PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPER Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >PURCHASE PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPER Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >X CAMERA It was a Box Brownie camera similar to the one that Arthur had as a boy, old and grimy but seemingly in working order. Arthur felt a pang of nostalgia as he handled the chunky, leatherette-covered casing. There was a button that operated the shutter, a winder, and an indicator window set into the back flap, in which the frame number appeared when the camera was wound and loaded. The camera was closed. The number 1 was visible in the indicator window. >W Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. A group of people staggered by. They were an incongruous bunch - some looked ordinary enough but other were curiously dressed and had a peculiar insubstantial quality about them. They all seemed incredibly drunk. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Arthur mounted the bicycle and carried on along the road. This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Arthur dismounted the bicycle. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur suspected that the sufferance on which he had been allowed to remain in The Vicarage might rapidly expire if he attempted to take a bicycle inside, so he left it propped against the wall. Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw some scones and a hook. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a shovel, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a bunch of keys, a chair and a fragment of mirror. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), Practical Techniques in Modern Photography and a notice. >READ BOOK But Arthur didn't have it. >TAKE BOOK Arthur took Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >READ IT Arthur opened the book and began to read from the top of the page. '...precautions are taken, cyanide is a perfectly harmless chemical that may be handled quite freely. SAFELIGHTING On no account should undeveloped photosensitive materials be exposed to ordinary 'white' light, which would ruin them by uncontrolled exposure - a costly and irreparable mistake. However, black and white orthochromatic film is insensitive to red wavelengths and so a red light source can safely be used to process films and prints in the darkroom. PRINTING Printing from photographic film negatives is a straightforward process by which even the amateur, with practice and industry, may produce high quality pictures. There are two main techniques: contact printing and enlargement printing. CONTACT PRINTING This technique has not only the virtues of being relatively simple and requiring no special equipment, but also of producing detailed prints from large-format negatives (120 or 'Brownie' film). The basic process is as follows: 1. A sheet of photographic paper is placed on the worksurface. 2. The negatives are are cut up and placed face-downwards upon the photographic sheet. 3. A sheet of glass is placed atop both, to hold the negatives in place. 4. The arrangement is exposed to light for the requisite time (see Fig.31(b). The negatives may then be removed and the exposed sheet developed in the usual way.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)) and a notice. >X DEVELOPER It was a colourless fluid. >X FIXER It was a colourless fluid. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a shovel, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a bunch of keys, a chair and a fragment of mirror. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw some scones and a hook. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an open drawer (which contained a pair of scissors, a clothes peg and some cutlery), an empty sink, the dresser and an empty bucket. >TAKE SCISSORS Arthur took the pair of scissors. >TAKE PEG Arthur took the clothes peg. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw some scones and a hook. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a shovel, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a bunch of keys, a chair and a fragment of mirror. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)) and a notice. >DROP PEG Arthur put down the clothes peg. >DROP SCISSORS Arthur put down the pair of scissors. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a shovel, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a bunch of keys, a chair and a fragment of mirror. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >W Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur mounted the bicycle and set off along the road to Nether Haelstowne At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Arthur dismounted the bicycle. Arthur propped the bicycle against a wall. The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >GIVE BOOK TO SALTER Arthur couldn't find anybody who wanted that. >ASK SALTER "Isn't is an odd thing that the church is so far away from the village, Mr Salter?"n"Well yes, I suppose it is Mr Mapple. Outside folks often comment on it, but us in the village - well, we've never know any different, have we?" He chuckled merrily as though at a joke that Arthur had missed."It's quite a journey to make on a Sunday morning," observed Arthur. "It's no journey for those of us that wants to make it," replied Mr Salter. "Separates the wheat from the chaff and no mistake. There's chaff enough in this village, Mr Mapple. Chaff enough!" He wheezed and rocked as though consumed with unaccountable mirth. >X PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPER There were the usual chemicals, plates and rolls of film as well as packets of photographic paper. >TAKE IT Arthur wasn't able to take that. >X PACKET Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X PACKETS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X ROLLS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X PLATES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >TAKE PLATES Mr Salter swiftly intercepted Arthur as he reached out to take it. "Of course, Mr Mapple," said the chemist, "I'll be happy to help you to anything - provided you pay for it!" He exploded into a hissing, wheezing laugh like a thing violently deflating. Arthur smiled nervously. >PAY FOR PATES Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >PAY FOR PLATES Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >BUY PLATES Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >XX NOT SURE WHY "TAKE PLATES" TRIGGERS THAT BUT OTHERS DON'T? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. Arthur was suddenly surrounded by a swarm of tiny people all around him. They seemed everywhere: on his clothing and in his hair and darting around his face. He panicked and waved his arms about wildly - and then, quite suddenly, they disappeared. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Arthur mounted the bicycle and carried on along the road. This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >W At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Arthur dismounted the bicycle. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur suspected that the sufferance on which he had been allowed to remain in The Vicarage might rapidly expire if he attempted to take a bicycle inside, so he left it propped against the wall. Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >U Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. >W Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >U Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >E Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >S This was the guest room that was Arthur's for the duration of his stay. Plainly furnished with bed and washstand, and decorated with wall paper that might have been fashionable a century ago, it was nevertheless comfortable and served its purpose well enough. There was a door to the north. >X CLOTHES But clothes (hanging in the wardrobe) was not there. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >X POST It was as ordinary as a fence post can be. >X WALL PAPER Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X WALLPAPER It was a stylised floral pattern in cream on a dark green background. >X BED It was a heavy iron bedstead that complained noisily each time anyone got into or out of it. Constructed in such a way as to leave a space beneath just large enough to accommodate one's nightmare imaginings, Arthur had slept not entirely soundly in it during his stay in The Vicarage so far. >GET ON BED Arthur didn't see the point in carting that around with him. >SIT ON BED Arthur didn't particularly feel like it at the moment. >LOOK UNDER BED Arthur felt that he had more pressing things to do than spend time looking under things. >SEARCH BED Arthur generally found that simply examining things was sufficient and besides, he couldn't conduct a search without a warrant. >L This was the guest room that was Arthur's for the duration of his stay. Plainly furnished with bed and washstand, and decorated with wall paper that might have been fashionable a century ago, it was nevertheless comfortable and served its purpose well enough. There was a door to the north. >X WASHSTAND It was a simple wooden stand with a hole cut in it for a basin. A ewer was alongside. >X BASIN It was a plain porcelain basin, for washing purposes >X EWER It was a large porcelain jug decorated with a simple flower design. It was empty. >XX DO I HAVE MONEY SOMEWHERE? Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >X HANDKERCHIEF It was that most essential of gentlemen's accessories: a large silk handkerchief. >N Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >LOOK UNDER RUG Arthur felt that he had more pressing things to do than spend time looking under things. >S This was the guest room that was Arthur's for the duration of his stay. Plainly furnished with bed and washstand, and decorated with wall paper that might have been fashionable a century ago, it was nevertheless comfortable and served its purpose well enough. There was a door to the north. >N Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >W Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >D This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >W The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >S The drawing room was mainly used for the receiving of visitors and as such it contained the best of the furniture and the most display-worthy of the knick-knacks that had accumulated over the years. A large window looked out over the driveway at the front of the house. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw some dried flowers (in the vase), a vase, a chair and a round table (in the middle of the room). >X VASE It was rather an ugly piece of heavy, ruby-coloured Victorian glassware, tall and conical with a wide neck tapering towards a pedestal base. When the sunlight shone through it, it cast a lovely red glow. Arthur noticed a large crack near to where the body of the vase joined the base, which would explain why it was now used for dried and not fresh flowers. It held some dried flowers. >X CRACK Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >TAKE VASE Arthur took the vase. >N The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >W The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a shovel, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a bunch of keys, a chair and a fragment of mirror. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a pair of scissors, a clothes peg, drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)) and a notice. >PUT VASE ON LIGHT Arthur couldn't see that franywhere. >XX "FRANYWHERE" Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X CASE But the spectacles case (closed) was not there. >X VASE It was rather an ugly piece of heavy, ruby-coloured Victorian glassware, tall and conical with a wide neck tapering towards a pedestal base. When the sunlight shone through it, it cast a lovely red glow. Arthur noticed a large crack near to where the body of the vase joined the base, which would explain why it was now used for dried and not fresh flowers. It held some dried flowers. >X LIGHT Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X LIGHTSWITCH It was an unremarkable lump of bakelite, whose sole purpose was to effect the turning on and off of the electric light. >PUT VASE ON LIGHTSWITCH Arthur didn't see the point in that. >BREAK VASE The wanton damage of another's property was not a thing that Arthur would ordinarily countenance, but on this occasion it did seem, somehow, necessary. He rapped the base of the vase sharply with his knuckles and it promptly detached from the body and clattered to the floor. The bunch of dried flowers fell from the broken vase, scattering crisp petals across the floor. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, a broken vase, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >XX NICE DETAIL! Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X BROKEN Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X VASE It was the upper part of a broken vase: a tall, red glass cylinder that tapered towards the point where the base once attached. >X BASE It was a saucer-shaped chunk of red glass, formerly the base of a vase. >PUT VASE ON LIGHT Arthur couldn't see that franywhere. >PUT VASE ON LIGHTSWITCH Arthur didn't see the point in that. >XX I'M WANTING TO USE THE VASE TO MAKE THE LIGHT RED BUT NOT SURE HOW TO DO THAT? That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >L The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a pair of scissors, a clothes peg, drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), some dried flowers (in the vase), a vase base and a notice. >L The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a pair of scissors, a clothes peg, drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), some dried flowers (in the vase), a vase base and a notice. >XX DRIED FLOWERS SHOULD NO LONGER BE "(IN THE VASE)" Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >TURN OFF LIGHTSWITCH That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >TURN ON LIGHTSWITCH That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >L The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a pair of scissors, a clothes peg, drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), some dried flowers (in the vase), a vase base and a notice. >X BENCH It was ancient and heavy, with such an air of enduring permanence that one could imagine it has occupied the same spot before the house existed, and the latter was built around it. >MOVE BENCH Moving the bench seemed a rather pointless pursuit. >X BAKELITE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >HINT Arthur looked at the broken red vase and the lit candle and imagined what fun it might be to place one atop the other. >PUT VASE ON CANDLE Arthur arranged the holder on the nearest surface and placed the broken glass vase over it. The wider end was just big enough to fit over the saucer of the candle holder, enclosing it within the cylinder of red glass, open at the top where the base had once been attached. The candle burning within cast a ruddy glow. Arthur looked at the whole arrangement with satisfaction and congratulated himself that he had been so clever as to make an improvised safelight. The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a pair of scissors, a clothes peg, drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), some dried flowers (in the vase), a vase base, a safelight and a notice. >DROP CANDLE But Arthur didn't have that. >DROP CANDLE HOLER But Arthur didn't have that. >DROP CANDLE HOLDER But Arthur didn't have that. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >L The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a pair of scissors, a clothes peg, drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), some dried flowers (in the vase), a vase base, a safelight and a notice. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >TURN OFF LIGHT Arthur switched off the light. The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a pair of scissors, a clothes peg, drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), some dried flowers (in the vase), a vase base, a safelight and a notice. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a shovel, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a bunch of keys, a chair and a fragment of mirror. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a shovel, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a bunch of keys, a chair and a fragment of mirror. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a pair of scissors, a clothes peg, drying lines, a bench, a lightswitch, an open cupboard (which contained a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), some dried flowers (in the vase), a vase base, a safelight and a notice. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a shovel, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, a bunch of keys, a chair and a fragment of mirror. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >U Arthur couldn't go that way. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >U Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >S This was the guest room that was Arthur's for the duration of his stay. Plainly furnished with bed and washstand, and decorated with wall paper that might have been fashionable a century ago, it was nevertheless comfortable and served its purpose well enough. There was a door to the north. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >W Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >W The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Peldash's bedroom was a impersonal place with little to distinguish it from the guest room along the landing. The bed, wash stand and unfashionable wallpaper were almost identical, with the only notable feature being the large wardrobe that dominated the room. It seemed that Peldash only frequented the room to attend to those tedious necessities such as washing one's face, removing one's clothing and falling unconscious, that could not decently be carried out elsewhere. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a bed, a wardrobe (open), clothes (hanging in the wardrobe), a drawer (which contained a set of robes and a chalice), a paperback book and a spectacles case (closed). >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >E Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >D This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >E Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. >S The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur mounted the bicycle and set off along the road to Nether Haelstowne At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. Arthur was on the bicycle. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was on the bicycle. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur was on the bicycle. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur dismounted the bicycle. Arthur propped the bicycle against a wall. The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >W Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S It was a blazing hot day and the air was thick with heat. Arthur, slowly stewing within the confines of his buttoned-up shirt and tweed blazer, looked up the gentle slope of the road out of Haelstowne and perceived a precipitous incline that seemed impossible to traverse on foot. Some sort of transport was his only means of escape. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W It was a blazing hot day and the air was thick with heat. Arthur, slowly stewing within the confines of his buttoned-up shirt and tweed blazer, looked up the gentle slope of the road out of Haelstowne and perceived a precipitous incline impossible to traverse on foot. Some sort of transport seemed his only means of escape. >N The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. A tiny person landed on Arthur's sleeve. It seemed to be trying to speak to him, so he brought his arm close to his face to see it more clearly. The thing laughed and a tiny, shiny thing shot from its hand. Feeling a sharp pain above his eye, Arthur felt his brow and discovered there a tiny knife, embedded in his flesh. He shuddered to think what might have happened if its aim had been a little lower. The creature grabbed its knife and disappeared. Arthur could almost see the tittle-tattle flying past him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N This short stretch of road between the village pump and Gennel Street had the neglected air of a place that existed only because of necessity but held no real interest to anyone. For all anyone knew it may have been stuffed with hidden treasures, but nobody ever lingered there long enough to find out. The road led south and east. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Rows of small terraced cottages faced each other across the narrow throughfare of Ginnel Street, mostly inhabited by families that had occupied the same few square feet for generations. The Street led east and west >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The cobbled way outside number 23 had little to distinguish it from any other part of Ginnel Street. The street led east and west, while the door to number 23 was to the north. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The door of number 23 was closed and Arthur was not the type to enter without knocking. >E Here the terraces gave way as Ginnel Street met the passage heading in the other direction. The street ran west and the passage headed south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The cobbled way outside number 23 had little to distinguish it from any other part of Ginnel Street. The street led east and west, while the door to number 23 was to the north. >KNOCK ON DOOR Arthur saw no need to disturb the residents of Nether Haelstowne in their own homes without just cause or reason. >E Here the terraces gave way as Ginnel Street met the passage heading in the other direction. The street ran west and the passage headed south. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S This nonedescript passage linked the residential roads to the north and south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The residences along this part of the road were a clashing mixture of styles that showed signs of much modification over the years, as though the architect had tried to correct some orginal disharmony but had only succeeded in making matters worse. The street led westwards or turned a corner and headed north. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur stood outside a squat stone building that bore an inscribed brass plaque reading 'Miss Marjorie Drywell BVSc, MA, PhD (Cantab). Veterinary Surgeon'. The street led east and west, while south was the entrance to the surgery. Arthur saw a motor tricycle. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Arthur had no reason or inclination to mingle with the sick animals and anxious humans at the Veterinary Surgery. >W This stretch of Tithe Street was lined with some fine examples of black and white tudor arthitecture that had somehow survived the ravages of the passing centuries. The street led east and west. Someone whistled to Arthur and he turned to see a lanky youth grinning at him. There was something odd about his old-fashioned clothing and his curiously insubstantial appearance. Arthur approached him and the boy seemed to simply melt away. Arthur was rather shaken. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. The very atmosphere seemed heavy with gossip and idle talk. >E This stretch of Tithe Street was lined with some fine examples of black and white tudor arthitecture that had somehow survived the ravages of the passing centuries. The street led east and west. >W The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Arthur fancied that he could almost see rumours flying past him. >S The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >NE The cobbles along this short stretch of road had been worn smooth by five hundred year's worth of thirsty folk making their daily pilgrimage to the public house at the end of the street. The Myrour Inn itself was an unsafe-looking structure with a jettied upper floor that projected out alarmingly over the street whilst the lower potion skulked beneath. A battered wooden sign swung from chains above the open door. Arthur could hear voices within. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The Myrour, like many a village inn, had dug in its heels and refused to budge when each new century threatened to drag it forward in the name of progress. Consequently, the interior had changed little since the 1600s. The floor was of rough planks strewn with sawdust and the roof was studded with dangerously low beams. the furniture was of the crudest construction and the ineffectual, spitting gas light that had replaced the tallow of old was the only concession to relative modernity. The air was thick with the stench of ale and things less savoury, mingled with the yells and curses of customers. The way out was to the south and north led behind the bar. Arthur saw customers, Joseph Jarbell, Molly, an empty pint jug and a piano. The several sorts of games in progress were the cause of much liveliness and, despite the earliness of the hour, everyone appeared to be quite drunk. >HINT Arthur wondered if he should investigate the pub games. >X GAMES A game of 'Nancy's Attic' was being played out amongst a huddle of six over by the fireplace, while by the window a crowd was cheering on two clearly inebriated individuals engaged in a round of 'Pardon the Parson'. Over by the bar, a grumble of old men was pushing pieces around a 'Four Square The Hare' board, while almost everyone else still on their feet was involved in a boisterous game of Thraplington Scrofield. The noise of all this happening simultaneously was quite deafening! >XX OH WEIRD, THOUGHT I'D TRIED THAT -- MAYBE "GAME"? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X GAMES A game of 'Nancy's Attic' was being played out amongst a huddle of six over by the fireplace, while by the window a crowd was cheering on two clearly inebriated individuals engaged in a round of 'Pardon the Parson'. Over by the bar, a grumble of old men was pushing pieces around a 'Four Square The Hare' board, while almost everyone else still on their feet was involved in a boisterous game of Thraplington Scrofield. The noise of all this happening simultaneously was quite deafening! >PLAY GAMES Arthur couldn't see anyone playing that game, and it was no fun to play on his own. >PLAY NANCY'S ATTIC Arthur approached the group playing Nancy's Attic. "Good morning gentlemen," he offered, immediately indentifying himself as an outsider and worthy of the suspicion of all present, "is there room for an extra hand?" One of the men, his back to Arthur, replied without bothering to turn around. "Sod off!" There was a murmur of agreement from the others and then they continued playing as if Arthur simply did not exist. A little affronted, Arthur decided to leave them to their game. >PLAY PARDON THE PARSON Arthur strode over to the window, where a round of 'Pardon the Parson' was in full flow: the 'Parson' had committed a noxious indiscretion and the 'jury' was debating the case with an enthusiasm that stopped just short of physical violence. Arthur steeled himself and leapt into the fray with a loud cry of "guilty!" The sudden silence resounded like a crack of thunder. Arthur looked from one booze-addled face to another and found himself unable to meet anyone's eye. The 'Parson' looked into his ale, the 'jurors' looked at their feet and Arthur distinctly heard the word 'police' being whispered amongst them. Suspicion thickened the already noxious atmosphere and recognising defeat, Arthur withdrew. He couldn't help but feel a little affronted that the badinage resumed the moment he turned way. >PLAY PARDON THE PARSON Arthur had already tried that game. >PLAY NANCY'S ATTIC Arthur had already tried that game. >PLAY FOUR SQUARE Arthur couldn't see anyone playing that game, and it was no fun to play on his own. >PLAY FOUR SQUARE THE HARE Arthur approached the huddle of elderly men surrounding the foursquare board, seeing backs stiffen as he did so. He coughed politely but was ignored. "I say," he began, but was hurriedly shushed by an ancient, wrinkled fellow crouched over the board. "Oh, I do apologise," Arthur said quietly, "I only meant to ask..." "Shut it, young fella," said another player, rudely. "Can't you see the Hawk's in treacle?" Arthur looked and saw that it was true. With a treacled Hawk in play, there was no hope of gaining their attention. Disconsolate, Arthur slunk away. >PLAY THRAPLINGTON SCROFIELD Arthur approached the rowdy crowd playing Thraplington Scrofield. It was such a noisy and violent game that direct intervention seemed the only hope of gaining their attention. He steeled himself and launched into the fray with both elbows. The effect was immediate and dramatic. The players froze on the spot and glanced at one another nervously. Arthur heard furtive whispering and the word 'law' exchanged in undertones amongst the players. Arthur swallowed nervously. "I was only going to say..." He got no further before he knocked clean off his feet by a drunken youth. Arthur had barely regained his senses when he felt beer rain down on him from above. He yelled, jumped to his feet and grabbed the beer mug from his assailant. There was a moment of shocked silence before someone yelled "Knuckle In The Ale!" Arthur glanced down and saw that it was true. In the awkward way he had grabbed the mug there was not one but two knuckles in the ale. Someone gave him a congratulatory slap on the back and urged him to drink and Arthur, not wishing to throw away his advantage, did so. Immediately he emptied the beer mug, a fresh one was thrust into his and before long Arthur realised that he was quite tipsy. >XX I AM 99% CONVINCED YOU MADE UP THE NAMES FOR ALL THOSE GAMES That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >X KNUCKLES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X ME Arthur examined his person and saw the same unremarkable frame to which he was accustomed, not quite adequately tall nor sufficiently well-built for his own satisfaction. He pictured his face, as he'd seen it in the mirror: pale and round, rather innocent looking, a little naive. He'd grown a moustache as soon as he'd been able to, in an attempt to lend his countenance a little gravitas but even now at the age of 25, he looked like a schoolboy wearing it for a theatrical performance. He was dressed in his usual tweeds and brown brogues. >L The Myrour, like many a village inn, had dug in its heels and refused to budge when each new century threatened to drag it forward in the name of progress. Consequently, the interior had changed little since the 1600s. The floor was of rough planks strewn with sawdust and the roof was studded with dangerously low beams. the furniture was of the crudest construction and the ineffectual, spitting gas light that had replaced the tallow of old was the only concession to relative modernity. The air was thick with the stench of ale and things less savoury, mingled with the yells and curses of customers. The way out was to the south and north led behind the bar. Arthur saw customers, Joseph Jarbell, Molly, an empty pint jug and a piano. The several sorts of games in progress were the cause of much liveliness and, despite the earliness of the hour, everyone appeared to be quite drunk. There was a sudden commotion at the other side of the pub as a scuffle broke out around one of the tables. Before long others joined in, tables were kicked over, beer mugs and fists were flying and a full on fight had broken out. >PLAY PIANO Arthur was a passable pianist but not a natural performer: confronted with an audience, all the music he knew seemed to go out of his head except for the old music hall tunes his uncle taught him when he was a boy. Arthur played an interesting take on Waiting At The Church on the out of-tune piano. >TUNE PIANO Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >HIT PIANO WITH HAMMER That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >X PIANO It was a battered old upright piano, hammered over many decades into that unique tuning that only pub pianos have. It had a hinged lid that gave access the innards. >OPEN LID But the piano was already open. >X INNARDS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X STRINGS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >TUNE PIANO Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >TUNE PIANO WITH HAMMER That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >X HAMMER It was a little hammer with a wooden handle and rubber head, designed for sounding piano wires during the tuning process.. >XX JUST NOTICED EXTRA PERIOD Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >L The Myrour, like many a village inn, had dug in its heels and refused to budge when each new century threatened to drag it forward in the name of progress. Consequently, the interior had changed little since the 1600s. The floor was of rough planks strewn with sawdust and the roof was studded with dangerously low beams. the furniture was of the crudest construction and the ineffectual, spitting gas light that had replaced the tallow of old was the only concession to relative modernity. The air was thick with the stench of ale and things less savoury, mingled with the yells and curses of customers. The way out was to the south and north led behind the bar. Arthur saw customers, Joseph Jarbell, Molly, an empty pint jug and a piano. There was a sound of smashing glass and a great deal of shouting. >X JUG It was a heavily-used china mug with a chunky handle of the sort still popular in older establishments where they had not yet been supplanted by the modern fad for glass >PUT JUG ON PIANO Arthur considered putting something inside the piano, but thought better of it. It was bound to make it go even more out of tune than it already was. >CLOSE PINAO Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >CLOSE PIANO Arthur closed the lid of the piano. >PUT JUG ON PIANO But Arthur didn't have that. >TAKE JUG Arthur took the empty pint jug. >PUT JUG ON PIANO Arthur didn't see the point in that. >DROP JUB But Arthur didn't have that. >DROP JUG Arthur put down the empty pint jug. >ASK MOLLY Arthur couldn't think of anything else to ask Molly. >L The Myrour, like many a village inn, had dug in its heels and refused to budge when each new century threatened to drag it forward in the name of progress. Consequently, the interior had changed little since the 1600s. The floor was of rough planks strewn with sawdust and the roof was studded with dangerously low beams. the furniture was of the crudest construction and the ineffectual, spitting gas light that had replaced the tallow of old was the only concession to relative modernity. The air was thick with the stench of ale and things less savoury, mingled with the yells and curses of customers. The way out was to the south and north led behind the bar. Arthur saw customers, Joseph Jarbell, Molly, an empty pint jug and a piano. The brawl continued as more and more of the punters joined the fray, egged on by their friends who were either brawling themselves or else standing on the side-lines yelling encouragement and generally enjoying themselves. In particular, Arthur noticed some odd-looking customers in curiously old-fashioned clothing drinking and grinning at the mayhem being played out before them. Arthur made a few fitful attempts to intervene, but the forces involved were too great - it seemed that the only thing to do was to wait for the fight to run its course. That certainly seemed to be the view of Mr Jarbell, who stood helplessly behind the bar, looking rather frightened. >ASK JARBELL Arthur tried to engage Mr Jarbell in conversation, but it seemed he didn't want to talk. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. The Myrour, like many a village inn, had dug in its heels and refused to budge when each new century threatened to drag it forward in the name of progress. Consequently, the interior had changed little since the 1600s. The floor was of rough planks strewn with sawdust and the roof was studded with dangerously low beams. the furniture was of the crudest construction and the ineffectual, spitting gas light that had replaced the tallow of old was the only concession to relative modernity. The air was thick with the stench of ale and things less savoury, mingled with the yells and curses of customers. The way out was to the south and north led behind the bar. Arthur saw customers, Joseph Jarbell, Molly, an empty pint jug and a piano. A table was overturned and a chair flew through the air. >HIDE Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >PLAY PIANO Arthur was a passable pianist but not a natural performer: confronted with an audience, all the music he knew seemed to go out of his head except for the old music hall tunes his uncle taught him when he was a boy. Arthur played an interesting take on Waiting At The Church on the out of-tune piano. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. The Myrour, like many a village inn, had dug in its heels and refused to budge when each new century threatened to drag it forward in the name of progress. Consequently, the interior had changed little since the 1600s. The floor was of rough planks strewn with sawdust and the roof was studded with dangerously low beams. the furniture was of the crudest construction and the ineffectual, spitting gas light that had replaced the tallow of old was the only concession to relative modernity. The air was thick with the stench of ale and things less savoury, mingled with the yells and curses of customers. The way out was to the south and north led behind the bar. Arthur saw customers, Joseph Jarbell, Molly, an empty pint jug and a piano. The fight continued until, at last, one of the participants was ejected from the heart of the scrum and, bleeding profusely, staggered out of the door. It seemed that he must have been the original catalyst for the fight because, once he was gone, most of the participants seemed to lose interest. The pub settled quickly, furniture was righted, fresh pints were drawn and all seemed as amiable as before. >ASK JARBELL Arthur tried to engage Mr Jarbell in conversation, but it seemed he didn't want to talk. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. The Myrour, like many a village inn, had dug in its heels and refused to budge when each new century threatened to drag it forward in the name of progress. Consequently, the interior had changed little since the 1600s. The floor was of rough planks strewn with sawdust and the roof was studded with dangerously low beams. the furniture was of the crudest construction and the ineffectual, spitting gas light that had replaced the tallow of old was the only concession to relative modernity. The air was thick with the stench of ale and things less savoury, mingled with the yells and curses of customers. The way out was to the south and north led behind the bar. Arthur saw customers, Joseph Jarbell, Molly, an empty pint jug and a piano. >X CUSTOMERS It was a motley assortment of all trades and professions, young and old, rich and poor, vulgar and well-bred, thrown together hugger-mugger within the great leveller that was the village pub. Most seemed pretty well-oiled or well on the way to being so. Amongst the throng, Arthur spotted the occasional drinker whose unusually pale skin and curiously archaic clothing made them stand out from the rest. Those ones seemed the best oiled of all. >ASK MOLLY Arthur couldn't think of anything else to ask Molly. >N Arthur lifted the hatch and made boldly to walk behind the bar but instead walked directly into Molly who had moved swiftly to fill the breach. "Now now Mr Mapple," she reproved, a little mockingly, "what business would you be wanting back here I wonder? Police or no police, I can't never let customers behind the bar. Mr Jarbell would never stand for it!" She smiled at her boss, who shrank back a little and gave a nervous laugh. Arthur turned away and heard the thud of the hatch closing behind him. >S The cobbles along this short stretch of road had been worn smooth by five hundred year's worth of thirsty folk making their daily pilgrimage to the public house at the end of the street. The Myrour Inn itself was an unsafe-looking structure with a jettied upper floor that projected out alarmingly over the street whilst the lower potion skulked beneath. A battered wooden sign swung from chains above the open door. Arthur could hear voices within. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The Myrour, like many a village inn, had dug in its heels and refused to budge when each new century threatened to drag it forward in the name of progress. Consequently, the interior had changed little since the 1600s. The floor was of rough planks strewn with sawdust and the roof was studded with dangerously low beams. the furniture was of the crudest construction and the ineffectual, spitting gas light that had replaced the tallow of old was the only concession to relative modernity. The air was thick with the stench of ale and things less savoury, mingled with the yells and curses of customers. The way out was to the south and north led behind the bar. Arthur saw customers, Joseph Jarbell, Molly, an empty pint jug and a piano. The games had been put away, blood wiped off the bar and fresh sawdust scattered on the floor. A subdued post-brawl atmosphere permeated the tavern. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The cobbles along this short stretch of road had been worn smooth by five hundred year's worth of thirsty folk making their daily pilgrimage to the public house at the end of the street. The Myrour Inn itself was an unsafe-looking structure with a jettied upper floor that projected out alarmingly over the street whilst the lower potion skulked beneath. A battered wooden sign swung from chains above the open door. Arthur could hear voices within. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >SW The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur saw Frank Farthing. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >X FRANK Frank Farthing was a hollow-cheeked fellow with a heavily-lined face, grey complexion and thinning hair which he kept carefully combed-over and greased down in memory of some earlier epoch when he had been popular with the ladies. Frank Farthing was a local character that had been pointed out to Arthur when he'd first arrived. He had a reputation as a drinker and was well known as the local poacher. He was rather bruised and battered, having come off worst in the pub brawl. >ASK FRANK Arthur attempted to engage Mr Farthing in conversation, but received nothing comprehensible in return. It seemed as though he was too insensible to give a clear reply. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a handkerchief, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >W Arthur thought he oughtn't to leave the village before attending to the drunken and bleeding fellow in the village square. It was his duty to assist. >HELP FRANK Arthur staunched the blood with his handkerchief and presently the flow stopped altogether. He was relieved to see that Frank's injuries were not as bad as they looked. After a little time, Farthing seemed to come round. He got to his feet and staggered off out of the square, taking Arthur's handkerchief with him. The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >N The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw Frank Farthing and gossiping villagers. Arthur could almost see the tittle-tattle flying past him. Frank Farthing staggered north. The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. The very atmosphere seemed heavy with gossip and idle talk. >N This short stretch of road between the village pump and Gennel Street had the neglected air of a place that existed only because of necessity but held no real interest to anyone. For all anyone knew it may have been stuffed with hidden treasures, but nobody ever lingered there long enough to find out. The road led south and east. Arthur saw Frank Farthing. Frank Farthing staggered east. This short stretch of road between the village pump and Gennel Street had the neglected air of a place that existed only because of necessity but held no real interest to anyone. For all anyone knew it may have been stuffed with hidden treasures, but nobody ever lingered there long enough to find out. The road led south and east. >E Rows of small terraced cottages faced each other across the narrow throughfare of Ginnel Street, mostly inhabited by families that had occupied the same few square feet for generations. The Street led east and west Arthur saw Frank Farthing. Frank Farthing staggered east. Rows of small terraced cottages faced each other across the narrow throughfare of Ginnel Street, mostly inhabited by families that had occupied the same few square feet for generations. The Street led east and west >E The cobbled way outside number 23 had little to distinguish it from any other part of Ginnel Street. The street led east and west, while the door to number 23 was to the north. Arthur saw Frank Farthing. Frank Farthing was on his hands and knees, crawling up the doorstep. Arthur hoped it was his own. >OPEN DOOR Arthur was not in the habit of opening the doorways of private residences without invitation. >KNOCK ON DOOR Arthur knocked on the door of number 23 with one hand while holding onto Frank Farthing with the other, in an attempt to keep the drunkard upright. After a short time the door was opened by a young woman and Farthing, who had been leading against it, fell backwards at her feet. "Oh my lord, Frank!" she cried. "What on earth have you been about this time? I knew I never should have listened the last time you said..." She stopped herself, becoming aware of the stranger standing awkwardly on the doorstep. She noticed his smart dress, polite smile and evident sobriety, and feared the worst. "Oh, I'm so very sorry Mr.." "Mapple. Arthur Mapple," said Arthur, embrarassed in several ways. "Detective Constable." At this, more colour drained from her face "I'm Daisy Farthing. Frank's wife." She paused, and then gathered herself as though determined to put a brave face on things, "well, Mr Farthing - I think you'd better come inside." She opened the door wide and together they managed to get Frank Farthing onto his feet and inside, closing the door hurriedly behind them. 23 Ginnel Street was the humble abode of the Farthings, who didn't own much in the way of worldly goods but made the best of what they had. It was neat and tidy, if a little plain and barely furnished. The front door was south and there was another doorway to the east. Arthur saw Mrs Farthing. Frank mumbled something incoherent and staggered across the room, colliding with a door frame before managing to find his way through into the room beyond. Mrs Farthing looked at Arthur in embarrassment. He did his best to look sympathetic. >X MRS FARTHING She was seemed very young - barely twenty - and was quite timid. >ASK MRS FARTHING But Frank Farthing was not there. >XX OOPS Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >ASK HER Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >ASK That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >L 23 Ginnel Street was the humble abode of the Farthings, who didn't own much in the way of worldly goods but made the best of what they had. It was neat and tidy, if a little plain and barely furnished. The front door was south and there was another doorway to the east. Arthur saw Mrs Farthing. >X FARTHING She was seemed very young - barely twenty - and was quite timid. >ASK FARTHING But Frank Farthing was not there. >X MRS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X FURNISHING Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E This was the small scullery and general washroom at the back of the house. There was a stone sink with a bucket beneath, beside which was a cloth and a brick-sized bar of soap. The rest of the room was taken up with a great tin tub where people and laundry alike where made clean. Arthur saw Frank Farthing. Frank stripped to the waist and began to wash himself in the sink. >ASK FRANK Arthur tried to question Frank as he sloshed water over his bloodied face, but got very little sense out of him. >BUCKET Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X BUCKET Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X SINK Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X CLOTH Arthur tried to approach to take a closer look, but he was prevented from doing so. It was as though something emanating from the altar was negating his will to move. Under its influence, he found that he couldn't take another step towards it however much he wanted to. >XX OOPS? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X SOAP Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >TAKE SOAP Arthur wasn't able to take that. >X BAR Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X BAR OF SOAP Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >L This was the small scullery and general washroom at the back of the house. There was a stone sink with a bucket beneath, beside which was a cloth and a brick-sized bar of soap. The rest of the room was taken up with a great tin tub where people and laundry alike where made clean. Arthur saw Frank Farthing. >B TUB Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X TUB Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >ASK FRANK Arthur tried to question Frank as he sloshed water over his bloodied face, but got very little sense out of him. >HELP FRANK That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >AID FRAN Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >AID FRANK Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >HELP Type HINT for a clue or STUCK if you're desperately stuck - but beware of spoilers! >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W 23 Ginnel Street was the humble abode of the Farthings, who didn't own much in the way of worldly goods but made the best of what they had. It was neat and tidy, if a little plain and barely furnished. The front door was south and there was another doorway to the east. Arthur saw Mrs Farthing. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >ASK MRS Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >ASK FARTHING But Frank Farthing was not there. >ASK MRS FARTHING But Frank Farthing was not there. >X MRS FARTHING She was seemed very young - barely twenty - and was quite timid. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >L 23 Ginnel Street was the humble abode of the Farthings, who didn't own much in the way of worldly goods but made the best of what they had. It was neat and tidy, if a little plain and barely furnished. The front door was south and there was another doorway to the east. Arthur saw Mrs Farthing. >X FURNISHED Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E This was the small scullery and general washroom at the back of the house. There was a stone sink with a bucket beneath, beside which was a cloth and a brick-sized bar of soap. The rest of the room was taken up with a great tin tub where people and laundry alike where made clean. Arthur saw Frank Farthing. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >NE Arthur couldn't go that way. >SE Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW Arthur couldn't go that way. >TAKE SOAP Arthur wasn't able to take that. >TAKE BUCKET Arthur didn't see the point in carting that around with him. >ENTER TUB There was nothing there that seemed enterable. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W 23 Ginnel Street was the humble abode of the Farthings, who didn't own much in the way of worldly goods but made the best of what they had. It was neat and tidy, if a little plain and barely furnished. The front door was south and there was another doorway to the east. Arthur saw Mrs Farthing. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >S "I'm so sorry, Mrs Farthing, but I'm being called away," said Arthur apologetically. "That's quite alright," said Daisy. "I expect you're a busy man." He left the Farthing's house. The cobbled way outside number 23 had little to distinguish it from any other part of Ginnel Street. The street led east and west, while the door to number 23 was to the north. >N The door of number 23 was closed and Arthur was not the type to enter without knocking. >KNOCK ON DOOR Mrs Farthing answered the door and looked a little frightened to see Arthur once more upon her doorstep. "Nothing to worry about, Mrs Farthing," he said in his most reassuring policeman's manner. "I've just remembered a few more questions that I'd like to ask your husband if I may?" Mrs Farthing stood aside and Arthur entered the house. 23 Ginnel Street was the humble abode of the Farthings, who didn't own much in the way of worldly goods but made the best of what they had. It was neat and tidy, if a little plain and barely furnished. The front door was south and there was another doorway to the east. Arthur saw Mrs Farthing. >E This was the small scullery and general washroom at the back of the house. There was a stone sink with a bucket beneath, beside which was a cloth and a brick-sized bar of soap. The rest of the room was taken up with a great tin tub where people and laundry alike where made clean. Arthur saw Frank Farthing. >ASK FRANK Arthur tried to question Frank as he sloshed water over his bloodied face, but got very little sense out of him. >HITN Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W 23 Ginnel Street was the humble abode of the Farthings, who didn't own much in the way of worldly goods but made the best of what they had. It was neat and tidy, if a little plain and barely furnished. The front door was south and there was another doorway to the east. Arthur saw Mrs Farthing. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >S "I'm so sorry, Mrs Farthing, but I'm being called away," said Arthur apologetically. "That's quite alright," said Daisy. "I expect you're a busy man." He left the Farthing's house. The cobbled way outside number 23 had little to distinguish it from any other part of Ginnel Street. The street led east and west, while the door to number 23 was to the north. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Rows of small terraced cottages faced each other across the narrow throughfare of Ginnel Street, mostly inhabited by families that had occupied the same few square feet for generations. The Street led east and west >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W This short stretch of road between the village pump and Gennel Street had the neglected air of a place that existed only because of necessity but held no real interest to anyone. For all anyone knew it may have been stuffed with hidden treasures, but nobody ever lingered there long enough to find out. The road led south and east. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Arthur fancied that he could almost see rumours flying past him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. Something became tangled in Arthur's hair. He attempted to brush out whatever it was and felt a sharp pain in his finger. He shook his head rapidly and the thing fell out. Arthur saw upon the ground a tiny person. It picked itself up, mouthed a silent curse at him, and vanished. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >NE The cobbles along this short stretch of road had been worn smooth by five hundred year's worth of thirsty folk making their daily pilgrimage to the public house at the end of the street. The Myrour Inn itself was an unsafe-looking structure with a jettied upper floor that projected out alarmingly over the street whilst the lower potion skulked beneath. A battered wooden sign swung from chains above the open door. Arthur could hear voices within. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The Myrour, like many a village inn, had dug in its heels and refused to budge when each new century threatened to drag it forward in the name of progress. Consequently, the interior had changed little since the 1600s. The floor was of rough planks strewn with sawdust and the roof was studded with dangerously low beams. the furniture was of the crudest construction and the ineffectual, spitting gas light that had replaced the tallow of old was the only concession to relative modernity. The air was thick with the stench of ale and things less savoury, mingled with the yells and curses of customers. The way out was to the south and north led behind the bar. Arthur saw customers, Joseph Jarbell, Molly, an empty pint jug and a piano. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >ASK JARBELL Arthur tried to engage Mr Jarbell in conversation, but it seemed he didn't want to talk. >ASK MOLLY Arthur couldn't think of anything else to ask Molly. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The cobbles along this short stretch of road had been worn smooth by five hundred year's worth of thirsty folk making their daily pilgrimage to the public house at the end of the street. The Myrour Inn itself was an unsafe-looking structure with a jettied upper floor that projected out alarmingly over the street whilst the lower potion skulked beneath. A battered wooden sign swung from chains above the open door. Arthur could hear voices within. >SW The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >N The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Idle gossip filled the air. >E This stretch of Tithe Street was lined with some fine examples of black and white tudor arthitecture that had somehow survived the ravages of the passing centuries. The street led east and west. >E Arthur stood outside a squat stone building that bore an inscribed brass plaque reading 'Miss Marjorie Drywell BVSc, MA, PhD (Cantab). Veterinary Surgeon'. The street led east and west, while south was the entrance to the surgery. Arthur saw a motor tricycle. >S Arthur had no reason or inclination to mingle with the sick animals and anxious humans at the Veterinary Surgery. >E The residences along this part of the road were a clashing mixture of styles that showed signs of much modification over the years, as though the architect had tried to correct some orginal disharmony but had only succeeded in making matters worse. The street led westwards or turned a corner and headed north. >N This nonedescript passage linked the residential roads to the north and south. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Here the terraces gave way as Ginnel Street met the passage heading in the other direction. The street ran west and the passage headed south. >W The cobbled way outside number 23 had little to distinguish it from any other part of Ginnel Street. The street led east and west, while the door to number 23 was to the north. Arthur felt something crawl up his trouser leg and naturally panicked, jumping about and patting the area wildly. A moment later, he felt a sharp pain in his shin and saw a tiny person emerge from his clothing and float away. >N The door of number 23 was closed and Arthur was not the type to enter without knocking. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >KNOCK ON DOOR Mrs Farthing answered the door and looked a little frightened to see Arthur once more upon her doorstep. "Nothing to worry about, Mrs Farthing," he said in his most reassuring policeman's manner. "I've just remembered a few more questions that I'd like to ask your husband if I may?" Mrs Farthing stood aside and Arthur entered the house. 23 Ginnel Street was the humble abode of the Farthings, who didn't own much in the way of worldly goods but made the best of what they had. It was neat and tidy, if a little plain and barely furnished. The front door was south and there was another doorway to the east. Arthur saw Mrs Farthing. >E This was the small scullery and general washroom at the back of the house. There was a stone sink with a bucket beneath, beside which was a cloth and a brick-sized bar of soap. The rest of the room was taken up with a great tin tub where people and laundry alike where made clean. Arthur saw Frank Farthing. >X FRANK Frank Farthing was a hollow-cheeked fellow with a heavily-lined face, grey complexion and thinning hair which he kept carefully combed-over and greased down in memory of some earlier epoch when he had been popular with the ladies. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >WASH FRANK That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >TAKE SOAP Arthur wasn't able to take that. >X BAR Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X BRICK Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X BRICK-SIZED BAR OF SOAP Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >W 23 Ginnel Street was the humble abode of the Farthings, who didn't own much in the way of worldly goods but made the best of what they had. It was neat and tidy, if a little plain and barely furnished. The front door was south and there was another doorway to the east. Arthur saw Mrs Farthing. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >X GOODS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X ROOM Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X MRS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X FARTHING She was seemed very young - barely twenty - and was quite timid. >ASK FARTHING But Frank Farthing was not there. >TALK TO FARTHING If Arthur wanted to speak to someone then he would simply ASK [CHARACTER]. They would respond as they saw fit, depending on the place and time. >E This was the small scullery and general washroom at the back of the house. There was a stone sink with a bucket beneath, beside which was a cloth and a brick-sized bar of soap. The rest of the room was taken up with a great tin tub where people and laundry alike where made clean. Arthur saw Frank Farthing. >ASK FARTHING Arthur tried to question Frank as he sloshed water over his bloodied face, but got very little sense out of him. >TURN ON SUNK Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >TURN ON SINK That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >FILL BUCKET Arthur looked around but he couldn't see a place to fill anything (if he wanted to decant fluid from one vessel into another then he would POUR it INTO the vessel). >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W 23 Ginnel Street was the humble abode of the Farthings, who didn't own much in the way of worldly goods but made the best of what they had. It was neat and tidy, if a little plain and barely furnished. The front door was south and there was another doorway to the east. Arthur saw Mrs Farthing. >S "I'm so sorry, Mrs Farthing, but I'm being called away," said Arthur apologetically. "That's quite alright," said Daisy. "I expect you're a busy man." He left the Farthing's house. The cobbled way outside number 23 had little to distinguish it from any other part of Ginnel Street. The street led east and west, while the door to number 23 was to the north. >W Rows of small terraced cottages faced each other across the narrow throughfare of Ginnel Street, mostly inhabited by families that had occupied the same few square feet for generations. The Street led east and west >W This short stretch of road between the village pump and Gennel Street had the neglected air of a place that existed only because of necessity but held no real interest to anyone. For all anyone knew it may have been stuffed with hidden treasures, but nobody ever lingered there long enough to find out. The road led south and east. >S The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Arthur fancied that he could almost see rumours flying past him. >E This stretch of Tithe Street was lined with some fine examples of black and white tudor arthitecture that had somehow survived the ravages of the passing centuries. The street led east and west. >E Arthur stood outside a squat stone building that bore an inscribed brass plaque reading 'Miss Marjorie Drywell BVSc, MA, PhD (Cantab). Veterinary Surgeon'. The street led east and west, while south was the entrance to the surgery. Arthur saw a motor tricycle. >E The residences along this part of the road were a clashing mixture of styles that showed signs of much modification over the years, as though the architect had tried to correct some orginal disharmony but had only succeeded in making matters worse. The street led westwards or turned a corner and headed north. >W Arthur stood outside a squat stone building that bore an inscribed brass plaque reading 'Miss Marjorie Drywell BVSc, MA, PhD (Cantab). Veterinary Surgeon'. The street led east and west, while south was the entrance to the surgery. Arthur saw a motor tricycle. >W This stretch of Tithe Street was lined with some fine examples of black and white tudor arthitecture that had somehow survived the ravages of the passing centuries. The street led east and west. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Arthur fancied that he could almost see rumours flying past him. >N This short stretch of road between the village pump and Gennel Street had the neglected air of a place that existed only because of necessity but held no real interest to anyone. For all anyone knew it may have been stuffed with hidden treasures, but nobody ever lingered there long enough to find out. The road led south and east. >E Rows of small terraced cottages faced each other across the narrow throughfare of Ginnel Street, mostly inhabited by families that had occupied the same few square feet for generations. The Street led east and west >XX "STREET" SHOULDN'T BE CAPITALIZED Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >W This short stretch of road between the village pump and Gennel Street had the neglected air of a place that existed only because of necessity but held no real interest to anyone. For all anyone knew it may have been stuffed with hidden treasures, but nobody ever lingered there long enough to find out. The road led south and east. >S The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Idle gossip filled the air. >S The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >S Arthur didn't want to leave the village until he'd properly finished questioning Frank Farthing. To do so would be to shirk his duty as a police officer. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >E The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >W Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >W Arthur didn't want to leave the village until he'd properly finished questioning Frank Farthing. To do so would be to shirk his duty as a police officer. >N The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. The air seemed thick with rumour and gossip. >E This stretch of Tithe Street was lined with some fine examples of black and white tudor arthitecture that had somehow survived the ravages of the passing centuries. The street led east and west. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur stood outside a squat stone building that bore an inscribed brass plaque reading 'Miss Marjorie Drywell BVSc, MA, PhD (Cantab). Veterinary Surgeon'. The street led east and west, while south was the entrance to the surgery. Arthur saw a motor tricycle. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >KNOCK ON DOOR The veterinary surgery was the sort of place that one was supposed to stride into confidently and state one's business. >S Arthur had no reason or inclination to mingle with the sick animals and anxious humans at the Veterinary Surgery. >E The residences along this part of the road were a clashing mixture of styles that showed signs of much modification over the years, as though the architect had tried to correct some orginal disharmony but had only succeeded in making matters worse. The street led westwards or turned a corner and headed north. >N This nonedescript passage linked the residential roads to the north and south. >S The residences along this part of the road were a clashing mixture of styles that showed signs of much modification over the years, as though the architect had tried to correct some orginal disharmony but had only succeeded in making matters worse. The street led westwards or turned a corner and headed north. >W Arthur stood outside a squat stone building that bore an inscribed brass plaque reading 'Miss Marjorie Drywell BVSc, MA, PhD (Cantab). Veterinary Surgeon'. The street led east and west, while south was the entrance to the surgery. Arthur saw a motor tricycle. >W This stretch of Tithe Street was lined with some fine examples of black and white tudor arthitecture that had somehow survived the ravages of the passing centuries. The street led east and west. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Arthur could almost see the tittle-tattle flying past him. >S The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >E The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >X JARS They were large apothecary jars, intended more for display than for practical use. They contained various colourful liquids. >BUY MEDICINE Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X MEDICINE There seemed to be endless small cardboard packages advertising such contents as 'Cutfork's Carminative Serum', 'Bertrand's Balsam' and 'Radney's Effective Itch Pills'. >TAKE IT Mr Salter swiftly intercepted Arthur as he reached out to take it. "Of course, Mr Mapple," said the chemist, "I'll be happy to help you to anything - provided you pay for it!" He exploded into a hissing, wheezing laugh like a thing violently deflating. Arthur smiled nervously. >PAY FOR MEDICINE Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >X BALSAM Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X BERTRAND'S BALSAM Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >TAKE MEDICINES Mr Salter swiftly intercepted Arthur as he reached out to take it. "Of course, Mr Mapple," said the chemist, "I'll be happy to help you to anything - provided you pay for it!" He exploded into a hissing, wheezing laugh like a thing violently deflating. Arthur smiled nervously. >PAY FOR MEDICINES Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >W Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >N The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Idle gossip filled the air. >N This short stretch of road between the village pump and Gennel Street had the neglected air of a place that existed only because of necessity but held no real interest to anyone. For all anyone knew it may have been stuffed with hidden treasures, but nobody ever lingered there long enough to find out. The road led south and east. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >I Arthur was carrying a Box Brownie camera, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a fence post, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a tuning hammer and a pair of binoculars. >S The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Arthur could almost see the tittle-tattle flying past him. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >W Arthur didn't want to leave the village until he'd properly finished questioning Frank Farthing. To do so would be to shirk his duty as a police officer. >S Arthur didn't want to leave the village until he'd properly finished questioning Frank Farthing. To do so would be to shirk his duty as a police officer. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >SAVE QUESTION -> Save Game Save Game >2 ANSWER -> 2 QUESTION -> Overwrite Contents of Save Slot 2? Overwrite Contents of Save Slot 2? >1 ANSWER -> yes Saved Game In Slot 2 >1 Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >E The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >ASK SALTER "Are you acquainted with Reverend Peldash, Mr Salter?" asked Arthur. "Of course!" He bellowed with laughter, although Arthur failed to see what was so amusing. "Of course Mr Mapple. As we all are in the village. A very decent gentleman. Very decent." >ASK SALTER "Isn't is an odd thing that the church is so far away from the village, Mr Salter?"n"Well yes, I suppose it is Mr Mapple. Outside folks often comment on it, but us in the village - well, we've never know any different, have we?" He chuckled merrily as though at a joke that Arthur had missed."It's quite a journey to make on a Sunday morning," observed Arthur. "It's no journey for those of us that wants to make it," replied Mr Salter. "Separates the wheat from the chaff and no mistake. There's chaff enough in this village, Mr Mapple. Chaff enough!" He wheezed and rocked as though consumed with unaccountable mirth. >ASK SALTER "Are you acquainted with Reverend Peldash, Mr Salter?" asked Arthur. "Of course!" He bellowed with laughter, although Arthur failed to see what was so amusing. "Of course Mr Mapple. As we all are in the village. A very decent gentleman. Very decent." >READ BOOK Arthur opened the book and began to read from the top of the page. '...precautions are taken, cyanide is a perfectly harmless chemical that may be handled quite freely. SAFELIGHTING On no account should undeveloped photosensitive materials be exposed to ordinary 'white' light, which would ruin them by uncontrolled exposure - a costly and irreparable mistake. However, black and white orthochromatic film is insensitive to red wavelengths and so a red light source can safely be used to process films and prints in the darkroom. PRINTING Printing from photographic film negatives is a straightforward process by which even the amateur, with practice and industry, may produce high quality pictures. There are two main techniques: contact printing and enlargement printing. CONTACT PRINTING This technique has not only the virtues of being relatively simple and requiring no special equipment, but also of producing detailed prints from large-format negatives (120 or 'Brownie' film). The basic process is as follows: 1. A sheet of photographic paper is placed on the worksurface. 2. The negatives are are cut up and placed face-downwards upon the photographic sheet. 3. A sheet of glass is placed atop both, to hold the negatives in place. 4. The arrangement is exposed to light for the requisite time (see Fig.31(b). The negatives may then be removed and the exposed sheet developed in the usual way.' The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >ASK SALTER "Isn't is an odd thing that the church is so far away from the village, Mr Salter?"n"Well yes, I suppose it is Mr Mapple. Outside folks often comment on it, but us in the village - well, we've never know any different, have we?" He chuckled merrily as though at a joke that Arthur had missed."It's quite a journey to make on a Sunday morning," observed Arthur. "It's no journey for those of us that wants to make it," replied Mr Salter. "Separates the wheat from the chaff and no mistake. There's chaff enough in this village, Mr Mapple. Chaff enough!" He wheezed and rocked as though consumed with unaccountable mirth. >ASK SALTER "Are you acquainted with Reverend Peldash, Mr Salter?" asked Arthur. "Of course!" He bellowed with laughter, although Arthur failed to see what was so amusing. "Of course Mr Mapple. As we all are in the village. A very decent gentleman. Very decent." >ASK SALTER "Isn't is an odd thing that the church is so far away from the village, Mr Salter?"n"Well yes, I suppose it is Mr Mapple. Outside folks often comment on it, but us in the village - well, we've never know any different, have we?" He chuckled merrily as though at a joke that Arthur had missed."It's quite a journey to make on a Sunday morning," observed Arthur. "It's no journey for those of us that wants to make it," replied Mr Salter. "Separates the wheat from the chaff and no mistake. There's chaff enough in this village, Mr Mapple. Chaff enough!" He wheezed and rocked as though consumed with unaccountable mirth. >READ BOOK Arthur opened the book and began to read from the top of the page. '...precautions are taken, cyanide is a perfectly harmless chemical that may be handled quite freely. SAFELIGHTING On no account should undeveloped photosensitive materials be exposed to ordinary 'white' light, which would ruin them by uncontrolled exposure - a costly and irreparable mistake. However, black and white orthochromatic film is insensitive to red wavelengths and so a red light source can safely be used to process films and prints in the darkroom. PRINTING Printing from photographic film negatives is a straightforward process by which even the amateur, with practice and industry, may produce high quality pictures. There are two main techniques: contact printing and enlargement printing. CONTACT PRINTING This technique has not only the virtues of being relatively simple and requiring no special equipment, but also of producing detailed prints from large-format negatives (120 or 'Brownie' film). The basic process is as follows: 1. A sheet of photographic paper is placed on the worksurface. 2. The negatives are are cut up and placed face-downwards upon the photographic sheet. 3. A sheet of glass is placed atop both, to hold the negatives in place. 4. The arrangement is exposed to light for the requisite time (see Fig.31(b). The negatives may then be removed and the exposed sheet developed in the usual way.' The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >W Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >N The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Arthur could almost see the tittle-tattle flying past him. >N This short stretch of road between the village pump and Gennel Street had the neglected air of a place that existed only because of necessity but held no real interest to anyone. For all anyone knew it may have been stuffed with hidden treasures, but nobody ever lingered there long enough to find out. The road led south and east. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Rows of small terraced cottages faced each other across the narrow throughfare of Ginnel Street, mostly inhabited by families that had occupied the same few square feet for generations. The Street led east and west >E The cobbled way outside number 23 had little to distinguish it from any other part of Ginnel Street. The street led east and west, while the door to number 23 was to the north. >N The door of number 23 was closed and Arthur was not the type to enter without knocking. >KNOCK ON DOOR Mrs Farthing answered the door and looked a little frightened to see Arthur once more upon her doorstep. "Nothing to worry about, Mrs Farthing," he said in his most reassuring policeman's manner. "I've just remembered a few more questions that I'd like to ask your husband if I may?" Mrs Farthing stood aside and Arthur entered the house. 23 Ginnel Street was the humble abode of the Farthings, who didn't own much in the way of worldly goods but made the best of what they had. It was neat and tidy, if a little plain and barely furnished. The front door was south and there was another doorway to the east. Arthur saw Mrs Farthing. >ASK DAISY "Mrs Farthing, I, um..." began Arthur, uncertainly. "I'm ever so sorry, Mr Mapple, really I am!" said Daisy Farthing, wringing her hands, "Whatever must you think of us! And you an officer of the law and all." "But, how did you know that?" asked Arthur. "Begging your pardon, Mr Mapple, but it's all over the village that you're here to find out what happened to Reverend Peldash. And now you're having to waste your precious time over the likes of Frank." She looked at him fearfully. "It's not anything else, is it Mr Mapple? You're not here 'cos of his poaching again, are you? 'Cos he promised me the last time..." "Mrs Farthing," Arthur interrupted her, "I'm not here because of anything like that. I simply came across your husband in his current...predicament and helped him as best I could. Mind you..." he continued, feeling he couldn't let the matter pass by entirely, "poaching is a criminal offence." Mrs Farthing, whiter than ever, crossed to the doorway and bellowed in a startlingly loud voice, "Frank! Frank Farthing come in here at once!" Immediately the sound of splashing water ceased, there was a shuffling sound and after a few moments Frank Farthing appeared in the doorway, dishevelled but a little more sober seeming than before. 23 Ginnel Street was the humble abode of the Farthings, who didn't own much in the way of worldly goods but made the best of what they had. It was neat and tidy, if a little plain and barely furnished. The front door was south and there was another doorway to the east. Arthur saw Frank Farthing and Mrs Farthing. >X FRANK Frank Farthing was a hollow-cheeked fellow with a heavily-lined face, grey complexion and thinning hair which he kept carefully combed-over and greased down in memory of some earlier epoch when he had been popular with the ladies. >X DAISY Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >TALK TO DAISY If Arthur wanted to speak to someone then he would simply ASK [CHARACTER]. They would respond as they saw fit, depending on the place and time. >ASK DAISY Arthur exchanged a few pleasantries with Mrs Farthing, but she was too timid to properly engage her in conversation. >ASK FRANK "Now Frank," said Daisy Farthing fiercely to her sheepish-looking husband, before Arthur could get a word in, "you tell me and Mr Mapple here exactly what you've been up to in that wood. And I don't want to hear no lies this time, mind. Mr Mapple here's a policeman and he won't take kindly if you try to pull the wool over him like you try to me. Mark me, Frank Farthing." "Thank you, Mrs Farthing," said Arthur, attempting to seize the initiative. "Mr Farthing, perhaps you could start by telling me about the wood?" Frank Farthing sat forward in a chair and looked at his boots. "Ain't nothing much to tell Mr Mapple, and that's the truth. Just a bit of a wood, it is. I goes up there sometimes." "You're a poacher, Mr Farthing?" Arthur decided to try the direct approach. Frank shrugged. "Just a rabbit or two, here and there. Aint nothing nobody would miss." "I see." Arthur considered for a moment. He felt his intuition tingling. "Mr Farthing, have you ever seen anything unusual in that wood?" "How do you mean?" replied Frank suspiciously. "Out of the ordinary. Different. Around the time of Reverend Peldash's disappearance in particular." There was a long moment of silence, broken at last by Daisy Farthing. "For goodness sake, Frank, tell him!" "I could tell you, Mr Mapple, what I saw in that wood," said Frank slowly."But I reckon as how you'd never believe me." >ASK FRANK "Please, Mr Farthing - just tell me what you saw," said Arthur. Frank sighed and then began: "It was that very night the Reverend disappeared - 1st of May it was. Beltane. I was in the wood, checking on my snares. It was near midnight. Everything quiet, as it should be at that time. All alone, I was. And then suddenly...this great noise. Screaming, like the gates of hell opening and all those tormented souls crying out. Like nothing I ever heard before. And a wind, a wind that knocked me clean off my feet. And I see a shadow pass over me, and look up and..." He stopped. "Go on, please Mr Farthing," urged Arthur. "And then I seen him. The Devil himself, as tall as the sky, striding down out of the wood and across the fields." "The Devil?" Arthur, astonished, made a few scribbled notes in his notebook while wondering what to make of all this. "And, what happened next?" "I ran, Mr Mapple," said Frank. Arthur could see the fear in his eyes as he relived the moment, "I ran and ran, back towards the village. And that was when I saw him. Peldash." "You saw Peldash?" Arthur's mind raced. "Running he was. Running away. And then I saw it come up behind him, the rider. It just picked him up out of the road, slung him over its horse and disappeared. Took him back to the wood, I reckon. Only when it was gone, I found something it left behind." "What was it, Mr Farthing?" Arthur was on tenterhooks. "It was a nail, Mr Mapple. A horseshoe nail. Strange thing. I picked it up and brought it back here. Then Daisy found it and wanted it out of the house. Evil, she said it was. So a few days later I went back to the wood and I locked that nail away in my hut up there, thinking it must be important like. It's a relief to tell someone about it, Mr Mapple, really it is." "I expect it is," said Arthur. "Well Mr Farthing - this nail. I should like to take a look at it. Perhaps it may lead me to Reverend Peldash, if what you tell me is true." "I swear, Mr Mapple," said Frank, as sober now as Arthur had ever seen him, "I saw what I saw. Here." He handed Arthur a key. "That's the key to the trunk. I wrapped it up and hid it in there, in my hut up at the wood. You can help yourself. I just hope it's some to use to you, Mr Mapple." "I hope so too," said Arthur. He thanked both of them, said his farewells and, leaving a contrite Frank Farthing to the tender ministrations of his wife, went on his way. The cobbled way outside number 23 had little to distinguish it from any other part of Ginnel Street. The street led east and west, while the door to number 23 was to the north. Arthur saw a group of little people dash by his feet. 23 Ginnel Street was the humble abode of the Farthings, who didn't own much in the way of worldly goods but made the best of what they had. It was neat and tidy, if a little plain and barely furnished. The front door was south and there was another doorway to the east. Arthur saw Frank Farthing and Mrs Farthing. >X FRANK Frank Farthing was a hollow-cheeked fellow with a heavily-lined face, grey complexion and thinning hair which he kept carefully combed-over and greased down in memory of some earlier epoch when he had been popular with the ladies. >X DAISY Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >TALK TO DAISY If Arthur wanted to speak to someone then he would simply ASK [CHARACTER]. They would respond as they saw fit, depending on the place and time. >ASK DAISY Arthur exchanged a few pleasantries with Mrs Farthing, but she was too timid to properly engage her in conversation. >ASK FRANK "Now Frank," said Daisy Farthing fiercely to her sheepish-looking husband, before Arthur could get a word in, "you tell me and Mr Mapple here exactly what you've been up to in that wood. And I don't want to hear no lies this time, mind. Mr Mapple here's a policeman and he won't take kindly if you try to pull the wool over him like you try to me. Mark me, Frank Farthing." "Thank you, Mrs Farthing," said Arthur, attempting to seize the initiative. "Mr Farthing, perhaps you could start by telling me about the wood?" Frank Farthing sat forward in a chair and looked at his boots. "Ain't nothing much to tell Mr Mapple, and that's the truth. Just a bit of a wood, it is. I goes up there sometimes." "You're a poacher, Mr Farthing?" Arthur decided to try the direct approach. Frank shrugged. "Just a rabbit or two, here and there. Aint nothing nobody would miss." "I see." Arthur considered for a moment. He felt his intuition tingling. "Mr Farthing, have you ever seen anything unusual in that wood?" "How do you mean?" replied Frank suspiciously. "Out of the ordinary. Different. Around the time of Reverend Peldash's disappearance in particular." There was a long moment of silence, broken at last by Daisy Farthing. "For goodness sake, Frank, tell him!" "I could tell you, Mr Mapple, what I saw in that wood," said Frank slowly."But I reckon as how you'd never believe me." >ASK FRANK "Please, Mr Farthing - just tell me what you saw," said Arthur. Frank sighed and then began: "It was that very night the Reverend disappeared - 1st of May it was. Beltane. I was in the wood, checking on my snares. It was near midnight. Everything quiet, as it should be at that time. All alone, I was. And then suddenly...this great noise. Screaming, like the gates of hell opening and all those tormented souls crying out. Like nothing I ever heard before. And a wind, a wind that knocked me clean off my feet. And I see a shadow pass over me, and look up and..." He stopped. "Go on, please Mr Farthing," urged Arthur. "And then I seen him. The Devil himself, as tall as the sky, striding down out of the wood and across the fields." "The Devil?" Arthur, astonished, made a few scribbled notes in his notebook while wondering what to make of all this. "And, what happened next?" "I ran, Mr Mapple," said Frank. Arthur could see the fear in his eyes as he relived the moment, "I ran and ran, back towards the village. And that was when I saw him. Peldash." "You saw Peldash?" Arthur's mind raced. "Running he was. Running away. And then I saw it come up behind him, the rider. It just picked him up out of the road, slung him over its horse and disappeared. Took him back to the wood, I reckon. Only when it was gone, I found something it left behind." "What was it, Mr Farthing?" Arthur was on tenterhooks. "It was a nail, Mr Mapple. A horseshoe nail. Strange thing. I picked it up and brought it back here. Then Daisy found it and wanted it out of the house. Evil, she said it was. So a few days later I went back to the wood and I locked that nail away in my hut up there, thinking it must be important like. It's a relief to tell someone about it, Mr Mapple, really it is." "I expect it is," said Arthur. "Well Mr Farthing - this nail. I should like to take a look at it. Perhaps it may lead me to Reverend Peldash, if what you tell me is true." "I swear, Mr Mapple," said Frank, as sober now as Arthur had ever seen him, "I saw what I saw. Here." He handed Arthur a key. "That's the key to the trunk. I wrapped it up and hid it in there, in my hut up at the wood. You can help yourself. I just hope it's some to use to you, Mr Mapple." "I hope so too," said Arthur. He thanked both of them, said his farewells and, leaving a contrite Frank Farthing to the tender ministrations of his wife, went on his way. The cobbled way outside number 23 had little to distinguish it from any other part of Ginnel Street. The street led east and west, while the door to number 23 was to the north. >N The door of number 23 was closed and Arthur was not the type to enter without knocking. >W Rows of small terraced cottages faced each other across the narrow throughfare of Ginnel Street, mostly inhabited by families that had occupied the same few square feet for generations. The Street led east and west >W This short stretch of road between the village pump and Gennel Street had the neglected air of a place that existed only because of necessity but held no real interest to anyone. For all anyone knew it may have been stuffed with hidden treasures, but nobody ever lingered there long enough to find out. The road led south and east. >S The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. The very atmosphere seemed heavy with gossip and idle talk. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >W It was a blazing hot day and the air was thick with heat. Arthur, slowly stewing within the confines of his buttoned-up shirt and tweed blazer, looked up the gentle slope of the road out of Haelstowne and perceived a precipitous incline impossible to traverse on foot. Some sort of transport seemed his only means of escape. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Arthur mounted the bicycle and carried on along the road. This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. A tiny person landed on Arthur's sleeve. It seemed to be trying to speak to him, so he brought his arm close to his face to see it more clearly. The thing laughed and a tiny, shiny thing shot from its hand. Feeling a sharp pain above his eye, Arthur felt his brow and discovered there a tiny knife, embedded in his flesh. He shuddered to think what might have happened if its aim had been a little lower. The creature grabbed its knife and disappeared. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Arthur could almost see the tittle-tattle flying past him. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N This short stretch of road between the village pump and Gennel Street had the neglected air of a place that existed only because of necessity but held no real interest to anyone. For all anyone knew it may have been stuffed with hidden treasures, but nobody ever lingered there long enough to find out. The road led south and east. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The square may have been the place where all roads met, but everyone knew that the pump was the real centre of the village. Here rich and poor, well-to-do and down-at-heel mingled together, all equal in their pursuit of that most vital of life's necessities: gossip. Arthur saw gossiping villagers. Arthur fancied that he could almost see rumours flying past him. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur saw little people everywhere. They seemed to point and laugh at him as he walked by, and their laughter was not kind. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S This was the backroad leading into the slightly more affluent part of Nether Haelstowne, populated by those genteel enough to prefer a life away from the vulgarity of the main road that served the other side of the village. The road led north into the village and south towards a more open area. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S Here the hedges gave way onto a more open area and the road made a sharp turn before it headed into the village. The road ran north into Nether Haelstowne or northeast along a back road, while a track led south. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >NE Arthur couldn't go that way. >NW The backroad was less used and more unkempt than the main road from which it branched. The overgrown hedges were full of flowers and the verges frothed with daisies and cow parsley. The road ran southeast and northwest. Arthur was on the bicycle. >SE Here the hedges gave way onto a more open area and the road made a sharp turn before it headed into the village. The road ran north into Nether Haelstowne or northeast along a back road, while a track led south. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S This wide expanse of waterlogged ground seemed a gloomy place, even in the brilliance of a midsummer day. Short, scratchy turf around the perimeter soon gave way to tall grasses and reeds, beneath which the peaty waters displayed a sombre inversion of the summer sky. There was a strange absence of birdsong and Arthur had the oddest impressions of a mist clinging to everything although he could see quite clearly that no mist was there. A timber trackway ran southeast across the boggy landscape, while a path led north back to the road. Arthur saw an information board and a fence. Arthur dismounted the bicycle. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >SE This ancient trackway was constructed from huge split timbers driven deep into the boggy ground on top of which smaller logs and planks were fixed, forming a platform a few feet above the black waters of the wetland. Northwest was the broad sweep of the entrance to the wetland, while the timber track headed south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S This part of the track bridged a wide, watery channel that ran across the breadth of the wetland, dividing it in two. Arthur looked ahead and had a strong impression that there was something there across the bridge that could not be seen, as though he was looking at a mirror reflecting the world from which he had come and hiding that which lay beyond. The track led south over the bridge and north in the direction of the road. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S Arthur sensed an invisible barrier. It seemed that he could go no further. >N This ancient trackway was constructed from huge split timbers driven deep into the boggy ground on top of which smaller logs and planks were fixed, forming a platform a few feet above the black waters of the wetland. Northwest was the broad sweep of the entrance to the wetland, while the timber track headed south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >NW This wide expanse of waterlogged ground seemed a gloomy place, even in the brilliance of a midsummer day. Short, scratchy turf around the perimeter soon gave way to tall grasses and reeds, beneath which the peaty waters displayed a sombre inversion of the summer sky. There was a strange absence of birdsong and Arthur had the oddest impressions of a mist clinging to everything although he could see quite clearly that no mist was there. A timber trackway ran southeast across the boggy landscape, while a path led north back to the road. Arthur saw an information board and a fence. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Arthur mounted the bicycle and carried on along the road. Here the hedges gave way onto a more open area and the road made a sharp turn before it headed into the village. The road ran north into Nether Haelstowne or northeast along a back road, while a track led south. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N This was the backroad leading into the slightly more affluent part of Nether Haelstowne, populated by those genteel enough to prefer a life away from the vulgarity of the main road that served the other side of the village. The road led north into the village and south towards a more open area. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. A couple of strange looking individuals walked by. They were rather tall and very pale and were dressed in curiously old-fashioned clothing. As they passed Arthur they stopped talking and gave him a knowing look. He glanced back at them after they'd gone and found to his surprise that they had disappeared. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Arthur dismounted the bicycle. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur suspected that the sufferance on which he had been allowed to remain in The Vicarage might rapidly expire if he attempted to take a bicycle inside, so he left it propped against the wall. Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a fragment of mirror and a shovel. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an open cupboard (which contained a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >OPEN CAMERA But the film had not ended and Arthur did not want to ruin it by exposing it to the light. >WIND CAMERA Arthur turned the winding key until the number 2 appeared in the indicator window. >WIND CAMERA Arthur didn't want to waste valuable film by winding it forward before taking a picture. >PUSH BUTTON Arthur pushed the button and the camera clicked. >WIND CAMERA Arthur turned the winding key until the number 3 appeared in the indicator window. >PUSH BUTTON Arthur pushed the button and the camera clicked. >WIND CAMERA Arthur turned the winding key until the number 4 appeared in the indicator window. >PUSH BUTTON Arthur pushed the button and the camera clicked. >WIND CAMERA Arthur turned the winding key until the number 5 appeared in the indicator window. >WIND CAMERA Arthur didn't want to waste valuable film by winding it forward before taking a picture. >WIND CAMERA Arthur didn't want to waste valuable film by winding it forward before taking a picture. >PUSH BUTTON Arthur pushed the button and the camera clicked. >WIND CAMERA Arthur turned the winding key until the number 6 appeared in the indicator window. >PUSH BUTTON Arthur pushed the button and the camera clicked. >WIND CAMERA Arthur turned the winding key until the number 7 appeared in the indicator window. >PUSH BUTTON Arthur pushed the button and the camera clicked. >WIND CAMERA Arthur turned the winding key until the number 8 appeared in the indicator window. >PUSH BUTTON Arthur pushed the button and the camera clicked. >WIND CAMERA There were no more exposures, so Arthur turned the winder several times until he felt the tension slacken, indicating that the exposed film was now wound safely around the receiving reel. >XX WONDER IF THERE COULD BE A SHORTCUT HERE? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >OPEN CAMERA Arthur opened the camera, revealing the reel onto which the exposed film was safely wound. >X REEL Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >TAKE FILM Arthur removed the roll of film from the camera. >X FILM It was a roll of exposed film, ready for processing. >XX ...RIGHT, PROCESSING Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >READ BOOK Arthur opened the book and began to read from the top of the page. '...precautions are taken, cyanide is a perfectly harmless chemical that may be handled quite freely. SAFELIGHTING On no account should undeveloped photosensitive materials be exposed to ordinary 'white' light, which would ruin them by uncontrolled exposure - a costly and irreparable mistake. However, black and white orthochromatic film is insensitive to red wavelengths and so a red light source can safely be used to process films and prints in the darkroom. PRINTING Printing from photographic film negatives is a straightforward process by which even the amateur, with practice and industry, may produce high quality pictures. There are two main techniques: contact printing and enlargement printing. CONTACT PRINTING This technique has not only the virtues of being relatively simple and requiring no special equipment, but also of producing detailed prints from large-format negatives (120 or 'Brownie' film). The basic process is as follows: 1. A sheet of photographic paper is placed on the worksurface. 2. The negatives are are cut up and placed face-downwards upon the photographic sheet. 3. A sheet of glass is placed atop both, to hold the negatives in place. 4. The arrangement is exposed to light for the requisite time (see Fig.31(b). The negatives may then be removed and the exposed sheet developed in the usual way.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an open cupboard (which contained a (closed) bottle (which contained developer) and a (closed) flask (which contained fixer)), a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >PROCESS FILM Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >XX ALAS Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X FILM It was a roll of exposed film, ready for processing. >PUT FILM ON BENCH Arthur didn't need to put things explicitly on surfaces; just dropping them in the vicinity would be enough. >OPEN BOTTLE But Arthur was not holding a bottle. >TAKE BOTTLE Arthur took the bottle. >X IT It was a brown glass bottle, labelled 'Bunshaw's Exceptional Developing Fluid'. It contained developer. The bottle was closed. >I Arthur was carrying a small iron key, a roll of exposed film, a (closed) bottle (which contained developer), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >OPEN BOTTLE Arthur unscrewed the cap from the bottle. >PUT DEVELOPER ON FILM >XX UH OH Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >OPEN FLASK But Arthur was not holding a flask. >TAKE FLASK Arthur took the flask. >OPEN FLASK Arthur removed the stopper from the flask. >PUT FIXER ON FILM >POUR DEVELOPER ONTO FILM Arthur didn't see the pouring anything into that. >XX ALSO NOT GREAT... Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >PUT FILM IN FIXER >PUT FILM IN DEVELOPER >XX OK SOMETHING WEIRD HERE Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a fragment of mirror and a shovel. >TAKE MIRROR Arthur took the fragment of mirror. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >S The drawing room was mainly used for the receiving of visitors and as such it contained the best of the furniture and the most display-worthy of the knick-knacks that had accumulated over the years. A large window looked out over the driveway at the front of the house. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a chair and a round table (in the middle of the room). >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >W Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. >N The stony path ran northwards past the scullery and southwards to the west door of the house. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Here the path ran eastwards along the back of the scullery and southwards along the west side of the house. >E Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >E The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. >N The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. >N This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. >NE This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw a lump hammer and a screwdriver. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >S This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. >SW This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. >E From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The potting shed was an example of jerry building at its finest: each wall seemed to have started life as part of some other structure, the roof was a dangerous construction of corrugated iron and asbestos and the two large windows at the front were of different shapes and sizes. The whole leaned alarmingly to one side but somehow it contrived to stay upright. There was a unique and powerful stench of creosote and compost that quite took the breath away. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw potted seedlings, a garden fork, a pair of shears, Sidney Thurgood and an empty porcelain dish. A group of people staggered by. They were an incongruous bunch - some looked ordinary enough but other were curiously dressed and had a peculiar insubstantial quality about them. They all seemed incredibly drunk. >TAKE DISH Arthur took the porcelain dish. >ASK SIDNEY Arthur asked a question but Mr Thurgood just mumbled something inaudible from under his flat cap. >ASK SIDNEY Arthur asked a question but Mr Thurgood just mumbled something inaudible from under his flat cap. >HINT Arthur wasn't sure what this 'Haresnape & Balls' business was about. Perhaps there were some instructions to be found? Amongst the junk in the cellar seemed a likely place. >XX I WAS THINKING THE SAME! Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, a screwcap, a small iron key, a roll of exposed film, a fragment of mirror, an (open) bottle (which contained developer), an (open) flask (which contained fixer), an empty porcelain dish, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >S From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. >W This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. >W Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >W Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an empty bucket and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >D It was completely dark. Arthur could see nothing. >U The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an empty bucket and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >TAKE CANDLE Arthur decided not to take the candle while it was alight. >BLOW OUT CANDLE Arthur blew into the top of the glass cylinder, extinguishing the candle flame. It was completely dark. Arthur could see nothing. >TAKE CANDLE Arthur fumbled around in the dark. >TAKE CANDLE HOLDER Arthur fumbled around in the dark. >TURN ON LIGHT Arthur switched on the light. The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a candle holder (with candle, unlit), a broken vase (over the candle holder), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base and some dried flowers (in the vase). >TAKE CANDLE Arthur took the vase off the candle. Arthur removed the candle from the holder. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an empty bucket and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >D It was completely dark. Arthur could see nothing. >U The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an empty bucket and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, a screwcap, a small iron key, a stub of candle, a roll of exposed film, a fragment of mirror, an (open) bottle (which contained developer), an (open) flask (which contained fixer), an empty porcelain dish, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >LIGHT CANDLE But the stub of candle was unstable and obstinately refused to stay upright. Arthur thought it unwise to light it unless he could find some way to fix it in place. >PUT CANDLE IN CANDLE HOLDER Arthur didn't see the point in that. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a candle holder (empty), a broken vase, drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base and some dried flowers (in the vase). >TAKE CANDLE HOLDER That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >TAKE HOLDER Arthur took the candle holder (empty). >PUT CANDLE IN CANDLE HOLDER >XX ? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >PUT CANDLE IN HOLDER Arthur fixed the candle into the holder. >TAKE MATCH Arthur took a match from the box. >LIGHT IT Arthur struck the match against the box and it flared immediately. The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >LIGHT CANDLE Arthur lit the candle. >CLOSE CAMERA Arthur closed the flap at the back of the camera. The match burned down to Arthur's fingers; hastily he shook it out and discarded the burnt match. The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >X FILM It was a roll of exposed film, ready for processing. >XX HRM I MIGHT HAVE RUINED THIS, LET'S SEE! Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, a screwcap, a small iron key, a roll of exposed film, a candle holder (with candle, lit), a fragment of mirror, an (open) bottle (which contained developer), an (open) flask (which contained fixer), an empty porcelain dish, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an empty bucket and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >D The cellar passage was a narrow, brick lined corridor that lead into darkness. It was very cold down there. The walls were crusted with salt and blind white spiders scuttled in cobwebbed corners. Arthur couldn't help but shiver. The passage led eastwards and the stairs upwards to the scullery. >E The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. >X CRATES There were numerous crates and boxes containing old crockery, ornaments, pictures and other such miscellanea that had fallen from grace and relinquished the right to a place above stairs. Aside from the photographic equipment, none of it was of particular interest to Arthur. >X EQUIPMENT There were various lenses and fittings, mostly of Victorian vintage. >SEARCH EQUIPMENT Arthur generally found that simply examining things was sufficient and besides, he couldn't conduct a search without a warrant. >X BOTTLES It was a brown glass bottle, labelled 'Bunshaw's Exceptional Developing Fluid'. It contained developer. The bottle was open. >L The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. >X EQUIPMENT There were various lenses and fittings, mostly of Victorian vintage. >SEARCH EQUIPMENT Arthur generally found that simply examining things was sufficient and besides, he couldn't conduct a search without a warrant. >XX HRM Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >HINT Arthur wasn't sure what this 'Haresnape & Balls' business was about. Perhaps there were some instructions to be found? Amongst the junk in the cellar seemed a likely place. >X JUNK Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >W The cellar passage was a narrow, brick lined corridor that lead into darkness. It was very cold down there. The walls were crusted with salt and blind white spiders scuttled in cobwebbed corners. Arthur couldn't help but shiver. The passage led eastwards and the stairs upwards to the scullery. >X WALLS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >HINT Arthur wasn't sure what this 'Haresnape & Balls' business was about. Perhaps there were some instructions to be found? Amongst the junk in the cellar seemed a likely place. >X SALT Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X STAIRS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. >X CRATES There were numerous crates and boxes containing old crockery, ornaments, pictures and other such miscellanea that had fallen from grace and relinquished the right to a place above stairs. Aside from the photographic equipment, none of it was of particular interest to Arthur. >LOOK UNDER CRATES Arthur felt that he had more pressing things to do than spend time looking under things. >LOOK BEHIND CRATES Arthur felt that he had more pressing things to do than spend time looking behind things. >MOVE CVRATES Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >MOVE CRATES Moving the crates seemed a rather pointless pursuit. >MOVE EQUIPMENT Moving the equipment seemed a rather pointless pursuit. >L The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. >TAKE EQUIPMENT Arthur picked through it, but none of it seemed worth taking. >XX HMM Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X PLATES Beneath their thick envelope of dust, they appeared shiny and barely used. Arthur wondered briefly at that irrational human urge to manufacture things in such vastly wasteful quantities. There had not been produced enough cakes and sandwiches since time began to occupy the number of plates that streamed from the Potteries each year. The plates were separated from each other by sheets of paper. >X PAPER They were just sheets of scrap paper that had been interleaved between the plates to prevent them scratching one another. Arthur looked more closely and saw that one of the sheets had some writing on it. It looked like a set of instructions. The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw a sheet of instructions, wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. >XX OH WOW, OK Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X SHEET They were just sheets of scrap paper that had been interleaved between the plates to prevent them scratching one another. >TAKE SHEET Arthur didn't see the point in taking that with him. >X INSTRUCTIONS It was a sheet of instructions for the Haresnape & Ball 'Economic' Patented Film Development System. >TAKE IT Arthur took the sheet of instructions. >W The cellar passage was a narrow, brick lined corridor that lead into darkness. It was very cold down there. The walls were crusted with salt and blind white spiders scuttled in cobwebbed corners. Arthur couldn't help but shiver. The passage led eastwards and the stairs upwards to the scullery. >U The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an empty bucket and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a broken vase, drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base and some dried flowers (in the vase). >PUT VASE ON HOLDER Arthur arranged the holder on the nearest surface and placed the broken glass vase over it. The wider end was just big enough to fit over the saucer of the candle holder, enclosing it within the cylinder of red glass, open at the top where the base had once been attached. The candle burning within cast a ruddy glow. Arthur looked at the whole arrangement with satisfaction and congratulated himself that he had been so clever as to make an improvised safelight. The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. YYSTART HERE >TURN OFF LIGHT Arthur switched off the light. The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >READ SHEET But Arthur didn't have it. >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a roll of exposed film, a fragment of mirror, an (open) bottle (which contained developer), an (open) flask (which contained fixer), an empty porcelain dish, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >DROP DISH Arthur put down the porcelain dish. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >X DESK It was a sturdy walnut writing desk of early Victorian date. Its green leather top was stained with the ink of ages. Amongst the miscellaneous items littering the desk, Arthur spotted a paperweight. >TAKE PAPERWEIGHT Arthur took the porcelain weight. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and an empty porcelain dish. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and an empty porcelain dish. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >UNREEL FILM In the safety of the red light, Arthur unspooled the exposed film from the reel. The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and an empty porcelain dish. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >PUT FILM IN DISH Arthur put the strip of undeveloped film in the porcelain dish. >XX "SHEET" AS A SYNONYM WOULD BE NICE! Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a strip of undeveloped film). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >TAKE FILM Arthur took the strip of undeveloped film. >PUT DEVELOPER IN DISH But Arthur was not carrying that. >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a porcelain weight, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a strip of undeveloped film, a fragment of mirror, an (open) bottle (which contained developer), an (open) flask (which contained fixer), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >POUR BOTTLE INTO DISH That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >POUR DEVELOPER INTO DISH Arthur poured developer from the bottle into the dish. >PUT FILM IN DISH Arthur put the strip of undeveloped film in the porcelain dish. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a strip of undeveloped film and developer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >PUT WEIGHT ON FILM >XX OOPS Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >PUT PAPERWEIGHT ON FILM >PUT PAPERWEIGHT ON DISH Arthur put the porcelain weight in the porcelain dish. Arthur had everything prepared. He took out the crumpled sheet of instructions and read them through again carefully. Then, rolling up his sleeves, he arranged things on the bench and prepared to take his best shot at the mysterious process of film developing. He arranged the film beneath the weight so that it was trapped within the fluid-filled dish but still able to move back and forth and then, taking hold of either end, he see-sawed the strip through the developer. After several minutes, images began to appear on the film, as if by magic. Arthur see-sawed for the recommended time and then removed the film from the dish and peered at it in the unsteady glow of the improvised safelight. Arthur sensed a sudden intangible shift, as though the light had subtly changed. He looked around. Nothing was visibly different but the air felt suddenly charged, the shadows cast by the wavering candle flame seemed vividly alive and Arthur had a strong sense of presence. Something caught his eye: a movement, it seemed within the very surface of the film strip itself. Impossible. But still he held it up to the light and peered at it closely. There was nothing to be seen but a series of negative images, barely discernible in the red light. Things seemed to settle. The moment had passed, but the feeling of presence still lingered, like a background hum nagging at his senses. Arthur did his best to shrug it off and carry on. The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight, a strip of film negatives (unfixed, unwashed) and developer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >READ SHEET But Arthur didn't have it. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight, a strip of film negatives (unfixed, unwashed) and developer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >WASH NEGATIVES That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an empty bucket and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >FILL BUCKET WITH WATER But Arthur needed to be carrying it before he could fill it. >TAKE BUCKET Arthur took the bucket. >FILL BUCKET WITH WATER Arthur put the bucket in the sink, turned on the tap and watched it fill with water. He then removed it from the sink and turned the tap off. >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an empty bottle, an (open) flask (which contained fixer), a bucket (which contained water), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight, a strip of film negatives (unfixed, unwashed) and developer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >WASH NEGATIVES But Arthur was not carrying that. >TAKE NEGATIVES Arthur took the strip of film negatives (unfixed, unwashed). >WASH NEGATIVES Arthur washed the film thoroughly in the bucket of water, halting the development process. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and developer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >EMPTY DISH But Arthur wasn't carrying that. >TAKE DISH Arthur took the porcelain dish. >EMPTY IT Arthur didn't think it wise to empty a dish in here. >DROP NEGATIVES Arthur put down the strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed). >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >EMPTY DISH Arthur didn't think it wise to empty a dish in here. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >EMPTY DISH Arthur decided not to empty the dish and needlessly waste the developing fluid. >XX ? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >E Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >EMPTY DISH Arthur decided not to empty the dish and needlessly waste the developing fluid. >W Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >POUR DISH Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >POUR DISH Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >POUR DISH IN BOTTLE That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >XX DO WE REUSE IT? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >EMPTY DISH Arthur didn't think it wise to empty a dish in here. >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an empty bottle, an (open) flask (which contained fixer), a bucket (which contained water), a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and developer), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >READ SHEET But Arthur didn't have it. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >X SPOUT Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X DISH It was a rectangular porcelain dish with four dimples in square formation in the base and one corner moulded into a spout. The moniker 'Haresnape and Balls' was emblazoned on the base. It contained a porcelain weight and developer. >TAKE WEIGHT Arthur took the porcelain weight. >EMPTY DISH Arthur didn't think it wise to empty a dish in here. >X DISH It was a rectangular porcelain dish with four dimples in square formation in the base and one corner moulded into a spout. The moniker 'Haresnape and Balls' was emblazoned on the base. It contained developer. >X DEVELOPER It was a colourless fluid. >POUR OUT DISH Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >EMPTY DISH Arthur didn't think it wise to empty a dish in here. >L The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >DROP DEVELOPER But Arthur didn't have that. >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a porcelain weight, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an empty bottle, an (open) flask (which contained fixer), a bucket (which contained water), a porcelain dish (which contained developer), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >DROP BOTTLE Arthur put down the bottle. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >DROP DEVELOPER But Arthur didn't have that. >EMPTY DISH Arthur didn't think it wise to empty a dish in here. >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a porcelain weight, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an (open) flask (which contained fixer), a bucket (which contained water), a porcelain dish (which contained developer), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >L The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an empty bottle. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >EMPTY DISH Arthur didn't think it wise to empty a dish in here. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >EMPTY DISH Arthur decided not to empty the dish and needlessly waste the developing fluid. >PUT FIXER IN DISH Arthur decided not to try it. The fixer would not benefit from being wet. >E Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >EMPTY DISH Arthur decided not to empty the dish and needlessly waste the developing fluid. >E The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. >W Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >W Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >READ SHEET But Arthur didn't have it. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an empty bottle. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >PUT FILM IN DISH >PUT NEGATIVES IN DISH >PUT WEIGHT ON DISH Arthur put the porcelain weight in the porcelain dish. >X DISH It was a rectangular porcelain dish with four dimples in square formation in the base and one corner moulded into a spout. The moniker 'Haresnape and Balls' was emblazoned on the base. It contained a porcelain weight and developer. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >HOLD FILM Arthur took the strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed). >RUN FILM Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X BENC Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X BENCH It was ancient and heavy, with such an air of enduring permanence that one could imagine it has occupied the same spot before the house existed, and the latter was built around it. >POUR OFF DISH Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >POUR OFF DEVELOPER Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >POUR DEVELOPER Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >POUR DISH Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >EMPTY DISH Arthur didn't think it wise to empty a dish in here. >W Arthur did not want to ruin the film by exposing it to ordinary light, so he left it behind in the darkroom. The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an empty bottle. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >POUR DISH INTO DISNK Arthur couldn't see that anywhere. >POUR DISH INTO SINK That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >POUR DEVELOPER INTO SINK Arthur decided not to do such an unnecessary wasteful thing. >XX ARGH! Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >E Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >EMPTY DISH Arthur decided not to empty the dish and needlessly waste the developing fluid. >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an (open) flask (which contained fixer), a bucket (which contained water), a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and developer), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. >N The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. >W Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an empty bottle. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an empty bottle. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. >W Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >S The dining room was a scarred remnant of the oldest vicarage, variously modified, molested and improved by succesive owners over the centuries. The walls were crooked, the ceiling beams did not run parallel, and the ghosts of earlier doorways and windows were still visible behind the plasterwork as if there had been some doubt about their place in the scheme of things before setting them in their current positions. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw the breakfast things, the dining table and a chair. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >E Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >E Arthur suspected that the sufferance on which he had been allowed to remain in The Vicarage might rapidly expire if he attempted to take a bicycle inside, so he left it propped against the wall. Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >W Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur mounted the bicycle and set off along the road to Nether Haelstowne At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >SE Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. A couple of strange looking individuals walked by. They were rather tall and very pale and were dressed in curiously old-fashioned clothing. As they passed Arthur they stopped talking and gave him a knowing look. He glanced back at them after they'd gone and found to his surprise that they had disappeared. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >SE Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S This was the backroad leading into the slightly more affluent part of Nether Haelstowne, populated by those genteel enough to prefer a life away from the vulgarity of the main road that served the other side of the village. The road led north into the village and south towards a more open area. A group of people staggered by. They were an incongruous bunch - some looked ordinary enough but other were curiously dressed and had a peculiar insubstantial quality about them. They all seemed incredibly drunk. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S Here the hedges gave way onto a more open area and the road made a sharp turn before it headed into the village. The road ran north into Nether Haelstowne or northeast along a back road, while a track led south. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S This wide expanse of waterlogged ground seemed a gloomy place, even in the brilliance of a midsummer day. Short, scratchy turf around the perimeter soon gave way to tall grasses and reeds, beneath which the peaty waters displayed a sombre inversion of the summer sky. There was a strange absence of birdsong and Arthur had the oddest impressions of a mist clinging to everything although he could see quite clearly that no mist was there. A timber trackway ran southeast across the boggy landscape, while a path led north back to the road. Arthur saw an information board and a fence. Someone whistled to Arthur and he turned to see a lanky youth grinning at him. There was something odd about his old-fashioned clothing and his curiously insubstantial appearance. Arthur approached him and the boy seemed to simply melt away. Arthur was rather shaken. Arthur dismounted the bicycle. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >SE This ancient trackway was constructed from huge split timbers driven deep into the boggy ground on top of which smaller logs and planks were fixed, forming a platform a few feet above the black waters of the wetland. Northwest was the broad sweep of the entrance to the wetland, while the timber track headed south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S This part of the track bridged a wide, watery channel that ran across the breadth of the wetland, dividing it in two. Arthur looked ahead and had a strong impression that there was something there across the bridge that could not be seen, as though he was looking at a mirror reflecting the world from which he had come and hiding that which lay beyond. The track led south over the bridge and north in the direction of the road. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S Arthur sensed an invisible barrier. It seemed that he could go no further. >X MIRROR It was a fragment of mirror glass, thick and greenish with an uneven finish and marred by small air bubbles. It seemed very old. >LOOK IN MIRROR It was a fragment of mirror glass, thick and greenish with an uneven finish and marred by small air bubbles. It seemed very old. >N This ancient trackway was constructed from huge split timbers driven deep into the boggy ground on top of which smaller logs and planks were fixed, forming a platform a few feet above the black waters of the wetland. Northwest was the broad sweep of the entrance to the wetland, while the timber track headed south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >NW This wide expanse of waterlogged ground seemed a gloomy place, even in the brilliance of a midsummer day. Short, scratchy turf around the perimeter soon gave way to tall grasses and reeds, beneath which the peaty waters displayed a sombre inversion of the summer sky. There was a strange absence of birdsong and Arthur had the oddest impressions of a mist clinging to everything although he could see quite clearly that no mist was there. A timber trackway ran southeast across the boggy landscape, while a path led north back to the road. Arthur saw an information board and a fence. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Arthur mounted the bicycle and carried on along the road. Here the hedges gave way onto a more open area and the road made a sharp turn before it headed into the village. The road ran north into Nether Haelstowne or northeast along a back road, while a track led south. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N This was the backroad leading into the slightly more affluent part of Nether Haelstowne, populated by those genteel enough to prefer a life away from the vulgarity of the main road that served the other side of the village. The road led north into the village and south towards a more open area. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >NW Keeping the chimney in sight, Arthur followed the lane in the rough direction of the house that he knew must be somewhere near by. After several minutes it seemed that he had come no closer, for the chimney seemed just as far away. He had the mad impression that it was retreating from him in lock step with every move he made towards it - but of course, that was impossible. The lane led north and east. Arthur was on the bicycle. >X CHIMNEY It was a distant chimney, visible over the top of the hedge. Chimneys being more often that not acompanied by houses, Arthur surmised that one must lie in that direction. >N Resolute, Arthur continued to follow the lane in the direction of the elusive chimney pot. Tall hedgerows blocked his view on either side until, after some twenty minutes, he came across a section that was threadbare enough for him to peer through. He saw another hedge a little way beyond with the mysterious chimney poking over the top, but dash it - it seemed not an inch closer than when he'd first spotted it! The lane led north, south, east and west. Arthur was on the bicycle. >X CHIMNEY It was a distant chimney, visible over the top of the hedge. Chimneys being more often that not acompanied by houses, Arthur surmised that one must lie in that direction. >N Arthur continued to walk the lane while the far-off chimney pot beckoned. It flickered in and out of view, flirting with him through the gaps between hedges as he doggedly trudged up the uneven road. But however far he walked, he never seemed to get any closer. The lane led north, east, south and west. Arthur was on the bicycle. >X CHIMNEY It was a distant chimney, visible over the top of the hedge. Chimneys being more often that not acompanied by houses, Arthur surmised that one must lie in that direction. >W Resolute, Arthur continued to follow the lane in the direction of the elusive chimney pot. Tall hedgerows blocked his view on either side until, after some twenty minutes, he came across a section that was threadbare enough for him to peer through. He saw another hedge a little way beyond with the mysterious chimney poking over the top, but dash it - it seemed not an inch closer than when he'd first spotted it! The lane led north, south, east and west. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N Arthur continued to walk the lane while the far-off chimney pot beckoned. It flickered in and out of view, flirting with him through the gaps between hedges as he doggedly trudged up the uneven road. But however far he walked, he never seemed to get any closer. The lane led north, east, south and west. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Wearily, Arthur continued along the lane in pursuit of the chimney pot sailing merrily above the top of the hedges. He passed a thicket of dog rose and an old milestone set into the side of the road reading 'Haelstowne 6 miles, Calderhall 5½ miles'. Twenty minutes later, he passed another dog rose hedge and an identical milestone. Glancing up, he saw the chimney pot no nearer and no further away than before and felt dizzy with the thought that, despite his aching legs and weary feet, he hadn't moved at all. The lane led northeast, south and west. Arthur was suddenly surrounded by a swarm of tiny people all around him. They seemed everywhere: on his clothing and in his hair and darting around his face. He panicked and waved his arms about wildly - and then, quite suddenly, they disappeared. Arthur was on the bicycle. >NE Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Arthur was on the bicycle. >STUCK PROGRESSIVE WALKTHROUGH - TO IMPLEMENT >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >SE Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur was suddenly surrounded by a swarm of tiny people all around him. They seemed everywhere: on his clothing and in his hair and darting around his face. He panicked and waved his arms about wildly - and then, quite suddenly, they disappeared. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur was on the bicycle. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S This was the backroad leading into the slightly more affluent part of Nether Haelstowne, populated by those genteel enough to prefer a life away from the vulgarity of the main road that served the other side of the village. The road led north into the village and south towards a more open area. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S Here the hedges gave way onto a more open area and the road made a sharp turn before it headed into the village. The road ran north into Nether Haelstowne or northeast along a back road, while a track led south. Arthur was on the bicycle. >S This wide expanse of waterlogged ground seemed a gloomy place, even in the brilliance of a midsummer day. Short, scratchy turf around the perimeter soon gave way to tall grasses and reeds, beneath which the peaty waters displayed a sombre inversion of the summer sky. There was a strange absence of birdsong and Arthur had the oddest impressions of a mist clinging to everything although he could see quite clearly that no mist was there. A timber trackway ran southeast across the boggy landscape, while a path led north back to the road. Arthur saw an information board and a fence. Arthur dismounted the bicycle. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >SE This ancient trackway was constructed from huge split timbers driven deep into the boggy ground on top of which smaller logs and planks were fixed, forming a platform a few feet above the black waters of the wetland. Northwest was the broad sweep of the entrance to the wetland, while the timber track headed south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S This part of the track bridged a wide, watery channel that ran across the breadth of the wetland, dividing it in two. Arthur looked ahead and had a strong impression that there was something there across the bridge that could not be seen, as though he was looking at a mirror reflecting the world from which he had come and hiding that which lay beyond. The track led south over the bridge and north in the direction of the road. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur felt that crossing the bridge wasn't something that he needed to do at the moment. He decided to put it out of his mind until a little later on >N This ancient trackway was constructed from huge split timbers driven deep into the boggy ground on top of which smaller logs and planks were fixed, forming a platform a few feet above the black waters of the wetland. Northwest was the broad sweep of the entrance to the wetland, while the timber track headed south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >NW This wide expanse of waterlogged ground seemed a gloomy place, even in the brilliance of a midsummer day. Short, scratchy turf around the perimeter soon gave way to tall grasses and reeds, beneath which the peaty waters displayed a sombre inversion of the summer sky. There was a strange absence of birdsong and Arthur had the oddest impressions of a mist clinging to everything although he could see quite clearly that no mist was there. A timber trackway ran southeast across the boggy landscape, while a path led north back to the road. Arthur saw an information board and a fence. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Arthur mounted the bicycle and carried on along the road. Here the hedges gave way onto a more open area and the road made a sharp turn before it headed into the village. The road ran north into Nether Haelstowne or northeast along a back road, while a track led south. At a little distance, Arthur saw two people quarrelling violently. He was generally relucant to intervene in domestic affairs but felt he had to when the woman pulled back her fist and punched her companion in the face. He ran over but as he approached they stopped fighting and ran away, leaving blood on the ground. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N This was the backroad leading into the slightly more affluent part of Nether Haelstowne, populated by those genteel enough to prefer a life away from the vulgarity of the main road that served the other side of the village. The road led north into the village and south towards a more open area. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was on the bicycle. >W Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >NE Arthur couldn't go that way. >W At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur was on the bicycle. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >HIN Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Arthur dismounted the bicycle. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur suspected that the sufferance on which he had been allowed to remain in The Vicarage might rapidly expire if he attempted to take a bicycle inside, so he left it propped against the wall. Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an (open) flask (which contained fixer), a bucket (which contained water), a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and developer), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an empty bottle. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >TAKE NEGATIVES Arthur took the strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed). >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >X DISH It was a rectangular porcelain dish with four dimples in square formation in the base and one corner moulded into a spout. The moniker 'Haresnape and Balls' was emblazoned on the base. It contained a porcelain weight and developer. >X SPOUT Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >OPEN SPOUT Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >POUR SPOUT Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >POUR DISH Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >EMPTY SPOUT But Arthur wasn't carrying that. >EMPTY DISH Arthur didn't think it wise to empty a dish in here. >DROP NEGATIVES Arthur put down the strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed). >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an empty bottle. >TAKE DISH Arthur already had it. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >EMPTY DISH Arthur decided not to empty the dish and needlessly waste the developing fluid. >PUT CORK IN SINK But Arthur didn't have that. >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an (open) flask (which contained fixer), a bucket (which contained water), a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and developer), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >PUT STOPPER IN SINK Arthur put the cork stopper in the sink. >EMPTY DISH Arthur decided not to. Whatever was in the sink did not need liquid poured onto it. >PUT DISH IN SINK Arthur put the porcelain dish in the sink. >TAKE STOPPER Arthur took the cork stopper. >TAKE DISH Arthur took the porcelain dish. >EMPTY DISH Arthur decided not to empty the dish and needlessly waste the developing fluid. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an empty bottle. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >DEVELOP FILM Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >PUT FIXER IN DISH Arthur decided not to try it. The fixer would not benefit from being wet. >EMPTY DISH Arthur didn't think it wise to empty a dish in here. >POUR OUT DISH Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >POUR FLUID Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >POUR AWAY FLUID Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >POUR DISH Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >POUR DISH INTO BUCKET But the bucket was already full of water. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an empty bottle. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >POUR DISH INTO SINK That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an empty bottle. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >TAKE BUCKET Arthur already had it. >EMPTY BUCKET Arthur didn't think it wise to empty a bucket in here. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an empty bottle. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >EMPTY BUCKET Arthur didn't think it wise to empty a bucket in here. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >EMPTY BUCKET Arthur emptied the bucket into the sink and watched the liquid drain away. >POUR DISH INTO BUCKET That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >POUR DISH INTO BUCKET That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >X DISH It was a rectangular porcelain dish with four dimples in square formation in the base and one corner moulded into a spout. The moniker 'Haresnape and Balls' was emblazoned on the base. It contained a porcelain weight and developer. >TAKE WEIGHT Arthur took the porcelain weight. >POUR DISH INTO BUCKET That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >POUR DISH Arthur wasn't sure what or where to pour that. >EMPTY DISH Arthur decided not to empty the dish and needlessly waste the developing fluid. >E Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. >W Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >POUR DEVELOPER INTO SINK Arthur decided not to do such an unnecessary wasteful thing. >POUR DEVELOPER INTO BUCKET Arthur poured developer from the dish into the bucket. >EMPTY BUCKET Arthur decided not to empty the bucket and needlessly waste the developing fluid. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >POUR BUCKET INTO BOTTLE Arthur couldn't see that anywhere. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a porcelain weight, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an (open) flask (which contained fixer), a bucket (which contained developer), an empty porcelain dish, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an empty bottle. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an empty bottle. >POUR DEVELOPER INTO BOTTLE Arthur poured developer from the bucket into the bottle. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an (open) bottle (which contained developer). >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >FILL BUCKET Arthur looked around but he couldn't see a place to fill anything (if he wanted to decant fluid from one vessel into another then he would POUR it INTO the vessel). >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >FILL BUCKET Arthur put the bucket in the sink, turned on the tap and watched it fill with water. He then removed it from the sink and turned the tap off. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >W The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an (open) bottle (which contained developer). >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >X BUCKET It was a simple metal pail. It contained water. >PUT NEGATIVES IN DISH >L The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >X DISH It was a rectangular porcelain dish with four dimples in square formation in the base and one corner moulded into a spout. The moniker 'Haresnape and Balls' was emblazoned on the base. It was empty. >PUT FILM IN DISH >X WEIGHT It was a rectangular lump of white porcelain with a stubby foot at either corner, rather like a miniature table. It bore the legend "Haresnape & Ball's 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight". >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a porcelain weight, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an (open) flask (which contained fixer), a bucket (which contained water), an empty porcelain dish, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >PUT FIXER IN DISH But Arthur was not carrying that. >POUR FIXER INTO DISH Arthur poured fixer from the flask into the dish. >PUT FILM IN DISH >PUT FILM INTO DISH >PUT NEGATIVES IN DISH >X NEGATIVES It was a strip of photographic film, unfixed so that any images captured on it would be destroyed if exposed to ordinary light. >TAKE NEGATIVES Arthur took the strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed). >PUT NEGATIVES IN DISH Arthur put the strip of film negatives (unfixed, washed) in the porcelain dish. >PUT WEIGHT IN DISH Arthur put the porcelain weight in the porcelain dish. Arranging things on the bench once more, Arthur placed the cellulose strip beneath the weight in the dish and see-sawed it through the fixing fluid, permanently imprinting the images on the film. >READ SHEET But Arthur didn't have it. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight, a strip of film negatives (fixed, unwashed) and fixer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >TAKE NEGATIVES Arthur took the strip of film negatives (fixed, unwashed). >WASH NEGATIVES Arthur washed the film thoroughly in the bucket of water, halting the fixing process. >PUT NEGATIVES ON LINE >CLIP NEGATIVES TO LINE But Arthur didn't have anything to cut the film with. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and fixer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >PUT NEGATIVES ON LINE >PUT NEGATIVES ON LINES >DRY NEGATIVES Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X PEG It was just an ordinary wooden clothes peg. >PEG NEGATIVES But Arthur had no way of attaching the negatives to the drying line. >PEG NEGATIVES WITH PEG But Arthur had no way of attaching the negatives to the drying line. >XX THE PEG? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >TAKE PEG Arthur took the clothes peg. >PEG NEGATIVES WITH PEG Arthur used the clothes pegs to hang the wet negatives on the drying line. Arthur looked with pride at the strip of processed negatives drying on the line. Now all he needed to produce a set of finished photographs was to find a way of making prints. >READ BOO But Arthur didn't have it. >READ BOO But Arthur didn't have it. >READ BOOK Arthur opened the book and began to read from the top of the page. '...precautions are taken, cyanide is a perfectly harmless chemical that may be handled quite freely. SAFELIGHTING On no account should undeveloped photosensitive materials be exposed to ordinary 'white' light, which would ruin them by uncontrolled exposure - a costly and irreparable mistake. However, black and white orthochromatic film is insensitive to red wavelengths and so a red light source can safely be used to process films and prints in the darkroom. PRINTING Printing from photographic film negatives is a straightforward process by which even the amateur, with practice and industry, may produce high quality pictures. There are two main techniques: contact printing and enlargement printing. CONTACT PRINTING This technique has not only the virtues of being relatively simple and requiring no special equipment, but also of producing detailed prints from large-format negatives (120 or 'Brownie' film). The basic process is as follows: 1. A sheet of photographic paper is placed on the worksurface. 2. The negatives are are cut up and placed face-downwards upon the photographic sheet. 3. A sheet of glass is placed atop both, to hold the negatives in place. 4. The arrangement is exposed to light for the requisite time (see Fig.31(b). The negatives may then be removed and the exposed sheet developed in the usual way.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (processed, hanging on the drying line), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and fixer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >X NEGATIVES It was a strip of processed film negatives, hanging up to dry. The strip was still wet. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an (open) bottle (which contained developer). >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (processed, hanging on the drying line), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and fixer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (processed, hanging on the drying line), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and fixer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (processed, hanging on the drying line), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and fixer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >X NEGATIVES It was a strip of processed film negatives, hanging up to dry. The strip was still wet. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an (open) bottle (which contained developer). >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >W Arthur felt a subtle change as he left the house, as though a cloud had suddenly passed over the sun - though glancing up, he saw that the sky was bright and empty. In contrast with the cool neutrality of the house, the air out here felt invisibly alive, as though charged with electricity. The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur mounted the bicycle and set off along the road to Nether Haelstowne At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur was on the bicycle. >E Arthur dismounted the bicycle. Arthur propped the bicycle against a wall. The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw Mr Salter. >X PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPER There were the usual chemicals, plates and rolls of film as well as packets of photographic paper. >TAKE IT Arthur wasn't able to take that. >TAKE PHOTO Arthur wasn't able to take that. >ASK SALTER "Mr Salter, I wonder if you could provide me with some photo paper? You know, for making prints?" "Certainly, Mr Mapple. Bromide, choloro-bromide, silverchloride or collodion?" "Well..." Arthur hesitated a little. "It's for Brownie prints. 120 film?" "Oh yes, Mr Mapple. Been snapping away, have you, in between all your detecting?" The chemist seemed to that tremendously amusing, for some reason. "It'll be the Bromotone you'll be wanting." He took a packet off the shelf behind him and put it on the counter in front of Arthur. "That'll be a shilling please, Mr Mapple." Arthur took out his wallet and paid the grinning shopkeeper. >TAKE PAPER Arthur wasn't able to take that. >L The interior of the chemist's shop was gloomily clad in dark wood and draped in the weirdly coloured shadows of the jars in the window display. On either side were shelves stacked with medicinal and other products while straight ahead was a counter behind which, in the darkest recesses of the shop, a white-haired man in a white apron smiled placidly like an amiable ghost. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a packet of photographic paper and Mr Salter. >TAKE PACKET Arthur took the packet of photographic paper. >W Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. >W It was a blazing hot day and the air was thick with heat. Arthur, slowly stewing within the confines of his buttoned-up shirt and tweed blazer, looked up the gentle slope of the road out of Haelstowne and perceived a precipitous incline impossible to traverse on foot. Some sort of transport seemed his only means of escape. >W It was a blazing hot day and the air was thick with heat. Arthur, slowly stewing within the confines of his buttoned-up shirt and tweed blazer, looked up the gentle slope of the road out of Haelstowne and perceived a precipitous incline impossible to traverse on foot. Some sort of transport seemed his only means of escape. >E Arthur stood outside a rather grand shopfront in that distinctively showy turn of the century style that now, three decade later, seemed rather passé. One window displayed oversized glass jars filled with coloured liquids and pre-packaged ointments and pills pyrimidally arranged, while the other was taken up by advertisements for medicines and, Arthur noticed, photographic products. The upper pane of each bore the words 'Pharmacy' in gold letters and crowning the whole was a sign reading 'A. Salter, Dispensing Chemist' Arthur saw a bicycle. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >W The centre of the village was marked by a stone cross in the centre of the green, from which the main arteries of the small settlement radiated. Streets ran off the north, south, east, west and northeast. Arthur felt something crawl up his trouser leg and naturally panicked, jumping about and patting the area wildly. A moment later, he felt a sharp pain in his shin and saw a tiny person emerge from his clothing and float away. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Arthur mounted the bicycle and carried on along the road. This was where Nether Haelstowne began in a fitful scatter of isolated dwellings on the outskirts of the village. The way ran east into the village square and west back up the main road. Arthur was on the bicycle. >WW Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >W Here the road widened and the hedges were clipped back for the benefit of the motor vehicles that had changed the nature of such thoroughfares forever. Where once the route would have resounded with the ring of horse's hooves, the rumble of carriage wheels and the voices of those travelling on foot, there was now only the regular chatter and cough of motor vehicles and the occasional, brave cyclist. The road forked here, with the main route running east-west and a back road heading off southeast. Arthur stopped suddenly as he found himself engulfed in little white flakes. He thought at first it must be blossom, late though it was in the year, but then he felt the coldness against his cheek. Glancing up at the clear blue sky his mouth fell open as his mind wrestled with the impossible fact that it was now snowing profusely on a dazzlingly hot June day. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >W At this point the lane began to mean business as it widened and changed into a properly surfaced road leading down the steep hill into Nether Haelstowne. The road led east while west was the lane. Snowflakes drifted down serenely from a clear blue June sky. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Snowflakes drifted down serenely from a clear blue June sky. Arthur was on the bicycle. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Snowflakes drifted down serenely from a clear blue June sky. Arthur dismounted the bicycle. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Snowflakes drifted down serenely from a clear blue June sky. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Snowflakes drifted down serenely from a clear blue June sky. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Snowflakes drifted down serenely from a clear blue June sky. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur suspected that the sufferance on which he had been allowed to remain in The Vicarage might rapidly expire if he attempted to take a bicycle inside, so he left it propped against the wall. Arthur passed across the threshold with an odd sensation like stepping into cool, still water. While outside life busied on, within these walls the world seemed to have paused between one breath and the next. The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an (open) bottle (which contained developer). >READ BOOK Arthur opened the book and began to read from the top of the page. '...precautions are taken, cyanide is a perfectly harmless chemical that may be handled quite freely. SAFELIGHTING On no account should undeveloped photosensitive materials be exposed to ordinary 'white' light, which would ruin them by uncontrolled exposure - a costly and irreparable mistake. However, black and white orthochromatic film is insensitive to red wavelengths and so a red light source can safely be used to process films and prints in the darkroom. PRINTING Printing from photographic film negatives is a straightforward process by which even the amateur, with practice and industry, may produce high quality pictures. There are two main techniques: contact printing and enlargement printing. CONTACT PRINTING This technique has not only the virtues of being relatively simple and requiring no special equipment, but also of producing detailed prints from large-format negatives (120 or 'Brownie' film). The basic process is as follows: 1. A sheet of photographic paper is placed on the worksurface. 2. The negatives are are cut up and placed face-downwards upon the photographic sheet. 3. A sheet of glass is placed atop both, to hold the negatives in place. 4. The arrangement is exposed to light for the requisite time (see Fig.31(b). The negatives may then be removed and the exposed sheet developed in the usual way.' The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an (open) bottle (which contained developer). >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (processed, hanging on the drying line), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and fixer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >SAVE QUESTION -> Save Game Save Game >2 ANSWER -> 2 QUESTION -> Overwrite Contents of Save Slot 2? Overwrite Contents of Save Slot 2? >1 ANSWER -> yes Saved Game In Slot 2 >CUT NEGATIVES But Arthur didn't have anything to cut the film with. >X NEGATIVES It was a strip of processed film negatives, hanging up to dry. The strip was now dry. >I Arthur was carrying a packet of photographic paper, a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an empty flask, a bucket (which contained water), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a pane of glass, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an (open) bottle (which contained developer). >TAKE PANE Arthur took the pane of glass. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser and an open drawer (which contained some cutlery). >I Arthur was carrying a packet of photographic paper, a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a pane of glass, a fragment of mirror, an empty flask, a bucket (which contained water), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a chisel, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >DROP CHISEL Arthur put down the chisel. >XX NOW WHAT DID I DO WITH THE SCISSORS? That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >NS Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an (open) bottle (which contained developer). >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a strip of film negatives (processed, hanging on the drying line), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a pair of scissors, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and fixer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >TAKE SCISSORS Arthur took the pair of scissors. >CUT NEGATIVES But Arthur couldn't cut the film while it was hanging on the line. >TAKE NEGATIVES Arthur unpegged the strip and took it from the drying line. >CUT NEGATIVES Using the scissors, Arthur snipped the film into its separate frames. >OPEN PACKET Arthur opened the packet of photographic paper. He saw sheets inside. >X SHEETS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >TAKE THEM Arthur took a fresh sheet of photographic paper from the packet. >I Arthur was carrying a packet of photographic paper, a sheet of new, unexposed photo paper, a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a set of film negatives (cut from a strip), a pane of glass, a fragment of mirror, an empty flask, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a bucket (which contained water), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >PUT PAPER ON BENCH Arthur didn't need to put things explicitly on surfaces; just dropping them in the vicinity would be enough. >DROP PAPER Arthur put down the sheet of new, unexposed photo paper. >PUT NEGATIVES ON PAPER Arthur placed the negatives on top of the sheet of photographic paper. >PUT PANE ON NEGATIVES Arthur saw to need to put it there. >I Arthur was carrying a packet of photographic paper, a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a pane of glass, a fragment of mirror, an empty flask, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a bucket (which contained water), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >READ BOOK Arthur opened the book and began to read from the top of the page. '...precautions are taken, cyanide is a perfectly harmless chemical that may be handled quite freely. SAFELIGHTING On no account should undeveloped photosensitive materials be exposed to ordinary 'white' light, which would ruin them by uncontrolled exposure - a costly and irreparable mistake. However, black and white orthochromatic film is insensitive to red wavelengths and so a red light source can safely be used to process films and prints in the darkroom. PRINTING Printing from photographic film negatives is a straightforward process by which even the amateur, with practice and industry, may produce high quality pictures. There are two main techniques: contact printing and enlargement printing. CONTACT PRINTING This technique has not only the virtues of being relatively simple and requiring no special equipment, but also of producing detailed prints from large-format negatives (120 or 'Brownie' film). The basic process is as follows: 1. A sheet of photographic paper is placed on the worksurface. 2. The negatives are are cut up and placed face-downwards upon the photographic sheet. 3. A sheet of glass is placed atop both, to hold the negatives in place. 4. The arrangement is exposed to light for the requisite time (see Fig.31(b). The negatives may then be removed and the exposed sheet developed in the usual way.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a sheet of new, unexposed photo paper, a set of film negatives (cut from a strip) (on the photo sheet), drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and fixer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >PUT PANE ON PAPER Arthur placed the glass on top of the sheet of photographic paper, sandwiching the negatives between. Arthur looked with satisfaction at the arrangement of photo paper, negatives and plate glass on the bench before him. He had everything ready to make a contact prints. >XX HMM "PUT ON NEGATIVES" SEEMS LIKE IT'D BE BETTER Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >TURN ON LIGHT Arthur put his finger to the lightswitch, crossed fingers on the other hand and hoped for the best. The light snapped on, illuminating the room with a harsh glare. Arthur counted to ten and turned the light off, hoping that had been long enough for a successful exposure. >TAKE SHEET Arthur took the negatives off the sheet. Arthur took the glass off the sheet Arthur took the sheet of exposed, undeveloped photo paper. >READ BOOK Arthur opened the book and began to read from the top of the page. '...precautions are taken, cyanide is a perfectly harmless chemical that may be handled quite freely. SAFELIGHTING On no account should undeveloped photosensitive materials be exposed to ordinary 'white' light, which would ruin them by uncontrolled exposure - a costly and irreparable mistake. However, black and white orthochromatic film is insensitive to red wavelengths and so a red light source can safely be used to process films and prints in the darkroom. PRINTING Printing from photographic film negatives is a straightforward process by which even the amateur, with practice and industry, may produce high quality pictures. There are two main techniques: contact printing and enlargement printing. CONTACT PRINTING This technique has not only the virtues of being relatively simple and requiring no special equipment, but also of producing detailed prints from large-format negatives (120 or 'Brownie' film). The basic process is as follows: 1. A sheet of photographic paper is placed on the worksurface. 2. The negatives are are cut up and placed face-downwards upon the photographic sheet. 3. A sheet of glass is placed atop both, to hold the negatives in place. 4. The arrangement is exposed to light for the requisite time (see Fig.31(b). The negatives may then be removed and the exposed sheet developed in the usual way.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a set of film negatives (cut from a strip), a pane of glass, drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a porcelain weight and fixer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >XX OK, SECOND VERSE SAME AS THE FIRST Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >I Arthur was carrying a packet of photographic paper, a sheet of exposed, undeveloped photo paper, a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an empty flask, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a bucket (which contained water), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >POUR FIXER INTO FLASH Arthur couldn't see that anywhere. >POUR FIXER INTO FLASK That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >X DISH It was a rectangular porcelain dish with four dimples in square formation in the base and one corner moulded into a spout. The moniker 'Haresnape and Balls' was emblazoned on the base. It contained a porcelain weight and fixer. >TAKE WEIGHT Arthur took the porcelain weight. >POUR FIXER INTO FLASK That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >W Arthur did not want to ruin the sheet of photo paper by exposing it to ordinary light, so he left it behind in the darkroom. Arthur did not want to ruin the packet of photo paper by exposing it to ordinary light, so he left the packet behind in the darkroom. The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a bunch of keys, a shovel and an (open) bottle (which contained developer). >TAKE BOTTLE Arthur took the bottle. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >POUR FIXER INTO FLAS Arthur couldn't see that anywhere. >POUR FIXER INTO FLASK That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >EMPTY BUCKET Arthur didn't think it wise to empty a bucket in here. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery) and a chisel. >POUR FIXER INTO FLASK That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >EMPTY BUCKET Arthur emptied the bucket into the sink and watched the liquid drain away. >POUR FIXER INTO BUCKET That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >POUR DISH INTO BUCKET That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >X DISH But the porcelain dish was not there. >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a porcelain weight, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an (open) bottle (which contained developer), an empty flask, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, an empty bucket, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a packet of photographic paper, a sheet of exposed, undeveloped photo paper, a set of film negatives (cut from a strip), a pane of glass, drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained fixer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >TAKE DISH Arthur took the porcelain dish. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery) and a chisel. >POUR FIXER INTO FLASK Arthur poured fixer from the dish into the flask. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a packet of photographic paper, a sheet of exposed, undeveloped photo paper, a set of film negatives (cut from a strip), a pane of glass, drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >POUR DEVELOPER INTO DISH Arthur poured developer from the bottle into the dish. >PUT SHEET INTO DISH >X DISH It was a rectangular porcelain dish with four dimples in square formation in the base and one corner moulded into a spout. The moniker 'Haresnape and Balls' was emblazoned on the base. It contained developer. >PUT SHEET IN DISH >X DISH It was a rectangular porcelain dish with four dimples in square formation in the base and one corner moulded into a spout. The moniker 'Haresnape and Balls' was emblazoned on the base. It contained developer. >PUT SHEET INTO DISH >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a porcelain weight, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an empty bottle, an (open) flask (which contained fixer), a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, an empty bucket, a porcelain dish (which contained developer), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >TAKE SHEET Arthur took the sheet of exposed, undeveloped photo paper. >PUT SHEET INTO DISH Arthur put the sheet of exposed, undeveloped photo paper in the porcelain dish. Arthur swished the sheet of photographic paper back and forth through the dish of developer and after a few moments images began to appear on the sheet. Arthur felt a sudden violent change in the atmosphere, like air rushing in to fill a vacuum. Whatever invisible bubble it was that had sealed off The Vicarage from the outside world shattered, the sense of neutrality and calm evaporated, and the air was suddenly prickling and alive with things unseen. Arthur looked at the images on the contact sheet and saw things moving, impossibly but undeniably, beneath the photographic emulsion. He felt the dead hand of terror close around his heart, every hair stood upright and for a few moment he remained rooted to the spot. And then, thankfully, the fear abated, the charge in the atmosphere faded and the pressure lessened as though an equilibrium has been reached. Arthur, clammy with cold sweat, looked around the place and knew that whatever it was that he had done, he would no longer ever be alone in The Vicarage. The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a packet of photographic paper, a set of film negatives (cut from a strip), a pane of glass, drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a sheet of contact prints (unfixed, unwashed) and developer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >X SHEET It was a sheet of contact prints, unfixed so that the images would be destroyed if exposed to ordinary light. The sheet was wet with developing fluid. >I Arthur was carrying a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a porcelain weight, a sheet of instructions, a screwcap, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, an empty bottle, an (open) flask (which contained fixer), a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, an empty bucket, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a Box Brownie camera, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >X BUCKET It was a simple metal pail. It was empty. >DROP SHEET But Arthur didn't have that. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery) and a chisel. >FILL BUCKET Arthur put the bucket in the sink, turned on the tap and watched it fill with water. He then removed it from the sink and turned the tap off. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook and some scones. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a packet of photographic paper, a set of film negatives (cut from a strip), a pane of glass, drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a sheet of contact prints (unfixed, unwashed) and developer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >W The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a bunch of keys and a shovel. >E The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a packet of photographic paper, a set of film negatives (cut from a strip), a pane of glass, drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase), a safelight and a porcelain dish (which contained a sheet of contact prints (unfixed, unwashed) and developer). Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >POUR DEVELOPER INTO BOTTLE That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >X BOTTLE It was a brown glass bottle, labelled 'Bunshaw's Exceptional Developing Fluid'. It was empty. The bottle was open. >X DISH It was a rectangular porcelain dish with four dimples in square formation in the base and one corner moulded into a spout. The moniker 'Haresnape and Balls' was emblazoned on the base. It contained a sheet of contact prints (unfixed, unwashed) and developer. >TAKE SHEET Arthur took the sheet of contact prints (unfixed, unwashed). >WASH SHEET Arthur washed the sheet thoroughly in the bucket of water, halting the development process. >POUR DEVELOPER INTO BOTTLE That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >TAKE BOTTLE Arthur already had it. >TAKE DISH Arthur took the porcelain dish. >POUR DEVELOPER INTO BOTTLE Arthur poured developer from the dish into the bottle. >READ INSTRUCTIONS Arthur read: 'Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing system. A most economical and convenient way to develop photographic films. Simple to use, for the amateur and professional photographer alike. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: 1. Unreel the finished film from the spool. 2. Fill the supplied developing dish with the recommended film developing fluid. 3. Place the undeveloped film in the dish. 4. Place the Haresnape & Balls 'Economic' Patented Developing Weight on top of the film, ensuring that the feet of the weight engage with the depressions in the base of the tray. 5. Holding the film at either end, run the strip back and forth through the developer for the recommended time. The weight will ensure that the film remains immersed in the fluid during the development process. 6. Once development is complete, pour away the developing fluid via the spout. The developed film should be washed in clean water to remove traces of developing fluid. 7. To fix the developed negatives, fill the dish with the recommended film fixing fluid and repeat the process above, remembering to wash the film afterwards to remove traces of fixing fluid. 8. Allow the negatives to dry naturally on a drying rack or hanging line. Provided these instructions are followed carefully, the apparatus will provide many years of economical and trouble-free use.' The darkroom was a claustrophobic cubby hole beneath the stairs. There was a stout wooden work bench against one wall with a small cupboard above while overhead lengths of twine spanned the room. There was a unique smell of old wood, chemicals and must. Judging by the dust, the place had not been used in some time. There was a door to the west. Arthur saw a packet of photographic paper, a set of film negatives (cut from a strip), a pane of glass, drying lines, a bench, an empty open cupboard, a notice, a lightswitch, a vase base, some dried flowers (in the vase) and a safelight. Everything was bathed in an eerie red glow. >PUT FIXER IN DISH But Arthur was not carrying that. >TAKE FLASK Arthur already had it. >POUR FIXER INTO DISH Arthur poured fixer from the flask into the dish. >PUT SHEET IN DISH Arthur put the sheet of contact prints (unfixed, washed) in the porcelain dish. Arthur swished the sheet in the fluid, permanently fixing the images. >X SHEET It was a sheet of contact prints, fixed so that the images would not disappear in ordinary light. It was wet with fixing fluid. >TAKE PEG Arthur already had it. >PEG SHEET But Arthur wasn't carrying the sheet. >TAKE SHEET Arthur took the sheet of contact prints (fixed, unwashed). >PEG SHEET But Arthur saw no need to hang the sheet in its current state. >WASH SHEET Arthur washed the sheet thoroughly in the bucket of water, halting the fixing process. >PEG SHEET Arthur used the clothes pegs to hang the wet sheet on the drying line. Arthur left the prints to dry and tried to occupy himself before dinner which would be served, as it had been since time immemorial, at precisely 5.15. He read in the study for a while, but found he couldn't settle to it. Nothing in Peldash's library interested him particularly and whenever he did attempt to read something, that nagging sense of presence seemed always to break his concentration. The house having become a rather uneasy place to be, he went outside for a walk. Snow was still falling steadily through the sunshine and melting the instant it hit the hot and dusty ground, although here and there it had begun to gain a foothold in the shadows. The wildlife seemed fretful and subdued; the birds had mostly fallen silent. Oppressed, Arthur returned to The Vicarage After dinner, Arthur was heading back to the study when he heard Mrs Taplow in the kitchen, talking in a low voice to Mr Thurgood. Pausing to eavesdrop, he couldn't make out the words, but the anxious tone was unmistakable. As the evening drew in, the snow steadily thickened. Arthur retired early to bed, having discretely returned the house keys to their proper place. He was tired after a busy and confusing day. Drawing the curtains on a snow-covered midsummer night, he tried to hard to explain to himself the strange events of the day, but found he could not. Perhaps, he thought, everything would make more sense in the morning Arthur lurched awake in the middle of the night. His heart was racing and his skin clammy, his senses jangling and alert to invisible danger. He sat up in bed. Light was pouring in through the curtains, illuminating the whole room in a strange, cold light. It must have been a full moon. He looked around and saw the empty room. There was nothing there. But he was sure he had felt....He pulled back the covers and got out of bed, threw on his dressing gown and slippers and opened the curtains. Immediately he was assailed by the dazzling whiteness of the world outside his window. Everything was smothered by a thick blanket of snow. June 22nd 1928 (A little after midnight) This was the guest room that was Arthur's for the duration of his stay. Plainly furnished with bed and washstand, and decorated with wall paper that might have been fashionable a century ago, it was nevertheless comfortable and served its purpose well enough. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a sheet of contact prints (processed), a candle holder (with candle, unlit) and a matchbox. That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >SAVE QUESTION -> Save Game Save Game >1 ANSWER -> 1 QUESTION -> Overwrite Contents of Save Slot 1? Overwrite Contents of Save Slot 1? >1 ANSWER -> yes Saved Game In Slot 1 >L This was the guest room that was Arthur's for the duration of his stay. Plainly furnished with bed and washstand, and decorated with wall paper that might have been fashionable a century ago, it was nevertheless comfortable and served its purpose well enough. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a sheet of contact prints (processed), a candle holder (with candle, unlit) and a matchbox. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >X SHEET It was a sheet of contact prints, fixed so that the images would not disappear in ordinary light. The sheet was dry. >TAKE ALL Arthur took the sheet of contact prints (processed). Arthur took the candle holder (with candle, unlit). Arthur took the matchbox. >N Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >W Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. >D This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. Arthur shivered and broke out into goosepimples as the temperature suddenly plummeted several degrees; a visible miasma thickened before his eyes and something began to take form. Terrified, he backed away as a luminous figure appeared, seeming to float from out of the very wall. He opened his mouth to shriek, but no words would come – and then surprise supplanted fear as he recognised the face of the apparition before him. It was none other than the Reverend Jeremiah Peldash, his eyes closed and his face peaceful as though asleep. The ghost lingered for a moment, before crossing in front of Arthur and disappearing through the opposite wall. Arthur, filmed in a cold sweat, took a moment to recover his nerves before pressing on. This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >S The dining room was a scarred remnant of the oldest vicarage, variously modified, molested and improved by succesive owners over the centuries. The walls were crooked, the ceiling beams did not run parallel, and the ghosts of earlier doorways and windows were still visible behind the plasterwork as if there had been some doubt about their place in the scheme of things before setting them in their current positions. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw the dining table and a chair. >N The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >W The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >S The drawing room was mainly used for the receiving of visitors and as such it contained the best of the furniture and the most display-worthy of the knick-knacks that had accumulated over the years. A large window looked out over the driveway at the front of the house. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a chair and a round table (in the middle of the room). Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >N The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a shovel and a set of steps. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >E Arthur tried the door and discovered that it was locked. Mrs Taplow must have been there before him. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw some scones, an empty sink, the dresser, a closed drawer and a chisel. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >D Arthur tried the door and discovered it was locked. >E Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X ME Arthur examined his person and saw the same unremarkable frame to which he was accustomed, not quite adequately tall nor sufficiently well-built for his own satisfaction. He pictured his face, as he'd seen it in the mirror: pale and round, rather innocent looking, a little naive. He'd grown a moustache as soon as he'd been able to, in an attempt to lend his countenance a little gravitas but even now at the age of 25, he looked like a schoolboy wearing it for a theatrical performance. He was dressed in his usual tweeds and brown brogues. >N Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Here the path ran eastwards along the back of the scullery and southwards along the west side of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path ran northwards past the scullery and southwards to the west door of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. Particles of ice stung Arthur's eyes so that he could barely see a thing. The freezing wind cut through Arthur's light summer clothing and chilled him to his very core. The snow was so deep that Arthur feared to venture into it in his lightweight brogues. They were hardly suitable footwear for these incredible alpine conditions! Arthur retreated back into the relative sanctuary of The Vicarage driveway. This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the stony path led westwards along the back of The Vicarage and southwards towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >XX OOPS, AND I BROKE THE COLD FRAME Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >NE This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur thought that he heard a faint rustling or scuffling nearby. >N This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw a pair of stout boots, a lump hammer and a screwdriver. >X BOOTS They were a pair of stiff leather boots that looked as though they had been salvaged from a museum display. >TAKE THEM Arthur took the pair of stout boots. >WEAR THEM Arthur wore the pair of stout boots. >E This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X SUNDIAL It was a brass sundial with roman numerals etched around the face and a stylised image of the sun in the centre. Arthur looked at the unusual design and saw that it actually depicted two outspread hands held together the at the wrists, with the fingers spreading out like the rays of the sun. It was set into the top of a stone pillar, at the base of which was a plinth decorated with a mosaic. >I Arthur was carrying a sheet of contact prints (processed), a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a porcelain weight, a screwcap, a small iron key, a pair of stout boots (worn), a candle holder (with candle, unlit), a fragment of mirror, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a matchbox, a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >N The potting shed was an example of jerry building at its finest: each wall seemed to have started life as part of some other structure, the roof was a dangerous construction of corrugated iron and asbestos and the two large windows at the front were of different shapes and sizes. The whole leaned alarmingly to one side but somehow it contrived to stay upright. There was a unique and powerful stench of creosote and compost that quite took the breath away. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw potted seedlings, a garden fork and a pair of shears. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >SW Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >U Arthur climbed up the rockery. Here a little more sunshine broke through the canopy, scattering light across the rocks beneath. The shrubs grew rather more thickly up here, around the little stand of rhododendron trees that crowned the summit. A rough path between the stones threaded its way down the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >IN Arthur, feeling a little foolish, forced his way through the foliage and between the trunks of the rhododendron trees, catching himself on a twig and tearing his jacket as he did so. Arthur was amongst the shadows beneath the rhododendron trees, looking out onto the rockery. There was a way out to the top of the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >OUT With some relief, Arthur left the dark and cramped space beneath the rhododendron trees. Tiny things seemed to flit and scamper away from him as he emerged onto the top of the rockery. Here a little more sunshine broke through the canopy, scattering light across the rocks beneath. The shrubs grew rather more thickly up here, around the little stand of rhododendron trees that crowned the summit. A rough path between the stones threaded its way down the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >D Arthur scrambled down the rockery. The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Here the stony path led westwards along the back of The Vicarage and southwards towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. Particles of ice stung Arthur's eyes so that he could barely see a thing. The freezing wind cut through Arthur's light summer clothing and chilled him to his very core. Arthur retreated back into the relative sanctuary of The Vicarage driveway. This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a shovel and a set of steps. >U Arthur enjoyed the view from the top of the steps, musing at the difference a vertical displacement of a mere three feet could make to one's perspective. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >D The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a shovel and a set of steps. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >U Arthur enjoyed the view from the top of the steps, musing at the difference a vertical displacement of a mere three feet could make to one's perspective. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >D The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a shovel and a set of steps. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >U Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >S Arthur tried the door and discovered it was locked. >XX HMM, MAYBE I NEED THE ROBE? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >L The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >S Arthur tried the door and discovered it was locked. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >E Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >S This was the guest room that was Arthur's for the duration of his stay. Plainly furnished with bed and washstand, and decorated with wall paper that might have been fashionable a century ago, it was nevertheless comfortable and served its purpose well enough. There was a door to the north. >X BED It was a heavy iron bedstead that complained noisily each time anyone got into or out of it. Constructed in such a way as to leave a space beneath just large enough to accommodate one's nightmare imaginings, Arthur had slept not entirely soundly in it during his stay in The Vicarage so far. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >W Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >I Arthur was carrying a sheet of contact prints (processed), a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a porcelain weight, a screwcap, a small iron key, a pair of stout boots (worn), a candle holder (with candle, unlit), a fragment of mirror, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a matchbox, a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a fence post, a tuning hammer and Practical Techniques in Modern Photography. >WEAR GAUNTLETS Arthur wore the pair of gardening gauntlets. >L Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >S Arthur tried the door and discovered it was locked. >E Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. >D This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >S The dining room was a scarred remnant of the oldest vicarage, variously modified, molested and improved by succesive owners over the centuries. The walls were crooked, the ceiling beams did not run parallel, and the ghosts of earlier doorways and windows were still visible behind the plasterwork as if there had been some doubt about their place in the scheme of things before setting them in their current positions. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw the dining table and a chair. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >W The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >S The drawing room was mainly used for the receiving of visitors and as such it contained the best of the furniture and the most display-worthy of the knick-knacks that had accumulated over the years. A large window looked out over the driveway at the front of the house. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a chair and a round table (in the middle of the room). Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >X CHAIR It was a very plain and ordinary chair of the sort that one might spend hours sitting upon and then walk away from and be unable to describe a single thing about even if one's life depended on it. That was often the way with chairs. >X TABLE It was a round mahogany table of extremely robust construction that one would do well to shelter beneath in the event of an earthquake or a Zeppelin raid. Its surface was a little worn by the many thousands of games of patience it had witnessed in its time. Arthur thought what fun it might be to get on it. >N The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a shovel and a set of steps. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur tried the door and discovered that it was locked. Mrs Taplow must have been there before him. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook. >X HOOK It was that most useful of artefacts, a hook. It was wrought iron and embedded in the fabric of the wall. A bunch of keys hung from the hook. A pair of goggles hung from the hook. >XX OH THERE WE ARE Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >TAKE GOGGLES Arthur took the pair of goggles. >WEAR THEM Arthur wore the pair of goggles. The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a bunch of keys and a hook. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >X GOGGLES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >TAKE KEYS Arthur took the bunch of keys. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >U Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >UNLOCK DOOR Arthur tried several of the keys in the lock before finding the correct one and unlocking and opening the door. >S Peldash's bedroom was a impersonal place with little to distinguish it from the guest room along the landing. The bed, wash stand and unfashionable wallpaper were almost identical, with the only notable feature being the large wardrobe that dominated the room. It seemed that Peldash only frequented the room to attend to those tedious necessities such as washing one's face, removing one's clothing and falling unconscious, that could not decently be carried out elsewhere. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a bed, a wardrobe (closed), a paperback book and a spectacles case (closed). >OPEN WARDROBE But the wardrobe was already open. >X IT It was a quite unremarkable looking wardrobe with that question-begging property that many a bedroom wardrobe had: namely that of being much taller and wider than either the door or the window. It was rather plain apart from a carved panel at the base, above which were the doors. The wardrobe was open. >X DRAWER But the drawer was not there. >X BASE Arthur examined the base of the wardrobe carefully. It seemed solid enough, though he did feel it give a little in the right hand corner at the very back of the wardrobe. >PUSH CORNER Arthur pushed down hard on the corner of the wardrobe and heard a distinct click accompanied by a sharp pain as something hard banged against his shins. He looked down and saw that a hidden drawer in the base of the wardrobe had sprung open. Pushing the corner seemed a rather pointless pursuit. >XX HMM, SOMETHING WEIRD THERE? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X DRAWER It was a concealed drawer in the base of the wardrobe, fronted by a carved panel. The drawer was open. It contained a set of robes and a chalice. >TAKE ROBES Arthur took the set of robes. >X THEM They were beautifully made from a very heavy, very stiff black silk. They were embroidered all over with strange symbols in silver thread and studded with thousands of tiny coloured jewels. They seemed in excellent condition, but from the style Arthur felt sure that they must be very old. >WEAR THEM Arthur wore the set of robes. Peldash's bedroom was a impersonal place with little to distinguish it from the guest room along the landing. The bed, wash stand and unfashionable wallpaper were almost identical, with the only notable feature being the large wardrobe that dominated the room. It seemed that Peldash only frequented the room to attend to those tedious necessities such as washing one's face, removing one's clothing and falling unconscious, that could not decently be carried out elsewhere. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a bed, a wardrobe (closed), a paperback book, a spectacles case (closed) and a drawer (which contained a chalice). >TAKE CHALICE Arthur took the chalice. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. Someone whistled to Arthur and he turned to see a lanky youth grinning at him. There was something odd about his old-fashioned clothing and his curiously insubstantial appearance. Arthur approached him and the boy seemed to simply melt away. Arthur was rather shaken. >D Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. >D This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >W The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >W The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >I Arthur was carrying a sheet of contact prints (processed), a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a porcelain weight, a screwcap, a small iron key, a pair of goggles (worn), a pair of stout boots (worn), a candle holder (with candle, unlit), a bunch of keys, a fragment of mirror, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, a matchbox, a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a fence post, a tuning hammer, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, a set of robes (worn) and a chalice. >DROP SCREWCAP Arthur put down the screwcap. >DROP REEL Arthur put down the empty film reel. >DROP STOPPER Arthur put down the cork stopper. >DROP POST Arthur put down the fence post. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >W The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. The freezing wind cut through Arthur's light summer clothing and chilled him to his very core. Arthur retreated back into the relative sanctuary of The Vicarage driveway. This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >XX OK, NOT THE ROBES, SOME KIND OF COAT PERHAPS... Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >HELP Type HINT for a clue or STUCK if you're desperately stuck - but beware of spoilers! >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. The freezing wind cut through Arthur's light summer clothing and chilled him to his very core. Arthur retreated back into the relative sanctuary of The Vicarage driveway. This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The dining room was a scarred remnant of the oldest vicarage, variously modified, molested and improved by succesive owners over the centuries. The walls were crooked, the ceiling beams did not run parallel, and the ghosts of earlier doorways and windows were still visible behind the plasterwork as if there had been some doubt about their place in the scheme of things before setting them in their current positions. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw the dining table and a chair. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >W The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a screwcap, a hook and a fence post. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >TAKE MATCH Arthur wasn't able to take that. >OPEN BOX Arthur opened the matchbox. It contained some matches. >TAKE MATCH Arthur took a match from the box. >LIGHT IT Arthur struck the match against the box and it flared immediately. The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a screwcap, a hook and a fence post. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >LIGHT CANDLE Arthur lit the candle. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw some scones, an empty sink, the dresser, a closed drawer and a chisel. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. The match burned down to Arthur's fingers; hastily he shook it out and discarded the burnt match. The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw some scones, an empty sink, the dresser, a closed drawer and a chisel. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw some scones, an empty sink, the dresser, a closed drawer and a chisel. >D Arthur tried the door and discovered it was locked. >UNLOCK DOOR Arthur tried several of the keys in the lock before finding the correct one and unlocking and opening the door. >X SCONES They were fluffy, fruited marvels of the domestic bakers art. >EAT IT Arthur wasn't particulary hungry. >D The cellar passage was a narrow, brick lined corridor that lead into darkness. It was very cold down there. The walls were crusted with salt and blind white spiders scuttled in cobwebbed corners. Arthur couldn't help but shiver. The passage led eastwards and the stairs upwards to the scullery. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >E The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. >X CRATES There were numerous crates and boxes containing old crockery, ornaments, pictures and other such miscellanea that had fallen from grace and relinquished the right to a place above stairs. Aside from the photographic equipment, none of it was of particular interest to Arthur. >X PLATES Beneath their thick envelope of dust, they appeared shiny and barely used. Arthur wondered briefly at that irrational human urge to manufacture things in such vastly wasteful quantities. There had not been produced enough cakes and sandwiches since time began to occupy the number of plates that streamed from the Potteries each year. The plates were separated from each other by sheets of paper. >S The coal cellar was as plain and functional as a room set aside for the storing of dirty black stuff should be. Arthur saw bare brick walls and a heap of coal glinting in the flickering light. An entrance led north to the cellar room. Arthur saw a heap of coal. >X HEAP It was a pile of perfectly ordinary household coal. >TAKE COAL Arthur had an intuition that the heap of coal wasn't important. >N The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >S The coal cellar was as plain and functional as a room set aside for the storing of dirty black stuff should be. Arthur saw bare brick walls and a heap of coal glinting in the flickering light. An entrance led north to the cellar room. Arthur saw a heap of coal. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The cellar passage was a narrow, brick lined corridor that lead into darkness. It was very cold down there. The walls were crusted with salt and blind white spiders scuttled in cobwebbed corners. Arthur couldn't help but shiver. The passage led eastwards and the stairs upwards to the scullery. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >U The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw some scones, an empty sink, the dresser, a closed drawer and a chisel. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a screwcap, a hook and a fence post. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >HITN Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The drawing room was mainly used for the receiving of visitors and as such it contained the best of the furniture and the most display-worthy of the knick-knacks that had accumulated over the years. A large window looked out over the driveway at the front of the house. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a chair and a round table (in the middle of the room). Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a shovel and a set of steps. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur tried the door and discovered that it was locked. Mrs Taplow must have been there before him. >UNLOCK DOOR Arthur tried each of the keys in turn but none of them fitted the lock of the darkroom door. It seemed there must be a separate key; probably it was guarded closely by Mrs Taplow. Arthur thought it might not be a bad thing - his recent experiences of amateur photography had quite put him off it. >L The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a shovel and a set of steps. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a shovel and a set of steps. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >U Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Peldash's bedroom was a impersonal place with little to distinguish it from the guest room along the landing. The bed, wash stand and unfashionable wallpaper were almost identical, with the only notable feature being the large wardrobe that dominated the room. It seemed that Peldash only frequented the room to attend to those tedious necessities such as washing one's face, removing one's clothing and falling unconscious, that could not decently be carried out elsewhere. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a bed, a wardrobe (closed), a paperback book, a spectacles case (closed) and an empty drawer. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >E Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >S This was the guest room that was Arthur's for the duration of his stay. Plainly furnished with bed and washstand, and decorated with wall paper that might have been fashionable a century ago, it was nevertheless comfortable and served its purpose well enough. There was a door to the north. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >D This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >D Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >E From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N Here the stony path led westwards along the back of The Vicarage and southwards towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >U Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >U Arthur climbed up the rockery. Here a little more sunshine broke through the canopy, scattering light across the rocks beneath. The shrubs grew rather more thickly up here, around the little stand of rhododendron trees that crowned the summit. A rough path between the stones threaded its way down the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >IN Arthur, feeling a little foolish, forced his way through the foliage and between the trunks of the rhododendron trees, catching himself on a twig and tearing his jacket as he did so. Arthur was amongst the shadows beneath the rhododendron trees, looking out onto the rockery. There was a way out to the top of the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw tiny people everywhere, amongst the rocks and foliage of the rockery. They watched him closely as he encroached into their domain. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. >OUT With some relief, Arthur left the dark and cramped space beneath the rhododendron trees. Tiny things seemed to flit and scamper away from him as he emerged onto the top of the rockery. Here a little more sunshine broke through the canopy, scattering light across the rocks beneath. The shrubs grew rather more thickly up here, around the little stand of rhododendron trees that crowned the summit. A rough path between the stones threaded its way down the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Tiny figures hovered about him, and skittered away when he approached. >D Arthur scrambled down the rockery. The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >NE This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw a lump hammer and a screwdriver. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur thought that he heard a faint rustling or scuffling nearby. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The potting shed was an example of jerry building at its finest: each wall seemed to have started life as part of some other structure, the roof was a dangerous construction of corrugated iron and asbestos and the two large windows at the front were of different shapes and sizes. The whole leaned alarmingly to one side but somehow it contrived to stay upright. There was a unique and powerful stench of creosote and compost that quite took the breath away. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw potted seedlings, a garden fork and a pair of shears. Arthur was suddenly surrounded by a swarm of tiny people all around him. They seemed everywhere: on his clothing and in his hair and darting around his face. He panicked and waved his arms about wildly - and then, quite suddenly, they disappeared. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X BIKE It was an servicable antique of a conventional design that Arthur's grandfather might have considered a ridiculous novely in his day, when the penny-farthing was the preferred choice of bold young men wishing to travel on two wheels. It was made from heavy, black metal, a little rusted here and there, and had a sprung leather saddle worn smooth by the jiggling behinds of generations of owners. It proudly bore the legend 'Robinson's Harlequin - Safety Bicycle' in faded white lettering upon the frame. >TAKE IT Arthur picked up the bicycle. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Here the stony path led westwards along the back of The Vicarage and southwards towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. The freezing wind cut through Arthur's light summer clothing and chilled him to his very core. Arthur retreated back into the relative sanctuary of The Vicarage driveway. This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >XX HMM Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >X CAR It was an Austin Seven Tourer, barely two years old, and Arthur's most prized possession. He bewstowed upon it the same affection that, had he been a father, he might have lavished on his child. It squatted proudly on the driveway in its maroon and black livery, the starting handle lolling tongue-like from beneath the front grille. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur suspected that the sufferance on which he had been allowed to remain in The Vicarage might rapidly expire if he attempted to take a bicycle inside, so he left it propped against the wall. The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The drawing room was mainly used for the receiving of visitors and as such it contained the best of the furniture and the most display-worthy of the knick-knacks that had accumulated over the years. A large window looked out over the driveway at the front of the house. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a chair and a round table (in the middle of the room). Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >N The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a screwcap, a hook and a fence post. >X HOOK It was that most useful of artefacts, a hook. It was wrought iron and embedded in the fabric of the wall. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw some scones, an empty sink, the dresser, a closed drawer and a chisel. >X SINK The sink was a huge, heavy china edifice, like something carved from dinosaur ivory. Every day unspeakable acts were enacted within its cavernous depths in the cause of making the crockery clean. Above it was a single tap. It was empty. >X DRESSER It was an indomitable survivor of the Elizabethan age, so warped, smoke-damaged and riddled with woodworm in ages past that subsequent insults simply glanced off it. >OPEN IT That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >OPEN DRESSER That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >XX HMM Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >OPEN DRAWER Arthur opened the drawer. It contained some cutlery. >X DRESSER It was an indomitable survivor of the Elizabethan age, so warped, smoke-damaged and riddled with woodworm in ages past that subsequent insults simply glanced off it. >L The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw some scones, an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery) and a chisel. >I Arthur was carrying a sheet of contact prints (processed), a porcelain weight, a small iron key, a pair of goggles (worn), a pair of stout boots (worn), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a bunch of keys, a fragment of mirror, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a tuning hammer, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, a set of robes (worn) and a chalice. >X ME Arthur examined his person and saw the same unremarkable frame to which he was accustomed, not quite adequately tall nor sufficiently well-built for his own satisfaction. He pictured his face, as he'd seen it in the mirror: pale and round, rather innocent looking, a little naive. He'd grown a moustache as soon as he'd been able to, in an attempt to lend his countenance a little gravitas but even now at the age of 25, he looked like a schoolboy wearing it for a theatrical performance. He was dressed in his usual tweeds and brown brogues. >E Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >U Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw some scones, an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery) and a chisel. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >U Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a screwcap, a hook and a fence post. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace, a shovel and a set of steps. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >TAKE STEPS Arthur took the set of steps. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >U Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >U Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. >U Arthur couldn't go that way. >DROP STEPS Arthur put down the set of steps. >U Arthur climbed the steps rather anxiously, stationed as they at the very top of the stairs. With every creaking footfall he imagined himself toppling over and falling into the jagged wooden throat of the staircase below. He breathed a sigh of relief when he reached the top without incident, and noted that the sill of the window recess was now quite near to him. Arthur enjoyed the view from the top of the steps, musing at the difference a vertical displacement of a mere three feet could make to one's perspective. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. The ledge of the window recess was just a little above him. He could reach it by going up. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >U The recess was a cramped space cut into the thickness of The Vicarage walls. There was a stone ledge below and a low curved roof above, forming a short tunnel that terminated in a window to the north through which Arthur could see the lawn at the back of the house. The landing was down below. Arthur saw the window. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >OPEN WINDOW Arthur decided that it would be unwise to annoy Mrs Taplow any further by meddling with the window again - especially at this time of night. >D Arthur enjoyed the view from the top of the steps, musing at the difference a vertical displacement of a mere three feet could make to one's perspective. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. The ledge of the window recess was just a little above him. He could reach it by going up. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >D Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >S This was the guest room that was Arthur's for the duration of his stay. Plainly furnished with bed and washstand, and decorated with wall paper that might have been fashionable a century ago, it was nevertheless comfortable and served its purpose well enough. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >X WASHSTAND It was a simple wooden stand with a hole cut in it for a basin. A ewer was alongside. >X BED It was a heavy iron bedstead that complained noisily each time anyone got into or out of it. Constructed in such a way as to leave a space beneath just large enough to accommodate one's nightmare imaginings, Arthur had slept not entirely soundly in it during his stay in The Vicarage so far. >I Arthur was carrying a sheet of contact prints (processed), a porcelain weight, a small iron key, a pair of goggles (worn), a pair of stout boots (worn), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a bunch of keys, a fragment of mirror, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a tuning hammer, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, a set of robes (worn) and a chalice. >LOK UNDER BED Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X SHEETS It was a sheet of contact prints, fixed so that the images would not disappear in ordinary light. The sheet was dry. >N Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >W Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >X RUG It pattern had faded and it had been worn paper thin by the constant passage of feet and yet it refused to bow to the inevitable and allow itself to become full of holes. Miraculously, it remained intact. >TAKE RUG Arthur considered rolling up the rug and taking it with him but then imagined what Mrs Taplow might say the next time she came up to polish the woodwork, and decided against it. >D This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >E From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the stony path led westwards along the back of The Vicarage and southwards towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X FAME Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X FRAME It was a timber frame with a glazed lid, designed to protect tender young plants from the weather during the cold months. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >OPEN FRAME But the cold frame was already open. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The potting shed was an example of jerry building at its finest: each wall seemed to have started life as part of some other structure, the roof was a dangerous construction of corrugated iron and asbestos and the two large windows at the front were of different shapes and sizes. The whole leaned alarmingly to one side but somehow it contrived to stay upright. There was a unique and powerful stench of creosote and compost that quite took the breath away. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw potted seedlings, a garden fork and a pair of shears. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X FORK It was an ordinary garden fork. The wooden handle was split and the tines were out of true, but it had life in it yet. >X SHEARS They were an old and faithful pair of shears that Mr Thurgood kept sharp and well-oiled. >X SEEDLINGS There were numerous young potted plants in various stages of growth, some just sending out their first tender shoots and other rapidly outgrowing their containers and ready to plant out. Many of the pots were standing in trays to catch the excess from watering. >S From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >NE This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur thought that he heard a faint rustling or scuffling nearby. >X FRUIT Apricots, peaches and plums hung from the tree in ripe abundance. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >LISTEN Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >XSNOW Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X SNOW Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >N This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X COTTAGE It was a pretty little cottage of red brick with a tiled roof and roses climbing up the wall. >KNOCK ON COTTAGE Arthur didn't think it appropriate to knock on the door of Mr Thurgood's house at this hour of the night. >W The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw a lump hammer and a screwdriver. >X CLUTTER Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the path ran eastwards along the back of the scullery and southwards along the west side of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S The stony path ran northwards past the scullery and southwards to the west door of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >J Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a screwcap, a hook and a fence post. >X HOOK It was that most useful of artefacts, a hook. It was wrought iron and embedded in the fabric of the wall. >X TABLE It was unmistakably, immutably and indomitably the kitchen table. >X POTS They were blackened and battle-hardened things, thick with the baked-on residue of ages >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw some scones, an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery) and a chisel. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >X DRESSER It was an indomitable survivor of the Elizabethan age, so warped, smoke-damaged and riddled with woodworm in ages past that subsequent insults simply glanced off it. >OPEN IT That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >E Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Here the path ran eastwards along the back of the scullery and southwards along the west side of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >L Here the path ran eastwards along the back of the scullery and southwards along the west side of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the path ran eastwards along the back of the scullery and southwards along the west side of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here the path ran eastwards along the back of the scullery and southwards along the west side of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HHINT Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw some scones, an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery) and a chisel. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a screwcap, a hook and a fence post. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw some scones, an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery) and a chisel. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a screwcap, a hook and a fence post. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The drawing room was mainly used for the receiving of visitors and as such it contained the best of the furniture and the most display-worthy of the knick-knacks that had accumulated over the years. A large window looked out over the driveway at the front of the house. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a chair and a round table (in the middle of the room). Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace and a shovel. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur tried the door and discovered that it was locked. Mrs Taplow must have been there before him. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >E From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >L This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X GATE They were wrought iron and heavily corroded, the rust-blown metal covered by thick, black paint. They hung from heavy hinges cemented into the sandstone posts. >X POSTS They were hefty sandstone pillars that looked rather like the bases of a pair of roman columns repurposed for their present use. >X BASES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X GAP Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. The freezing wind cut through Arthur's light summer clothing and chilled him to his very core. Arthur retreated back into the relative sanctuary of The Vicarage driveway. This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The stony path ran northwards past the scullery and southwards to the west door of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Here the path ran eastwards along the back of the scullery and southwards along the west side of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >X SNOW Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >X FRAME It was a timber frame with a glazed lid, designed to protect tender young plants from the weather during the cold months. >NE This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur thought that he heard a faint rustling or scuffling nearby. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X YARD Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >X COTTAGE It was a pretty little cottage of red brick with a tiled roof and roses climbing up the wall. >KNOCK ON COTTAGE Arthur didn't think it appropriate to knock on the door of Mr Thurgood's house at this hour of the night. >W The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw a lump hammer and a screwdriver. >X CLITTER Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X CLUTTER Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >SE Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X SUNDIAL It was a brass sundial with roman numerals etched around the face and a stylised image of the sun in the centre. Arthur looked at the unusual design and saw that it actually depicted two outspread hands held together the at the wrists, with the fingers spreading out like the rays of the sun. It was set into the top of a stone pillar, at the base of which was a plinth decorated with a mosaic. >N The potting shed was an example of jerry building at its finest: each wall seemed to have started life as part of some other structure, the roof was a dangerous construction of corrugated iron and asbestos and the two large windows at the front were of different shapes and sizes. The whole leaned alarmingly to one side but somehow it contrived to stay upright. There was a unique and powerful stench of creosote and compost that quite took the breath away. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw potted seedlings, a garden fork and a pair of shears. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. At a little distance, Arthur saw two people quarrelling violently. He was generally relucant to intervene in domestic affairs but felt he had to when the woman pulled back her fist and punched her companion in the face. He ran over but as he approached they stopped fighting and ran away, leaving blood on the ground. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >U Arthur climbed up the rockery. Here a little more sunshine broke through the canopy, scattering light across the rocks beneath. The shrubs grew rather more thickly up here, around the little stand of rhododendron trees that crowned the summit. A rough path between the stones threaded its way down the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >IN Arthur, feeling a little foolish, forced his way through the foliage and between the trunks of the rhododendron trees, catching himself on a twig and tearing his jacket as he did so. Arthur was amongst the shadows beneath the rhododendron trees, looking out onto the rockery. There was a way out to the top of the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >OUT With some relief, Arthur left the dark and cramped space beneath the rhododendron trees. Tiny things seemed to flit and scamper away from him as he emerged onto the top of the rockery. Here a little more sunshine broke through the canopy, scattering light across the rocks beneath. The shrubs grew rather more thickly up here, around the little stand of rhododendron trees that crowned the summit. A rough path between the stones threaded its way down the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >D Arthur scrambled down the rockery. The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. Arthur felt something crawl up his trouser leg and naturally panicked, jumping about and patting the area wildly. A moment later, he felt a sharp pain in his shin and saw a tiny person emerge from his clothing and float away. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >L The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw some scones, an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery) and a chisel. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a screwcap, a hook and a fence post. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw some scones, an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery) and a chisel. >X DRESSER It was an indomitable survivor of the Elizabethan age, so warped, smoke-damaged and riddled with woodworm in ages past that subsequent insults simply glanced off it. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a cork stopper, an empty film reel, a screwcap, a hook and a fence post. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >U Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >W The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >S Peldash's bedroom was a impersonal place with little to distinguish it from the guest room along the landing. The bed, wash stand and unfashionable wallpaper were almost identical, with the only notable feature being the large wardrobe that dominated the room. It seemed that Peldash only frequented the room to attend to those tedious necessities such as washing one's face, removing one's clothing and falling unconscious, that could not decently be carried out elsewhere. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a bed, a wardrobe (closed), a paperback book, a spectacles case (closed) and an empty drawer. >X WARDROBE It was a quite unremarkable looking wardrobe with that question-begging property that many a bedroom wardrobe had: namely that of being much taller and wider than either the door or the window. It was rather plain apart from a carved panel at the base, above which were the doors. The wardrobe was open. >OPEN IT But the wardrobe was already open. >X IT It was a quite unremarkable looking wardrobe with that question-begging property that many a bedroom wardrobe had: namely that of being much taller and wider than either the door or the window. It was rather plain apart from a carved panel at the base, above which were the doors. The wardrobe was open. >X CLOTHES At the end of the rail he found a woollen overcoat that seemed suddenly and improbably appropriate on this freezing June night. >XX AH THERE WE ARE! Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >TAKE COAT Arthur took the heavy woollen overcoat. >WEAR IT Arthur wore the heavy woollen overcoat. >N The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. A tiny person landed on Arthur's sleeve. It seemed to be trying to speak to him, so he brought his arm close to his face to see it more clearly. The thing laughed and a tiny, shiny thing shot from its hand. Feeling a sharp pain above his eye, Arthur felt his brow and discovered there a tiny knife, embedded in his flesh. He shuddered to think what might have happened if its aim had been a little lower. The creature grabbed its knife and disappeared. >E Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >D This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >E From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. Arthur steeled himself and, dressed awkwardly in his borrowed apparel, prepared to weather the worst of the unseasonable winter storm. The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur felt something crawl up his trouser leg and naturally panicked, jumping about and patting the area wildly. A moment later, he felt a sharp pain in his shin and saw a tiny person emerge from his clothing and float away. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Even if he has been minded to trek the five miles to Nether Haelstowne in the dead of night, the deep drift of snow blocking the road down the hill was enough to dissuade Arthur from attempting such folly. >W The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the earthworks were more prominent and clearly traced the outlines of vanished buildings. Arthur spied a large, unusually shaped depression in the earth a little way off. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >S In this flattish area the grass was conspicuously longer than elsewhere, as though these particular ground condition were especially conducive to its growth. Arthur saw a heavy wooden cover. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >TAKE COVER The wooden cover was far too large and heavy for Arthur to pick up and carry around with him. >PULL COVER Arthur grasped the iron ring in the middle of the cover and pulled with all his might. At first it wouldn't budge but eventually, he succeeded in lifting it and inching it aside. Beneath was a gaping black hole that stared back at Arthur like a single, unblinking eye. In this flattish area the grass was conspicuously longer than elsewhere, as though these particular ground condition were especially conducive to its growth. Arthur saw a hole in the ground and a heavy wooden cover. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >X HOLE It was simply a hole in the ground. >D Arthur wasn't the sort to go jumping into holes in the ground, especially when he had no idea where they might lead. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur felt that he shouldn't leave the hole in the ground uncovered - heaven knew what or who might end up down there - so he grasped the ring and inched the cover back into place before leaving. Here the earthworks were more prominent and clearly traced the outlines of vanished buildings. Arthur spied a large, unusually shaped depression in the earth a little way off. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >E Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N There were still a few crumbling headstones visible in this part of the graveyard, like broken teeth poking through the long grass, but most of the older graves were now no more than forgotten memories slumbering away the centuries in this quiet place. Arthur noticed a depression in the earth a little way off. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur wandered amongst lonely tombstones. Some little effort had been made to keep the place tidy, but still it had the air of solemn neglect common to country graveyards. The grass grew long and ivy spilled in a great black tide from the trunk of an ancient yew tree, smothering a ruined sepulchre beneath. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X VANE Arthur peered through the binoculars at the weather vane and saw that it was an unsual design of a pair of hands held horizontally, palms pressed together and the tips of the fingers curved slightly outwards, as though to signify the wind. When the wind blew, the fingers would point to show the direction. >N The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The porch was an Elizabethan tile and timber construction grafted onto the original fabric of the church and serving as a rudimentary shelter from the wind and rain. There were stone benches at either side and a badly weathered noticeboard with a few damp and faded notices pinned to it. The churchyard was west and the entrance to the church east. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >XX PAIR OF HANDS LIKE THE SUNDIAL... Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >W The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X VANE Arthur peered through the binoculars at the weather vane and saw that it was an unsual design of a pair of hands held horizontally, palms pressed together and the tips of the fingers curved slightly outwards, as though to signify the wind. When the wind blew, the fingers would point to show the direction. >X MIRROR It was a fragment of mirror glass, thick and greenish with an uneven finish and marred by small air bubbles. It seemed very old. >E The porch was an Elizabethan tile and timber construction grafted onto the original fabric of the church and serving as a rudimentary shelter from the wind and rain. There were stone benches at either side and a badly weathered noticeboard with a few damp and faded notices pinned to it. The churchyard was west and the entrance to the church east. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X BENCHES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X NOTICES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X NOTICEBOARD Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E Arthur tried the door of the church and discovered that, quite sensibly, it was locked. >W The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >S Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur traversed a ridge and descended into a flat areas surrounded by low banks pockmarked by burrows and scattered with rabbit droppings. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >S Here the grasses and wildflowers of the meadow thinned and eventually disappeared as the track led into the shade of a wooded area. The track led southwest Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >SW Within a clearing in this wooded area was a small red-brick building. Arthur surmised, from its simple facade and plain, unstained gothic windows that it was some sort of non-conformist chapel built, as such places often were, within spitting distance of the established church nearby. The chapel door was west, while a footpath led northeast. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur tried the door and discovered it was locked. >L Within a clearing in this wooded area was a small red-brick building. Arthur surmised, from its simple facade and plain, unstained gothic windows that it was some sort of non-conformist chapel built, as such places often were, within spitting distance of the established church nearby. The chapel door was west, while a footpath led northeast. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X CHAPEL It was a rather plain, red-brick building with a few, muted gothic flourishes. >NE Here the grasses and wildflowers of the meadow thinned and eventually disappeared as the track led into the shade of a wooded area. The track led southwest Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur traversed a ridge and descended into a flat areas surrounded by low banks pockmarked by burrows and scattered with rabbit droppings. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >N Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >W Here the earthworks were more prominent and clearly traced the outlines of vanished buildings. Arthur spied a large, unusually shaped depression in the earth a little way off. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >S In this flattish area the grass was conspicuously longer than elsewhere, as though these particular ground condition were especially conducive to its growth. Arthur saw a heavy wooden cover. A tiny person landed on Arthur's sleeve. It seemed to be trying to speak to him, so he brought his arm close to his face to see it more clearly. The thing laughed and a tiny, shiny thing shot from its hand. Feeling a sharp pain above his eye, Arthur felt his brow and discovered there a tiny knife, embedded in his flesh. He shuddered to think what might have happened if its aim had been a little lower. The creature grabbed its knife and disappeared. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the earthworks were more prominent and clearly traced the outlines of vanished buildings. Arthur spied a large, unusually shaped depression in the earth a little way off. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >S Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >X TUMULUS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E Arthur traversed a ridge and descended into a flat areas surrounded by low banks pockmarked by burrows and scattered with rabbit droppings. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >I Arthur was carrying a sheet of contact prints (processed), a porcelain weight, a small iron key, a pair of goggles (worn), a pair of stout boots (worn), a heavy woollen overcoat (worn), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a bunch of keys, a fragment of mirror, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a tuning hammer, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, a set of robes (worn) and a chalice. >W Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >S Here the grasses and wildflowers of the meadow thinned and eventually disappeared as the track led into the shade of a wooded area. The track led southwest Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW Within a clearing in this wooded area was a small red-brick building. Arthur surmised, from its simple facade and plain, unstained gothic windows that it was some sort of non-conformist chapel built, as such places often were, within spitting distance of the established church nearby. The chapel door was west, while a footpath led northeast. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >UNLOCK DOOR But Arthur did not have the correct key. >W Arthur tried the door and discovered it was locked. >NR Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >NE Here the grasses and wildflowers of the meadow thinned and eventually disappeared as the track led into the shade of a wooded area. The track led southwest Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. At a little distance, Arthur saw two people quarrelling violently. He was generally relucant to intervene in domestic affairs but felt he had to when the woman pulled back her fist and punched her companion in the face. He ran over but as he approached they stopped fighting and ran away, leaving blood on the ground. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur traversed a ridge and descended into a flat areas surrounded by low banks pockmarked by burrows and scattered with rabbit droppings. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >X BURROWS They were just ordinary rabbit burrows as far as Arthur could tell. >DIG BURROWS Arthur didn't see the point in attempting to dig there. >W Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >N Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >E The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X GATE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X LYCHGATE It was a roofed gate that led into the churchyard, constructed over ancient and weathered timber. In times past, coffins would have been kept there out of the weather before the time came to bury them. >E The porch was an Elizabethan tile and timber construction grafted onto the original fabric of the church and serving as a rudimentary shelter from the wind and rain. There were stone benches at either side and a badly weathered noticeboard with a few damp and faded notices pinned to it. The churchyard was west and the entrance to the church east. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur tried the door of the church and discovered that, quite sensibly, it was locked. >UNLOCK DOOR Arthur didn't have a key to the church door. >X PORCH Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X SHELTER Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X NOTICE BOARD But the notice was not there. >X BOARD But the information board was not there. >X NOTICE But the notice was not there. >X NOTICES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >L The porch was an Elizabethan tile and timber construction grafted onto the original fabric of the church and serving as a rudimentary shelter from the wind and rain. There were stone benches at either side and a badly weathered noticeboard with a few damp and faded notices pinned to it. The churchyard was west and the entrance to the church east. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X DAMP Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X WEATHERED Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X BENCHES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >SIT Arthur didn't particularly feel like it at the moment. >SIT ON BENCHES Arthur didn't particularly feel like it at the moment. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N There were still a few crumbling headstones visible in this part of the graveyard, like broken teeth poking through the long grass, but most of the older graves were now no more than forgotten memories slumbering away the centuries in this quiet place. Arthur noticed a depression in the earth a little way off. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X VANE Arthur peered through the binoculars at the weather vane and saw that it was an unsual design of a pair of hands held horizontally, palms pressed together and the tips of the fingers curved slightly outwards, as though to signify the wind. When the wind blew, the fingers would point to show the direction. >X HEADSTONES The gravestones were all heavily weathered and smothered with lichen. Arthur could hardly make out the inscriptions on any of them. >X GRASS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >L There were still a few crumbling headstones visible in this part of the graveyard, like broken teeth poking through the long grass, but most of the older graves were now no more than forgotten memories slumbering away the centuries in this quiet place. Arthur noticed a depression in the earth a little way off. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X GRAVES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X DEPRESSION It was a large depression in the earth, formed of two closely opposed curved teardrop shapes each around four foot long and one foot wide that seemed to have been pressed into the earth rather that dug out of it. The shape reminded Arthur of something and, standing back a little, he suddenly realised what it was... but of course, that was simply impossible - for there before his very eyes was what looked like nothing so much as a cloven hoofprint, of enormous proportions. >DIG DEPRESSION Arthur didn't see the point in attempting to dig there. >DIG Arthur didn't see the point in attempting to dig there. >S The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The porch was an Elizabethan tile and timber construction grafted onto the original fabric of the church and serving as a rudimentary shelter from the wind and rain. There were stone benches at either side and a badly weathered noticeboard with a few damp and faded notices pinned to it. The churchyard was west and the entrance to the church east. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur tried the door of the church and discovered that, quite sensibly, it was locked. >W The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N There were still a few crumbling headstones visible in this part of the graveyard, like broken teeth poking through the long grass, but most of the older graves were now no more than forgotten memories slumbering away the centuries in this quiet place. Arthur noticed a depression in the earth a little way off. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur wandered amongst lonely tombstones. Some little effort had been made to keep the place tidy, but still it had the air of solemn neglect common to country graveyards. The grass grew long and ivy spilled in a great black tide from the trunk of an ancient yew tree, smothering a ruined sepulchre beneath. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X WALL Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >S Arthur wandered amongst lonely tombstones. Some little effort had been made to keep the place tidy, but still it had the air of solemn neglect common to country graveyards. The grass grew long and ivy spilled in a great black tide from the trunk of an ancient yew tree, smothering a ruined sepulchre beneath. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X TOMBSTONES The gravestones were all heavily weathered and smothered with lichen. Arthur could hardly make out the inscriptions on any of them. >X IVY It was a thick mass of entangled, dark-leaved ivy that descended in enormous quantities from the trunk of the yew and spread like a thick black wave across the monument beneath. >X TREE It was an enormous yew tree, twisted with age and smothered with a cloak of ivy. >X SEPULCHRE It would once have been a rather splendid example of ostentatious funerary mid-Victoriana, but was now a ruin of scattered bricks and rusting wrought ironwork surrounding a marble obelisk. Arthur read the inscription and found it was dedicated to the memory of one John Filshaw who, it seemed, had 'fallen asleep' in 1852 - gone and now, it seemed, quite forgotten. Arthur noticed that one of the decorative rails had come loose from its stonework fitting and lay nearby. >TAKE RAIL Arthur took the iron rail. >XX RIGHT, THE RAIL Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The porch was an Elizabethan tile and timber construction grafted onto the original fabric of the church and serving as a rudimentary shelter from the wind and rain. There were stone benches at either side and a badly weathered noticeboard with a few damp and faded notices pinned to it. The churchyard was west and the entrance to the church east. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur tried the door of the church and discovered that, quite sensibly, it was locked. >UNLOCK DOOR Arthur didn't have a key to the church door. >BREAK DOOR The arbitrary breaking of things was hardly fitting behaviour for a police officer. >X WINDOW Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Arthur saw little people everywhere. They seemed to point and laugh at him as he walked by, and their laughter was not kind. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. A couple of strange looking individuals walked by. They were rather tall and very pale and were dressed in curiously old-fashioned clothing. As they passed Arthur they stopped talking and gave him a knowing look. He glanced back at them after they'd gone and found to his surprise that they had disappeared. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >W Here the earthworks were more prominent and clearly traced the outlines of vanished buildings. Arthur spied a large, unusually shaped depression in the earth a little way off. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X EARTHWORKS They were the remains of structures buried beneath the turf. >DIG Arthur didn't see the point in attempting to dig there. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >S In this flattish area the grass was conspicuously longer than elsewhere, as though these particular ground condition were especially conducive to its growth. Arthur saw a heavy wooden cover. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >D Arthur couldn't go that way. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. In this flattish area the grass was conspicuously longer than elsewhere, as though these particular ground condition were especially conducive to its growth. Arthur saw a heavy wooden cover. A man staggered by, wearing ragged, blood-stained clothing and clutching his head. He scowled and backed off as Arthur approached; when he tried to speak to him, he ran away. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X COVER It was a large circular disc made from thick planks of wood, with an iron ring set into the centre. >X HOLE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >PULL COVER Arthur grasped the iron ring in the middle of the cover and pulled with all his might. At first it wouldn't budge but eventually, he succeeded in lifting it and inching it aside. Beneath was a gaping black hole that stared back at Arthur like a single, unblinking eye. In this flattish area the grass was conspicuously longer than elsewhere, as though these particular ground condition were especially conducive to its growth. Arthur saw a hole in the ground and a heavy wooden cover. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >X HOLE It was simply a hole in the ground. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. In this flattish area the grass was conspicuously longer than elsewhere, as though these particular ground condition were especially conducive to its growth. Arthur saw a hole in the ground and a heavy wooden cover. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >D Arthur wasn't the sort to go jumping into holes in the ground, especially when he had no idea where they might lead. >LOOK IN HOLE It was simply a hole in the ground. >PUT HOLDER IN HOLE But Arthur didn't have that. >I Arthur was carrying a sheet of contact prints (processed), a porcelain weight, an iron rail, a small iron key, a pair of goggles (worn), a pair of stout boots (worn), a heavy woollen overcoat (worn), a candle holder (with candle, lit), a bunch of keys, a fragment of mirror, a clothes peg, a pair of scissors, an open matchbox (containing some matches), a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a tuning hammer, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, a set of robes (worn) and a chalice. >PUT CHALICE IN HOLE Arthur didn't see the point in that. >PUT CANDLE IN HOLE But Arthur didn't have that. >PUT CANDLE HOLDER IN HOLE But Arthur didn't have that. >PUT MIRROR IN HOLE But Arthur didn't have that. >TAKE HOLE Arthur considered briefly the philosophical conundrum of trying to take a thing that was be definition the absence of a thing, and decided it would be wisest not to try it. >N Arthur felt that he shouldn't leave the hole in the ground uncovered - heaven knew what or who might end up down there - so he grasped the ring and inched the cover back into place before leaving. Here the earthworks were more prominent and clearly traced the outlines of vanished buildings. Arthur spied a large, unusually shaped depression in the earth a little way off. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >E Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >X HEDGE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >N Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X GRASS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X HUMPS They were the remains of structures buried beneath the turf. >X TROUGHS They were the remains of structures buried beneath the turf. >N Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. A group of people staggered by. They were an incongruous bunch - some looked ordinary enough but other were curiously dressed and had a peculiar insubstantial quality about them. They all seemed incredibly drunk. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >X TUNNEL Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X HEDGE They were a tangled mass of hawthorn and bramble threaded with dog rose and honeysuckle and home to many small creatures. Some efforts had been made to trim them back along the sides of the roads, but it was difficult to suppresses their unruly nature >N The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >X FLOWERS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >N Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >SE Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Even if he has been minded to trek the five miles to Nether Haelstowne in the dead of night, the deep drift of snow blocking the road down the hill was enough to dissuade Arthur from attempting such folly. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. Arthur steeled himself and, dressed awkwardly in his borrowed apparel, prepared to weather the worst of the unseasonable winter storm. The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Even if he has been minded to trek the five miles to Nether Haelstowne in the dead of night, the deep drift of snow blocking the road down the hill was enough to dissuade Arthur from attempting such folly. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HNT Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Arthur felt a tap on his cheek and turned to see a tiny woman standing on his shoulder, holding a basket woven from reeds. She spat at him and vanished. Arthur wiped the tiny glob of mucas from his jacket and felt rather shaken. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >XX "MUCAS" SHOULD BE "MUCUS" Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >SE Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. A man staggered by, wearing ragged, blood-stained clothing and clutching his head. He scowled and backed off as Arthur approached; when he tried to speak to him, he ran away. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. A couple of strange looking individuals walked by. They were rather tall and very pale and were dressed in curiously old-fashioned clothing. As they passed Arthur they stopped talking and gave him a knowing look. He glanced back at them after they'd gone and found to his surprise that they had disappeared. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here the earthworks were more prominent and clearly traced the outlines of vanished buildings. Arthur spied a large, unusually shaped depression in the earth a little way off. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S In this flattish area the grass was conspicuously longer than elsewhere, as though these particular ground condition were especially conducive to its growth. Arthur saw a heavy wooden cover. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N Here the earthworks were more prominent and clearly traced the outlines of vanished buildings. Arthur spied a large, unusually shaped depression in the earth a little way off. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N There were still a few crumbling headstones visible in this part of the graveyard, like broken teeth poking through the long grass, but most of the older graves were now no more than forgotten memories slumbering away the centuries in this quiet place. Arthur noticed a depression in the earth a little way off. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S Arthur wandered amongst lonely tombstones. Some little effort had been made to keep the place tidy, but still it had the air of solemn neglect common to country graveyards. The grass grew long and ivy spilled in a great black tide from the trunk of an ancient yew tree, smothering a ruined sepulchre beneath. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur propped the bicycle against a wall. The porch was an Elizabethan tile and timber construction grafted onto the original fabric of the church and serving as a rudimentary shelter from the wind and rain. There were stone benches at either side and a badly weathered noticeboard with a few damp and faded notices pinned to it. The churchyard was west and the entrance to the church east. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur tried the door of the church and discovered that, quite sensibly, it was locked. >W The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle and the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >TAKE BIKE Arthur picked up the bicycle. >W Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur traversed a ridge and descended into a flat areas surrounded by low banks pockmarked by burrows and scattered with rabbit droppings. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >S Here the grasses and wildflowers of the meadow thinned and eventually disappeared as the track led into the shade of a wooded area. The track led southwest Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW Within a clearing in this wooded area was a small red-brick building. Arthur surmised, from its simple facade and plain, unstained gothic windows that it was some sort of non-conformist chapel built, as such places often were, within spitting distance of the established church nearby. The chapel door was west, while a footpath led northeast. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >X CHAPEL It was a rather plain, red-brick building with a few, muted gothic flourishes. >X DOOR Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >KNOCK ON DOOR That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >X WINDOWS Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >NE Here the grasses and wildflowers of the meadow thinned and eventually disappeared as the track led into the shade of a wooded area. The track led southwest Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >N Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >EN Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >N The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur held the bicycle alongside him. >NN Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >E Arthur suspected that the sufferance on which he had been allowed to remain in The Vicarage might rapidly expire if he attempted to take a bicycle inside, so he left it propped against the wall. The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >W The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The stony path ran northwards past the scullery and southwards to the west door of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The stony path ran northwards past the scullery and southwards to the west door of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the path ran eastwards along the back of the scullery and southwards along the west side of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X SUNDIAL It was a brass sundial with roman numerals etched around the face and a stylised image of the sun in the centre. Arthur looked at the unusual design and saw that it actually depicted two outspread hands held together the at the wrists, with the fingers spreading out like the rays of the sun. It was set into the top of a stone pillar, at the base of which was a plinth decorated with a mosaic. >E The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >U Arthur climbed up the rockery. Here a little more sunshine broke through the canopy, scattering light across the rocks beneath. The shrubs grew rather more thickly up here, around the little stand of rhododendron trees that crowned the summit. A rough path between the stones threaded its way down the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Tiny human-like creatures floated like thistle-down all around Arthur. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. Here a little more sunshine broke through the canopy, scattering light across the rocks beneath. The shrubs grew rather more thickly up here, around the little stand of rhododendron trees that crowned the summit. A rough path between the stones threaded its way down the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Tiny human-like creatures floated like thistle-down all around Arthur. >ENTER Arthur, feeling a little foolish, forced his way through the foliage and between the trunks of the rhododendron trees, catching himself on a twig and tearing his jacket as he did so. Arthur was amongst the shadows beneath the rhododendron trees, looking out onto the rockery. There was a way out to the top of the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X ROCKERY Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >OUT With some relief, Arthur left the dark and cramped space beneath the rhododendron trees. Tiny things seemed to flit and scamper away from him as he emerged onto the top of the rockery. Here a little more sunshine broke through the canopy, scattering light across the rocks beneath. The shrubs grew rather more thickly up here, around the little stand of rhododendron trees that crowned the summit. A rough path between the stones threaded its way down the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Tiny figures hovered about him, and skittered away when he approached. >XFIGURES Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X FIGURES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >TALK TO FIGURES If Arthur wanted to speak to someone then he would simply ASK [CHARACTER]. They would respond as they saw fit, depending on the place and time. >ASK FIGURES Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >D Arthur scrambled down the rockery. The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The potting shed was an example of jerry building at its finest: each wall seemed to have started life as part of some other structure, the roof was a dangerous construction of corrugated iron and asbestos and the two large windows at the front were of different shapes and sizes. The whole leaned alarmingly to one side but somehow it contrived to stay upright. There was a unique and powerful stench of creosote and compost that quite took the breath away. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw potted seedlings, a garden fork and a pair of shears. Arthur saw a group of little people dash by his feet. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >NE This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw a lump hammer and a screwdriver. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw a lump hammer and a screwdriver. >X RUSTLING Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X RUSTLING Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >XX I GOT THE HINT HERE SO NOW I'M LOOKING FOR THE RUSTLING Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X FOLIAGE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >L This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur thought that he heard a faint rustling or scuffling nearby. >XX AH, THERE WE ARE! DON'T THINK THAT WAS THERE BEFORE Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >XX I MIGHT HAVE MISSED IT THOUGH SINCE THERE ARE A LOT OF THESE INCIDENTAL EVENTS That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >LISTEN Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X RUSTLING Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >L This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >WAIT Arthur waited for a few moments. This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur thought that he heard a faint rustling or scuffling nearby. >X FOLIAGE Arthur investigated the rustling sound and determined that it was coming from the overgrown vegetation, near to the ground. He parted the foliage and peered into the murky depths – and was rather startled to find two small and beady eyes looking back at him. The creature broke cover and Arthur was delighted to see that it was a hedgehog (he was rather fond of hedgehogs), caught out in the unseasonable snow drift and no doubt cold and disorientated. It crossed in front of Arthur, pausing to stare at him disconcertingly for a second, and then disappeared into the depths of the foliage once more. This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X FOLIAGE It was a tangled web of shoot and branch, laced with thorns. >ENTER FOLIAGE Arthur tried to force his way into the prickly foliage but found it impossible. >CUT FOLIAGE But Arthur wasn't carrying anything that he could cut through foliage with. >XX HANG ON A SEC Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >N This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw a lump hammer and a screwdriver. >E This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >SW This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The potting shed was an example of jerry building at its finest: each wall seemed to have started life as part of some other structure, the roof was a dangerous construction of corrugated iron and asbestos and the two large windows at the front were of different shapes and sizes. The whole leaned alarmingly to one side but somehow it contrived to stay upright. There was a unique and powerful stench of creosote and compost that quite took the breath away. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw potted seedlings, a garden fork and a pair of shears. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >TAKE SHEARS Arthur took the pair of shears. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >NE This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >CUT FOLIAGE Arthur tried clipping away at the mass of foliage with the shears, but it was too dense and he soon gave up the attempt. >X FOLIAGE It was a tangled web of shoot and branch, laced with thorns. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Here the stony path led westwards along the back of The Vicarage and southwards towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >S The dining room was a scarred remnant of the oldest vicarage, variously modified, molested and improved by succesive owners over the centuries. The walls were crooked, the ceiling beams did not run parallel, and the ghosts of earlier doorways and windows were still visible behind the plasterwork as if there had been some doubt about their place in the scheme of things before setting them in their current positions. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw the dining table and a chair. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >E From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. Arthur steeled himself and, dressed awkwardly in his borrowed apparel, prepared to weather the worst of the unseasonable winter storm. The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Arthur saw a hedgehog. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur was startled to see the hedgehog again, labouring atop the deep snow in the lane. Or at least, he assumed it was the same hedgehog - hedgehogs all looked very much alike to Arthur's untrained eye. The little creature eyed him up for a moment and then turned and shuffled away to the west. The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Arthur saw a hedgehog. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the hedgehog again, making its way east with remarkable speed. Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >XX DID IT ACTUALLY GO WEST? Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Arthur saw a hedgehog. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the hedgehog again, a little in front. It seemed almost to wait for him to catch up before it trundled off northwest, tunnelling its way through a high snow drift and disappearing from view. Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. A crowd of appeared from nowhere and began to brawl; suddenly Arthur was surrounded by flailing fists and kicking feet. He ducked and covered his head, but when he looked up again, they had gone. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. As if from nowhere, a ragtag bunch of men and women appeared. They were singing loudly and seemed rather drunk. One of them, a woman in curiously old-fashioned clothing, smiled at him as she passed by. It was a smile with no warmth in it. Arthur looked back and was surprised to see that she was no longer amongst them. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. At a little distance, Arthur saw two people quarrelling violently. He was generally relucant to intervene in domestic affairs but felt he had to when the woman pulled back her fist and punched her companion in the face. He ran over but as he approached they stopped fighting and ran away, leaving blood on the ground. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >N This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. A couple of strange looking individuals walked by. They were rather tall and very pale and were dressed in curiously old-fashioned clothing. As they passed Arthur they stopped talking and gave him a knowing look. He glanced back at them after they'd gone and found to his surprise that they had disappeared. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. A couple of strange looking individuals walked by. They were rather tall and very pale and were dressed in curiously old-fashioned clothing. As they passed Arthur they stopped talking and gave him a knowing look. He glanced back at them after they'd gone and found to his surprise that they had disappeared. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. At a little distance, Arthur saw two people quarrelling violently. He was generally relucant to intervene in domestic affairs but felt he had to when the woman pulled back her fist and punched her companion in the face. He ran over but as he approached they stopped fighting and ran away, leaving blood on the ground. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. As if from nowhere, a ragtag bunch of men and women appeared. They were singing loudly and seemed rather drunk. One of them, a woman in curiously old-fashioned clothing, smiled at him as she passed by. It was a smile with no warmth in it. Arthur looked back and was surprised to see that she was no longer amongst them. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. As if from nowhere, a ragtag bunch of men and women appeared. They were singing loudly and seemed rather drunk. One of them, a woman in curiously old-fashioned clothing, smiled at him as she passed by. It was a smile with no warmth in it. Arthur looked back and was surprised to see that she was no longer amongst them. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. A crowd of appeared from nowhere and began to brawl; suddenly Arthur was surrounded by flailing fists and kicking feet. He ducked and covered his head, but when he looked up again, they had gone. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. Arthur steeled himself and, dressed awkwardly in his borrowed apparel, prepared to weather the worst of the unseasonable winter storm. The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Arthur saw a hedgehog. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur was startled to see the hedgehog again, labouring atop the deep snow in the lane. Or at least, he assumed it was the same hedgehog - hedgehogs all looked very much alike to Arthur's untrained eye. The little creature eyed him up for a moment and then turned and shuffled away to the west. The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. A crowd of appeared from nowhere and began to brawl; suddenly Arthur was surrounded by flailing fists and kicking feet. He ducked and covered his head, but when he looked up again, they had gone. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Arthur saw a hedgehog. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the hedgehog again, making its way east with remarkable speed. Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. A crowd of appeared from nowhere and began to brawl; suddenly Arthur was surrounded by flailing fists and kicking feet. He ducked and covered his head, but when he looked up again, they had gone. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Arthur saw a hedgehog. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the hedgehog again, a little in front. It seemed almost to wait for him to catch up before it trundled off northwest, tunnelling its way through a high snow drift and disappearing from view. Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Something became tangled in Arthur's hair. He attempted to brush out whatever it was and felt a sharp pain in his finger. He shook his head rapidly and the thing fell out. Arthur saw upon the ground a tiny person. It picked itself up, mouthed a silent curse at him, and vanished. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. >X DRIFT Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >L Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. >X SNOW Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X HEDGES They were a tangled mass of hawthorn and bramble threaded with dog rose and honeysuckle and home to many small creatures. Some efforts had been made to trim them back along the sides of the roads, but it was difficult to suppresses their unruly nature >ENTER HUDGES There was nothing there that seemed enterable. >ENTER HEDGES There was nothing there that seemed enterable. >CUT HEDGES Arthur felt compelled for a moment to do so but on reflection decided that it would be a foolish thing to do. >L Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X LANE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X HEDGEHOG But the hedgehog was not there. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. >CLIMB DRIFT Arthur was an ungainly, scrambling sort of a climber and avoided such pursuits as far as possible. >JUMP ON DRIFT Arthur jumped in the air, thumbing his nose at gravity for a split second before coming back down to earth. >ENTER DRIFT There was nothing there that seemed enterable. >X TUNNEL Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X LANE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X HEDGEHOG But the hedgehog was not there. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. >CLIMB DRIFT Arthur was an ungainly, scrambling sort of a climber and avoided such pursuits as far as possible. >JUMP ON DRIFT Arthur jumped in the air, thumbing his nose at gravity for a split second before coming back down to earth. >ENTER DRIFT There was nothing there that seemed enterable. >DIG IN SNOW But Arthur didn't have anything to dig with, and it would have taken forever to claw his way through the snowdrift with his bare hands. >XX OK WHERE'D WE LEAVE THE SHOVEL... Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill, ashes in the fireplace and a shovel. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >TAKE SHOVEL Arthur took the shovel. >XX GOT IT! Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >W The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. Arthur steeled himself and, dressed awkwardly in his borrowed apparel, prepared to weather the worst of the unseasonable winter storm. The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Arthur was suddenly surrounded by a swarm of tiny people all around him. They seemed everywhere: on his clothing and in his hair and darting around his face. He panicked and waved his arms about wildly - and then, quite suddenly, they disappeared. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >DIG SNOW Arthur tried his best with the shovel for a few minutes but very quickly his hands became so cold that they could barely grip the handle and he was forced to abandon the effort. >WEAR GAUNTLETS Arthur was already wearing that. >DIG SNOW Arthur tried his best with the shovel for a few minutes but very quickly his hands became so cold that they could barely grip the handle and he was forced to abandon the effort. >XX WELL THERE GOES THAT IDEA Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X GAUNTLETS It was a pair of leather gardening gauntlets, rather stiff and unwieldy but excellent protection against spiky plants like rose bushes. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. >DIG DRIFT Arthur tried his best with the shovel for a few minutes but very quickly his hands became so cold that they could barely grip the handle and he was forced to abandon the effort. >I Arthur was carrying a shovel, a fish knife, a pair of gardening gauntlets, a pair of binoculars, a tuning hammer, Practical Techniques in Modern Photography, a small iron key, a fragment of mirror, a pair of scissors, a clothes peg, a porcelain weight, a sheet of contact prints (processed), an open matchbox (containing some matches), a pair of stout boots (worn), a pair of goggles (worn), a bunch of keys, a set of robes (worn), a chalice, a candle holder (with candle, lit), a heavy woollen overcoat (worn), an iron rail and a pair of shears. >WEAR GAUNTLETS Arthur was already wearing that. >XX NOT LISTED AS (WORN) THOUGH... Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >X GAUNTLETS It was a pair of leather gardening gauntlets, rather stiff and unwieldy but excellent protection against spiky plants like rose bushes. >X ROBES They were beautifully made from a very heavy, very stiff black silk. They were embroidered all over with strange symbols in silver thread and studded with thousands of tiny coloured jewels. They seemed in excellent condition, but from the style Arthur felt sure that they must be very old. >L Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >X SNOW Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X DRIFT Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >DIG DRIFT Arthur tried his best with the shovel for a few minutes but very quickly his hands became so cold that they could barely grip the handle and he was forced to abandon the effort. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. >X TUNNEL Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >ENTER SNOW There was nothing there that seemed enterable. >X TUNNEL Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the earthworks were more prominent and clearly traced the outlines of vanished buildings. Arthur spied a large, unusually shaped depression in the earth a little way off. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S In this flattish area the grass was conspicuously longer than elsewhere, as though these particular ground condition were especially conducive to its growth. Arthur saw a heavy wooden cover. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the earthworks were more prominent and clearly traced the outlines of vanished buildings. Arthur spied a large, unusually shaped depression in the earth a little way off. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >E Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >E The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >S Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Here the grasses and wildflowers of the meadow thinned and eventually disappeared as the track led into the shade of a wooded area. The track led southwest Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >SW Within a clearing in this wooded area was a small red-brick building. Arthur surmised, from its simple facade and plain, unstained gothic windows that it was some sort of non-conformist chapel built, as such places often were, within spitting distance of the established church nearby. The chapel door was west, while a footpath led northeast. As if from nowhere, a ragtag bunch of men and women appeared. They were singing loudly and seemed rather drunk. One of them, a woman in curiously old-fashioned clothing, smiled at him as she passed by. It was a smile with no warmth in it. Arthur looked back and was surprised to see that she was no longer amongst them. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >NE Here the grasses and wildflowers of the meadow thinned and eventually disappeared as the track led into the shade of a wooded area. The track led southwest Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >E Arthur traversed a ridge and descended into a flat areas surrounded by low banks pockmarked by burrows and scattered with rabbit droppings. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >DIG BURROWS Arthur didn't see the point in attempting to dig there. >W Arthur followed the track until it petered out into a meadow area of tall grass and wild flowers. A little way off was the edge of the village site and then farmland beyond. In the far distance Arthur spotted the dark hump of a tumulus rising from the surrounding fields and felt a distinct sense of foreboding as he gazed at it. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >N Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >N This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. A group of people staggered by. They were an incongruous bunch - some looked ordinary enough but other were curiously dressed and had a peculiar insubstantial quality about them. They all seemed incredibly drunk. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. Arthur steeled himself and, dressed awkwardly in his borrowed apparel, prepared to weather the worst of the unseasonable winter storm. The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >X SNOW Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. >CLIMB DRIFT Arthur was an ungainly, scrambling sort of a climber and avoided such pursuits as far as possible. >CLIMB HEDGE Arthur was an ungainly, scrambling sort of a climber and avoided such pursuits as far as possible. >X TUNNEL Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X HOLE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X HEDGEHOG But the hedgehog was not there. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >DIG Arthur tried his best with the shovel for a few minutes but very quickly his hands became so cold that they could barely grip the handle and he was forced to abandon the effort. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. A group of people staggered by. They were an incongruous bunch - some looked ordinary enough but other were curiously dressed and had a peculiar insubstantial quality about them. They all seemed incredibly drunk. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >DIG Arthur didn't see the point in attempting to dig there. >REMOVE GAUNTLETS Arthur took off the pair of gardening gauntlets. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Something became tangled in Arthur's hair. He attempted to brush out whatever it was and felt a sharp pain in his finger. He shook his head rapidly and the thing fell out. Arthur saw upon the ground a tiny person. It picked itself up, mouthed a silent curse at him, and vanished. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >DRIG Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >DIG Arthur tried his best with the shovel for a few minutes but very quickly his hands became so cold that they could barely grip the handle and he was forced to abandon the effort. >WEAR GAUNTLETS Arthur wore the pair of gardening gauntlets. >DIG Arthur tried his best with the shovel for a few minutes but very quickly his hands became so cold that they could barely grip the handle and he was forced to abandon the effort. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Arthur saw a group of little people dash by his feet. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >N From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N Here the stony path led westwards along the back of The Vicarage and southwards towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw tiny people everywhere, amongst the rocks and foliage of the rockery. They watched him closely as he encroached into their domain. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >UP Arthur climbed up the rockery. Here a little more sunshine broke through the canopy, scattering light across the rocks beneath. The shrubs grew rather more thickly up here, around the little stand of rhododendron trees that crowned the summit. A rough path between the stones threaded its way down the rockery. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >D Arthur scrambled down the rockery. The rockery was a low tumbled mound of large moss-covered stones, between which sprouted dwarf trees and shrubs. The branches of surrounding trees formed a leafy roof through which the light filtered, casting a gloomy green shadow over all. A path led west and there was a way up the rockery between the stones. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The potting shed was an example of jerry building at its finest: each wall seemed to have started life as part of some other structure, the roof was a dangerous construction of corrugated iron and asbestos and the two large windows at the front were of different shapes and sizes. The whole leaned alarmingly to one side but somehow it contrived to stay upright. There was a unique and powerful stench of creosote and compost that quite took the breath away. There was a door to the south. Arthur saw potted seedlings and a garden fork. As if from nowhere, a ragtag bunch of men and women appeared. They were singing loudly and seemed rather drunk. One of them, a woman in curiously old-fashioned clothing, smiled at him as she passed by. It was a smile with no warmth in it. Arthur looked back and was surprised to see that she was no longer amongst them. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >XX SHOULD THERE BE SNOW IN HERE? There was nothing there that seemed enterable. >TAKE FORK Arthur took the garden fork. >S From here, there was a splendid view of the whole shambolic pile of The Vicarage. With its crooked roofline, small, deep-set windows and heavy overburden of thatch, it appeared to squint peevishly at Arthur from across the lawn. The path ran east and west, and there was a potting shed to the north. At the edge of the lawn was a sundial. Arthur saw a sundial. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >DIG Arthur didn't see the point in attempting to dig there. >W This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >NE This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W The outbuilding was a small, shabby structure with a roof of cracked tiles, dirt-encrusted wndows and a door that seemed to not quite fit in its frame. Nevertheless, it seemed weatherproof enough to serve as a place to store all kinds of clutter that was not fit to be kept in a house but was too useful to throw away, as well as Mr Thurgood's workshop. There was a door to the east. Arthur saw a lump hammer and a screwdriver. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E This small yard served a useful purpose in keeping the outbuilding at a decent distance from Gardener's Cottage; aside from that it was, thought Arthur, a rather unremarkable place. A path led south and the outbuilding was to the west. Arthur saw gardeners cottage. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This part of the garden was a tangled mass of foliage that seemed to be growing in all directions at once. Great fleshy shoots twisted and writhed together as though trying to strangle the life out of one another; barbed stems of rose and bramble fought their way upwards as they thrust towards the light. There was fruit everywhere: damsons, apples and pears hung alongside great clumps of blackberries. Arthur almost fancied he could hear the vegetation grow as it creaked and seethed in the breeze. The track led southwest or north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >SW This was the old kitchen garden that had once been more extensive and surrounded by a wall, long since demolished. Here rows of vegetables grew alongside raspberry canes and fragrant herbs, providing abundant fresh produce for The Vicarage's small household. The path led south and east, while a track led northeast. Arthur saw a cold frame. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The nearer part of the garden was an informal arrangement of carefully tended flower beds around a neatly kept lawn, the overall effect being quite decorative and a little rambling, in the country-cottage style. A track led south to the stony path and north further into the garden. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path continued east-west along the back of The Vicarage. The garden was to the north. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N Here the path ran southwards along the eastern wall of the scullery or westwards along its northern wall. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here the path ran eastwards along the back of the scullery and southwards along the west side of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The stony path ran northwards past the scullery and southwards to the west door of the house. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. Arthur steeled himself and, dressed awkwardly in his borrowed apparel, prepared to weather the worst of the unseasonable winter storm. The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >DIG Arthur tried his best with the shovel for a few minutes but very quickly his hands became so cold that they could barely grip the handle and he was forced to abandon the effort. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >X FORK It was an ordinary garden fork. The wooden handle was split and the tines were out of true, but it had life in it yet. >DIG WITH FORK Arthur tried his best with the shovel for a few minutes but very quickly his hands became so cold that they could barely grip the handle and he was forced to abandon the effort. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Arthur felt something crawl up his trouser leg and naturally panicked, jumping about and patting the area wildly. A moment later, he felt a sharp pain in his shin and saw a tiny person emerge from his clothing and float away. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >DROP SHOVEL Arthur put down the shovel. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >DIG Arthur stabbed at the snow ineffectually for a few moments with the garden fork but failed make much impact. >XX SO MUCH FOR THAT IDEA Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >DROP FORK Arthur put down the garden fork. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Arthur saw a shovel. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >TAKE SHOVEL Arthur took the shovel. >S The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook, a screwcap, an empty film reel, a cork stopper and a fence post. >X ALCOVE Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >X POTS They were blackened and battle-hardened things, thick with the baked-on residue of ages >X OAK Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >TAKE POTS Arthur felt that he had better things to do than to steal Mrs Taplow's kitchen utensils. >X TABLE It was unmistakably, immutably and indomitably the kitchen table. >TAKE TABLE Arthur didn't see the point in carting that around with him. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery), a chisel and some scones. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook, a screwcap, an empty film reel, a cork stopper and a fence post. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >X UTENSILS They were blackened and battle-hardened things, thick with the baked-on residue of ages >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery), a chisel and some scones. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >X DRESSER It was an indomitable survivor of the Elizabethan age, so warped, smoke-damaged and riddled with woodworm in ages past that subsequent insults simply glanced off it. >EAT SCONE Arthur would have to get one first. >GET SCONE Arthur furtively stole a scone and immediately felt guilty at this minor felony. >EAT SCONE Arthur greedily ate the scone, consuming the evidence of his guilt. The only trace left of his misdemeanour was a few crumbs. >EAT IT Arthur would have to get one first. >X CRUMBS They were the only trace left of Mrs Taplow's stolen scone. >TAKE SCONE Having lived with the guilt of stealing one scone, Arthur didn't like he could bruise his conscience further by stealing another. >L The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery), a chisel and some scones. >E Here the stony path led east along the back of The Vicarage or turned northwards along the side of the scullery, which could be entered by a door to the west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery), a chisel and some scones. >D The cellar passage was a narrow, brick lined corridor that lead into darkness. It was very cold down there. The walls were crusted with salt and blind white spiders scuttled in cobwebbed corners. Arthur couldn't help but shiver. The passage led eastwards and the stairs upwards to the scullery. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >E The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. >X CRATES There were numerous crates and boxes containing old crockery, ornaments, pictures and other such miscellanea that had fallen from grace and relinquished the right to a place above stairs. Aside from the photographic equipment, none of it was of particular interest to Arthur. >S The coal cellar was as plain and functional as a room set aside for the storing of dirty black stuff should be. Arthur saw bare brick walls and a heap of coal glinting in the flickering light. An entrance led north to the cellar room. Arthur saw a heap of coal. >X HEAP It was a pile of perfectly ordinary household coal. >TAKE COAL Arthur had an intuition that the heap of coal wasn't important. >BURN COAL Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >N The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. >X PLATES Beneath their thick envelope of dust, they appeared shiny and barely used. Arthur wondered briefly at that irrational human urge to manufacture things in such vastly wasteful quantities. There had not been produced enough cakes and sandwiches since time began to occupy the number of plates that streamed from the Potteries each year. The plates were separated from each other by sheets of paper. >TAKE PLATES Arthur didn't see the point in taking that with him. >X PAPER It was a sheet of contact prints, fixed so that the images would not disappear in ordinary light. The sheet was dry. They were just sheets of scrap paper that had been interleaved between the plates to prevent them scratching one another. >XX THIS IS ODD? Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >L The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. >X BOTTLES Arthur saw nothing particularly noteworthy. >U Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The cellar passage was a narrow, brick lined corridor that lead into darkness. It was very cold down there. The walls were crusted with salt and blind white spiders scuttled in cobwebbed corners. Arthur couldn't help but shiver. The passage led eastwards and the stairs upwards to the scullery. >U The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery), a chisel and some scones. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >X MANGLE It was a set of heavy wooden rollers set within an iron frame and supported on curved metal struts, making it look like an enormous bandy-legged bullfrog. One fed it wet clothes, turned the handle and waited for it to regurgitate them, limp, lifeless and slightly damp, out of the other side. >TURN HANDLE Arthur knew better than to interfere with the mangle. >PUT CLOTHES IN MANGLE But Arthur didn't have that. >REMOVE CLOTHES But Arthur wasn't wearing that. >REMOVE OVERCOAT Arthur took off the heavy woollen overcoat. The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery), a chisel and some scones. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >PUT OVERCOAT IN MANGLE Arthur didn't see the point in that. >WEAR OVERCOAT Arthur wore the heavy woollen overcoat. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >NE Arthur couldn't go that way. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery), a chisel and some scones. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >PUT OVERCOAT IN MANGLE Arthur didn't see the point in that. >WEAR OVERCOAT Arthur wore the heavy woollen overcoat. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >NE Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook, a screwcap, an empty film reel, a cork stopper and a fence post. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill and ashes in the fireplace. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >X ASHES The ashes looked recent and judging by the lack on cinders in the grate and taking account of the time of year, looked more like evidence of a deliberate attempt to destroy something than an effort to keep warm. Arthur poked through them and, with his detective's eyes saw that they were the remains of burned paper and cardboard, including one or more photographs. >E Arthur tried the door and discovered that it was locked. Mrs Taplow must have been there before him. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >S The drawing room was mainly used for the receiving of visitors and as such it contained the best of the furniture and the most display-worthy of the knick-knacks that had accumulated over the years. A large window looked out over the driveway at the front of the house. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a chair and a round table (in the middle of the room). >N The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook, a screwcap, an empty film reel, a cork stopper and a fence post. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >UU Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >U Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >E Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >S This was the guest room that was Arthur's for the duration of his stay. Plainly furnished with bed and washstand, and decorated with wall paper that might have been fashionable a century ago, it was nevertheless comfortable and served its purpose well enough. There was a door to the north. >N Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >W Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >W The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >S Peldash's bedroom was a impersonal place with little to distinguish it from the guest room along the landing. The bed, wash stand and unfashionable wallpaper were almost identical, with the only notable feature being the large wardrobe that dominated the room. It seemed that Peldash only frequented the room to attend to those tedious necessities such as washing one's face, removing one's clothing and falling unconscious, that could not decently be carried out elsewhere. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a bed, a wardrobe (closed), a paperback book, a spectacles case (closed) and an empty drawer. >OPENC ASE Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >OPEN CASE That didn't seem like something that Arthur could do at the present time. >TAKE CASE Arthur took the spectacles case (closed). >OPEN CASE Arthur opened the spectacles case. It contained a pair of pince-nez. >DROP CASE Arthur put down the spectacles case (open, containing a pair of pince-nez). >N The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >E Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >D This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >W The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >W The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook, a screwcap, an empty film reel, a cork stopper and a fence post. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery), a chisel and some scones. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >D The cellar passage was a narrow, brick lined corridor that lead into darkness. It was very cold down there. The walls were crusted with salt and blind white spiders scuttled in cobwebbed corners. Arthur couldn't help but shiver. The passage led eastwards and the stairs upwards to the scullery. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The coal cellar was as plain and functional as a room set aside for the storing of dirty black stuff should be. Arthur saw bare brick walls and a heap of coal glinting in the flickering light. An entrance led north to the cellar room. Arthur saw a heap of coal. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The passage led to the main cellar chamber, a large, fusty-smelling room that served as a cold store as well as a final resting place for miscellaneous items that, for various reasons, could no longer lay claim to a place in the house above. On wooden shelves were cheeses and cured meats wrapped in linen, and at the rear of the room was a set of racking holding innumerable bottles, some of them so crusted with grime that they might have been trawled from an ancient shipwreck. This, presumably, was the reason why the cellar was kept locked. There was a passage to the west and an entrance to the south. Arthur saw wooden crates, some old photographic equipment and a selection of plates. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >W The cellar passage was a narrow, brick lined corridor that lead into darkness. It was very cold down there. The walls were crusted with salt and blind white spiders scuttled in cobwebbed corners. Arthur couldn't help but shiver. The passage led eastwards and the stairs upwards to the scullery. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >U The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery), a chisel and some scones. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook, a screwcap, an empty film reel, a cork stopper and a fence post. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >S The drawing room was mainly used for the receiving of visitors and as such it contained the best of the furniture and the most display-worthy of the knick-knacks that had accumulated over the years. A large window looked out over the driveway at the front of the house. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a chair and a round table (in the middle of the room). Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill and ashes in the fireplace. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >S The dining room was a scarred remnant of the oldest vicarage, variously modified, molested and improved by succesive owners over the centuries. The walls were crooked, the ceiling beams did not run parallel, and the ghosts of earlier doorways and windows were still visible behind the plasterwork as if there had been some doubt about their place in the scheme of things before setting them in their current positions. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw the dining table and a chair. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >U Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S This was the guest room that was Arthur's for the duration of his stay. Plainly furnished with bed and washstand, and decorated with wall paper that might have been fashionable a century ago, it was nevertheless comfortable and served its purpose well enough. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N Arthur made his way along the faded Turkish rug to the eastern end of the corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >W Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >W The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Peldash's bedroom was a impersonal place with little to distinguish it from the guest room along the landing. The bed, wash stand and unfashionable wallpaper were almost identical, with the only notable feature being the large wardrobe that dominated the room. It seemed that Peldash only frequented the room to attend to those tedious necessities such as washing one's face, removing one's clothing and falling unconscious, that could not decently be carried out elsewhere. There was a door to the north. Arthur saw a bed, a wardrobe (closed), a paperback book, a spectacles case (open, containing a pair of pince-nez) and an empty drawer. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >N The landing was a run of uneven, creaking floorboards, polished to a lethally high sheen by a potent combination of Mrs Taplow's sweat and elbow grease. A heavily faded Turkish rug of unguessable antiquity provided a safe means of traversing the glass smooth corridor. The corridor led east and there was a door to the south. >E Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >D This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >E From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >SHINT Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. Arthur steeled himself and, dressed awkwardly in his borrowed apparel, prepared to weather the worst of the unseasonable winter storm. The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. At a little distance, Arthur saw two people quarrelling violently. He was generally relucant to intervene in domestic affairs but felt he had to when the woman pulled back her fist and punched her companion in the face. He ran over but as he approached they stopped fighting and ran away, leaving blood on the ground. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >S Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. A crowd of appeared from nowhere and began to brawl; suddenly Arthur was surrounded by flailing fists and kicking feet. He ducked and covered his head, but when he looked up again, they had gone. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The churchyard was enclosed by a low stone wall. Through the lychgate, a gravel path led to the 13th century church of St Wilfrid's, Haelstowne. The lychgate was west and the entrance to the church was east. There were graveyards to the north and south. Arthur saw the weather vane (atop the church steeple). Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >HINT Arthur couldn't think of anything that might help at present. >W Here, in the middle of the field, low mounds surrounded a large, flattish area bisected by a somewhat sunken track that Arthur surmised must once have been the village square. The atmosphere of peaceful sadness was particularly strong here, but with another current running beneath - something very powerful but very faint, like the last dying echoes of a far-off explosion. The sunken track led north and south while smaller paths ran away west between irregular humps and east through a lychgate into the churchyard. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >N This was a wide empty field of neatly mown grass that undulated irregularly across shallow humps and troughs - the signature of hidden structures beneath the sod. Arthur realised that this must be the site of the deserted medieval village of Haelstowne, it's houses and streets long since buried. There was a palpable atmosphere of tranquillity tinged with sadness, as of places that have witnessed great human tragedies in the distant past. Arthur recognised the feeling from the civil war battlefield close to his childhood home, where he played as a boy. A path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. Arthur saw the ghostly forms of the medieval villagers and the faeries amongst them, going about their business in the old village of Haelstowne. >N Here the footpath narrowed and entered a gloomy tunnel where opposing hedges joined tendrils high overhead, like drunken lovers attempting an awkward embrace. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The footpath led between unkempt hedgerows on either side, fragrant with wild flowers and alive with small creatures. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. A couple of strange looking individuals walked by. They were rather tall and very pale and were dressed in curiously old-fashioned clothing. As they passed Arthur they stopped talking and gave him a knowing look. He glanced back at them after they'd gone and found to his surprise that they had disappeared. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Arthur saw a garden fork. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. >DIG THROUGH DRIFT Arthur tried his best with the shovel for a few minutes but very quickly his hands became so cold that they could barely grip the handle and he was forced to abandon the effort. >WARM HANDS Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >WEAR GAUNTLETS THEN DIG Arthur was already wearing that. Arthur tried his best with the shovel for a few minutes but very quickly his hands became so cold that they could barely grip the handle and he was forced to abandon the effort. >E Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >E The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Arthur saw little people everywhere. They seemed to point and laugh at him as he walked by, and their laughter was not kind. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Arthur couldn't go that way. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook, a screwcap, an empty film reel, a cork stopper and a fence post. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >X HOOK It was that most useful of artefacts, a hook. It was wrought iron and embedded in the fabric of the wall. >X SCREWCAP It was a metal screwcap, for closing a bottle. >X POST It was as ordinary as a fence post can be. >TAKE POST Arthur took the fence post. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. A translucent spectre of a man suddenly floated up through the floor, mouthing something silently. It hovered for a moment and then dissipated like smoke. >W The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. Arthur steeled himself and, dressed awkwardly in his borrowed apparel, prepared to weather the worst of the unseasonable winter storm. The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the path led east to the driveway at the front of the house or north towards the main door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >N The west wall of The Vicarage was the fascinating architectural history of the ancient building laid bare for all to see. A patchwork of late medieval stonework and timbers, with sporadic incursions of brickwork, showed clearly the successive phases of building; it was plain to see where the ungainly wing that now housed the kitchen and scullery had been rather haphazardly grafted onto the side of the original building. The main door was east and the path led north and south. Arthur saw a bicycle. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >E The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. A group of men and women suddenly appeared from nowhere, chattering away to one another. They wore old fashioned clothes and had a curiously insubstantial quality to them, as though they were made of smoke. They passed by Arthur and when he turned, they were gone. >W The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >N The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook, a screwcap, an empty film reel and a cork stopper. Arthur heard sniggering laughter and turned around to see a pair of slender youths in medieval clothing whispering to one another. He looked away for a second and when he looked back, they were gone. >N The scullery was a gloomy little room with a sloping roof, where most of the dirty work of the household, such as the dishwashing and laundry, was carried out. A huge porcelain sink took up one wall and an old dresser was set against the other. Most of the remaining space was occupied by a fearsome-looking mangle that squatted in the middle of the room and bared its rollers in silent menace. A door to the east led outside and another downwards; the hallway was to the south. Arthur saw an empty sink, the dresser, an open drawer (which contained some cutlery), a chisel and some scones. >S The kitchen was a warm, busy space looking out on the path that ran along the west side of The Vicarage. The plain whitewashed walls held residues and aromas from centuries of cooking and had been privy to all the usual intrigues, plots and scandals that hatched in the average kitchen. There was a venerable old range set into an enormous alcove where once the fire would have roared and various pots, pans and utensil hung upon the walls. A heavily scarred tombstone-thick slab of oak served as the kitchen table and general worksurface. There were doors to the north and south. Arthur saw a hook, a screwcap, an empty film reel and a cork stopper. >S The western end of the hallway led to the main entrance of The Vicarage. Here, the black and white tiles abutted ancient flagstones polished smooth by generations of feet crossing the threshold of The Vicarage. There was a door to the west, the hallway was east and the kitchen lay to the north. >E The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. >N The study was a less formal space than the rather haughty drawing room across the hallway, with threadbare furnishings in a mixture of styles, chosen more for comfort than aesthetics appeal. There was a faded chaise-longue against one wall and a couple of dusty armchairs by the fireplace, whilst a writing desk was situated beneath a window that looked out on the lawn. Bookcases occupied most of the walls, with a large hanging tapestry covering the remainder. Arthur felt rather at home in there. There was a door to the south and another to the east. Arthur saw a chair, 'Villages of the Low Weald (Vol I)', by R.K.A. Shaple, 'The Spirits of Andredesweald', by Revd N.H. Aspergill and ashes in the fireplace. Arthur saw a ghostly figure in old fashioned clothing emerge from one wall and disappear into another. >S The long, narrow hallway bisected The Vicarage from the back entrance at the east to the main door at the west. The floor was of regular black and white tile, but the undulating walls and uneven ceiling betrayed the many phases of rebuilding over the centuries. The main door was to the west and the back door to the east. Doors led north and south. Arthur felt something land on his shoulder. He glanced and saw a tiny many standing there, holding something shiny in his hand. The little figure lunged and Arthur felt a pain in his ear. He touched the lobe and found that he was bleeding. The tiny man vanished. >E The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. >N This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >U Here, the top of the stairs intersected the landing. Light was provided by a window set into a recess high up in the northern wall opposite the staircase. The landing led east and west and the stairs downwards to the ground floor. Arthur saw a set of steps. >TAKE STEPS Arthur took the set of steps. >D This short passageway ended at the foot of a flight of stairs which led to the upper floor. The hallway was back to the south. >S The eastern part of the hallway led to the back entrance of The Vicarage, seldom used by visitors. Humbler that the west entrance, it had a cheerful aspect, as of places that welcome the morning sun. There were some framed paintings on the wall, rather faded from the light. The back door was east and the hallway to the west. South was the dining room and a passage led north. Arthur saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and saw a tiny person hovering close to him. It smiled a cold smile and flitted away. >E Arthur felt rather foolish going outside with the set of library steps. They so patently belonged inside the house that he decided to leave them behind. >XX OH, SO MUCH FOR THAT -- THOUGHT I MIGHT USE THEM TO CLIMB OVER THE DRIFT Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. Arthur wasn't quite sure how to do that. >DROP STEPS But Arthur didn't have that. >E From the east side of The Vicarage there was a fine view of the peculiar sagging-loaf profile of the ancient building. The walls appeared to lean in all directions while the exposed timbers bulged beneath the burden of an enormous thatched roof. The back door was west and the path led north and south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Here the path led west towards the driveway and north towards the back door. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the driveway terminated in a large circular patch of gravel beneath the drawing room window. A stony path led east and west, and the driveway led south towards The Vicarage gates. Arthur saw his car. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S This was the end of the driveway, where a pair of venerable iron gates hung crookedly from thick sandstone pillars and failed to quite meet across the too-narrow entrance that had brought Arthur out in a cold sweat when negotiating his beloved Austin Seven through it on arrival. There was a gap at the side of the gate through which one could pass on foot. The driveway led north to The Vicarage, whilst the path to the lane was south. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur trudged through the gate. As soon as he stepped beyond the boundary of The Vicarage and into the lane, the full force of the weather hit him. A fierce and biting wind whipped snowflakes into his face where they stung like shards of glass, the snow was piled up in great drifts all along the length of the lane and the temperature on this late June evening was well below freezing. Arthur steeled himself and, dressed awkwardly in his borrowed apparel, prepared to weather the worst of the unseasonable winter storm. The lanes of Old Haelstowne were barely more than narrow tracks of beaten earth worn hollow by centuries of footfall, with little concession to such modern aberrations as the motor car. Unruly hedgerows encroached on all sides, on fine summer days alive with the sound of birdsong and at night heavy with the fragrance of honeysuckle. The Vicarage gateway was to the north, east was the road to the Nether Haelstowne and west the lane ambled into the distance. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >S Arthur couldn't go that way. >W The lane meandered away in an unhurried manner, like the tipsy traveller whose wandering step may well have determined its course many centuries before. The lane led east and west. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the east-west lane met a footpath running southwards. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Here the narrow lane was bounded by tall hedges, above the tops of which to the southeast Arthur saw a chimney pot. It seemed a house must lie in that direction. The lane led east or northwest. Arthur saw a garden fork. Fat, fluffy snowflakes whirled out of the darkness and were dashed about by a freezing wind. Everything was smothered in a crisp, white blanket of snow. >W Arthur couldn't go that way. >NW Arthur tried to carry on along the lane but the way was blocked by a deep snow drift that had piled up between the hedges on either side. It seemed impossible for him to wade through it. >PUT POST IN SNOW Arthur didn't see the point in that. >STUCK PROGRESSIVE WALKTHROUGH - TO IMPLEMENT >TSTOP