Date: Wed, 2 May 2012 18:59:31 +0000
From: Jo Vincent <joad130@hotmail.com>
Subject: Tom Browning's Schooldays

			 Tom Browning's Schooldays

				    By

				   Joel

			     Chapter ThirtySix


Mrs Reynold's announcement meant only one thing.  I had heard several
discussions while in the forge about certain girls thought to be 'in foal'.
Within a short time there was a marriage even if the bridegroom looked none
too happy when the couple were standing before Uncle Dodd in the church.

     Nelly Reynolds must be well on in her time.  I knew Bert Perkins had
been her follower for at least two years.  The deed of which I knew nothing
had been performed and I assumed Aunt Matty had held up an admonitory
finger.  Bert lived with his parents when not at the stables.  The family
had a well-kept cottage but with three other well-grown children it would
not be big enough to house a mother and child as well.  Aunt Matty would
come to the rescue again, no doubt.  All I hoped was that Nelly could keep
a tidy house as she was rather slovenly at times.  I had my doubts as to
her knowledge of cooking having heard her mother scolding her at times.

     Still, a wedding was always something to look forward to.  After a
question or two we found it was to be at midday on Saturday and all in the
village who could attend were invited.  The fluster was caused as Mrs
Reynolds had been given permission by Aunt Matty to prepare pies and tarts
to be consumed in the Assembly Rooms after.  There would be a barrel of Mr
Flaxman's good ale as well.

     We heard all this while eating a piece of rather over-cooked tart
which had been left a little long in the oven.  Though a little singed at
the edges it tasted good.  We then heard 'our Bert', as he was now named,
had been offered a small cottage at a low rent by the Squire's agent as
'our Bert' had a good reputation.

     Nelly was busy mixing dried fruits with some brandy and suet in a
basin and in her enthusiasm nearly sent the bowl a-flying.  Luckily Robin
was standing by and gripped the basin while she renewed her efforts with
vigour.

     Mrs Reynolds shook her head.  "That will do, my dear, do not pound it
all to nothing.  I said mix it, not make a plaster of it."

     "That'll make a good rich filling," Nelly commented and poured in a
little more brandy.

     Mrs Reynolds sighed and waved a finger at her daughter.  "That's
enough.  We do not want it to burst into flames when in the oven, do we?"

     We said our thanks for our food.  We added that my Uncle would like
some sustenance, too.  We said our goodbyes as she gathered things together
for Nelly to take to the study. We then retrieved our cloaks and hats from
the closet by Mr Simpson the butler's room.  I think he was rather torn
between bidding us good day and enquiring what Philip and the Rector were
plotting in the study.  Giggling, we escaped and walked round to the
Rectory stable.  I gave Robin a friendly thump and said it was his fault we
had work to do for Thursday.

     "We would have had it anyway," he said, "I am glad he makes sure I am
kept busy.  I do enjoy learning."

     I grinned.  "Wait until you are at Ashbourne."  I gave him another
lighter thump.  "I hope we will be together with Mr Martin.  I'm sure you
will be tested by Mr Ridley so make sure you do not give any wrong
answers."

     "I can only give correct answers to things I know," he said
resignedly.  "I will give him of my best."

     I picked up my friend and lover's concern.  As our relationship grew
and deepened, I was finding that his sorrows preyed on me, the way they did
not with other boys who were my friends.  The thought of suffering
alongside dear Jabez in such a way!  So I sympathised.  "Are you worried?"

     He smiled, evidently comforted by my concern.  He set his jaw in comic
determination.  "Of course.  I have a great battle ahead and my father said
I would win if I made my plans like any good military man.  Until I know
what the enemy will throw at me I cannot plan."

     I laughed at my Robin's militancy.  "I do not think Mr Ridley is your
enemy.  He will only ask things which will test your present knowledge.
When he tested me I owned that there was a word I did not know.  I did not
suffer from it.  Tell the truth is what I would say."

     "But it will be a battle," he emphasised as we undid the reins of our
mounts from the post.  "I was a groom and now I am to be a pupil.  I have a
low station in life..."

     I held him by the arm.  "...You are a pupil.  I am a pupil.  George
Lascelles and Theo Davis are pupils."  I shook my head.  "No one except
those who are not sure of themselves would mention such a thing as the
station they think they occupy.  Torquil said that only yesterday."  I
grinned at him.  "In any case when we are dressed as pupils we are so alike
no one will know which one to despise!"

     He gave me the sweetest smile and a light kiss.  "My dear Tom, if I
was not to have you by my side I would be lost, I am sure."

     I smiled back.  "Do as I did.  I looked at being at school as being
like a great adventure.  We are of an age when we can succeed without being
bullied by older ones as I have heard happen in other Houses.  That is not
countenanced in Mr Ridley's House.  Winstanley says it is because of our
system of fagging.  There would soon be uproar if any one of us was set
upon like some of those poor dolts in Pratt's.  I think it helps as Mr
Ridley seems to chose those in his House skilfully.  We are not all
scholars but all work and play well together.  Theo says we are a good
mix."

     "I feel much happier now," he said, "I will try not to come running to
my old uncle whenever I have a difficulty but I know you will be there."

     We and our mounts were alone as the groom and coachman were with Aunt
Matty on her rounds.  I put my arms round Robin and gave him a much deeper
kiss.  We hugged and two sturdy stems were pressed together and moved side
by side.

     "There is no time now," I whispered, "Tonight!"

     Robin nodded against my cheek.  "I hope I will look decent for I must
go to thank the Squire now."

     I felt down and placed my hand against the rampant object.  "It may
need a blast of cold air on it but that might make it shrivel to nothing,"
I averred as I stroked it.

     He moved his hips away quickly.  "No more of that," he said, "And do
not mention shrivelling as I would not want to match your meagre prong."
He giggled.  "It is no good.  I cannot match even Isaac and Jacob's banter,
Milord Ticklebucket!"

     I hugged him again and laughed.  "I wish sometimes I had such merry
quips as they produce.  Where did they get that name, I ask?"

     He shook his head against me.  "It fits, do you not think?  The number
of times you have squealed when they have held you after you have been
cheeky and they have attacked those skinny ribs of yours."

     I let go of him.  "I did miss their merry banter when I was away.  I
am so glad they are still so accepting of me..."

     He held my arm.  "...That is because you and they are friends and you
have not changed.  They did ask me if you were different when we met first
after our return from school and I said you couldn't be, you were Tom as
always."

     I smiled at him again.  "I want to be Tom always.  Please tell me when
I am not."

     He bowed his head and laughed.  "At your command O ticklish Emperor of
my soul!  Now to my errand.  You will accompany me I hope?"

     The Manor House where Squire and Mrs Matthews lived was at the other
end of the road leading from the church at the end of our drive and some
way from the Rectory.  It was as old as Careby Hall in parts and had been
in the Matthews' family for several generations, as he proudly announced
whenever he could.  Although he could be rough-tongued with servants and
village people he did keep his duties as Squire and landowner at the
forefront of his activities.  He was a great huntsman and entertained many
others who enjoyed that sport, as I myself had experienced.  He might be
gruff but had a kind heart, too, as I sensed when I had offered him Blaze
as a mount.  Father was a friend of his and also a confidant, I knew, from
overhearing conversations.
     We set off and were soon at the gatehouse just inside the surrounding
wall.  We looked at each other and laughed.  "Do you need a piss?" Robin
asked as we entered the sweeping drive.  I just sneered at him.  Mrs
Bennett, the gatekeeper's wife, was at the window peering out.  "I'd better
go and tell her who I am," Robin said, "She's as blind as a bat."

     He dismounted and went to the window which was opened a fraction.  She
screeched some sort of greeting and Robin returned.  "She says the Squire
is resting after last night."

     We both then knew he had been at the bottle, or bottles, again.

     "I hope he is in a good mood," I said.

     As honest and humble supplicants we went to the back door.  A young
village boy opened it and did a decent bow on recognising us.  "I'll tell
Mr Rowlett you are here, Master Tom.  And Master Robin is with you."
Robin's rise in the world had been recognised!

     "No, Bertie," I instructed, "Tell Mr Rowlett it is Master Robin to see
the Squire."

     The lad bowed again and we followed him as he led us to the butler's
pantry.  Mr Rowlett was fairly elderly but very sprightly even though, as
father said, he liked to finish any bottles the Squire didn't.

     The boy was quick off the mark.  "Master Robin and Master Tom to see
the Squire," he announced at the door.  Mr Rowlett almost sprang to his
feet and another bow was forthcoming.

     I knew one of his daughters had been a dairymaid at our house but had
been married for some years and lived in the village with her husband who
was a recognised carpenter.  I think the boy, Bertie, was her eldest son,
twelve or so.  So, grandfather had the boy in a good position if the Squire
approved of him.

     "Master Tom and Master Robin," he said with a smile, "The Squire is in
his study and, no doubt, will see you directly.  Please follow me."

     Mr Rowlett set off at quite a pace and we were soon at the open door
of the Squire's lair.  I had heard father call it that.  I remembered being
with him once when he was visiting the Squire and was rather bemused at the
ranks of stags' and deers' heads and the glass cases of large, dead fish.
Mr Rowlett called our names rather loudly as we knew the Squire was a
trifle deaf.

     "Tell them to come in," the gruff voice said quite loudly, "Good
riders they are and they enjoyed that last hunt.  Must see Old Browning to
get another mount."

     We had our hats in our hands as we entered and bowed.  I let Robin do
the talking.

     "Sir, I have come to thank you for your generous gift.  I did not
expect it and feel most honoured to be remembered by you and Mrs Matthews,"
he declared and bowed again.

     The Squire looked up from where he was sitting tying flies ready for
his next fishing expedition.  "My boy, I look on it as my duty to set any
of my villagers on the path to a useful position.  I have heard such good
judgements of you and you have set your own path I am sure.  But any
journey needs assistance at the start and that small purse is a
contribution."  He held up a rather tangled mess of brightly coloured
threads.  "My eyes ain't what they used to be.  Can you tie a fly?"

     I looked at Robin and observed his knowing grin.  We both had watched
Erasmus Dodd produce the most alluring flies as his pastime was fishing and
he could be as boring on that subject as with the worst of his sermons!

     "Sir, I have some experience," Robin said handing me his hat, "I think
I may be of help."  He took the proffered tangle and laid it on the desk.
Very deftly he straightened out the threads and found where they were to be
arranged around the hook with a small coloured feather amongst them and
bound them with a slip knot twice over.  There was a fine pair of scissors
on the desk so he used those to tidy the knot and the array.  He held up
the lure and the Squire smiled and nodded.

     "My boy, you are wasted going to school, I would employ you to tie
every fly for me."  He pointed to an open book propped up by others.  "You
have made a better job than that one drawn there."

     "Sir, I could spend a morning before I am off to Ashbourne and would
willingly tie as many as I could.  I have seen that book before for the
Reverend Erasmus has the same."

     I rolled my eyes Heavenwards as he said this.  Still, if I helped at
least we would be together.  I said I would help and that there was no time
like the present. We took off our cloaks and the Squire said we should just
lay them on a settle near the door.  Over the next hour or so we tied flies
until our fingers were stiff and the Squire almost ran out of hooks.  Our
efforts were only interrupted by some good pastries and a tankard of ale
each.  Young Bertie was drawn in to the task and he showed he had good
eyesight and a steady hand and was quick to learn the main knots and how to
set the threads and feathers to best advantage.  Yes, he was assured of his
position in the household!

     As we left Squire Matthews shook us both by the hand and said if we
learned our Latin as well as we tied flies we were set as good gentlemen.
He was sorry his wife was not yet ready to receive us but both were looking
forward to the dinner on Saturday evening.  Perhaps if Rass was coming he
and the Squire could talk flies!

     That task done, we were free to enjoy a ride before returning to the
Hall for lunch.  We didn't go faster than a walk as this old road we took
might be treacherous as there were ruts which would have to be repaired
after the Spring thaw.  It was a bright morning and not too cold so we
followed the road down beyond the Manor House and along the river bank.

     We reached the end of wall down from Careby Hall where there was a
towpath alongside the river.  It was very icy so we slowed and stopped as
Robin said it was at the other end of the path where the pipes from our new
water closets would discharge into the river.  Looking back up to the Hall
we could see there was a good slope down which was needed to make a
satisfactory flow.
     "The river there is quite deep as it goes round towards the path from
the stables after the village.  Father says whatever the Hall produces will
be nothing to what comes from the stables at times," Robin said with a
laugh.

     "At least I don't produce anything like either Blaze or Silver and
anyway most of the manure is put on the fields.  Think of that!  That good
grain is milled and you eat it as bread and it is nourished by what all
those horses produce."

     "That is a marvel," he said, "I have often wondered how it is that all
that green grass the cows eat comes out as white milk."

     "And those cowpats at the other end as well!" I said with a snigger.

     We both decided we were getting hungry so rode carefully up along the
wall to the terrace beneath the back of the Hall.  There was blue smoke
issuing from a number of the chimneys so it would be warm and welcoming.
Bobby was full of news as we left Blaze and Silver with him at the Hall
stable.

     "Your father is none too pleased," he announced with a shake of his
head.  "There are two fools of grooms who went to that Barley Mow last
night and not an hour ago one's been found with his throat cut and the
other beaten and robbed.  That Constable Rogers doesn't know if he is on
his arse, his head or his belly!  Your father has set a posse off to find
the culprits and if that lad dies they'll hang."

     "The one with his throat cut, he's not dead?" I asked.  "Who is it?"

     "Nay, he was found a-bleeding and Dr Lancelot has ridden out to him.
Them's are two new 'uns.  Cousins, I think, from Pickworth way.  Them's all
warned but some daft buggers take no notice.  Sooner we get a proper
Constable the better, I say." Bobby had no love of Rogers who had tried to
arrest him quite wrongly when he went to hand in a pistol which his father
had found by the side of the road.  The fool had thought he was giving
himself up after a robbery!

     Such an attack was something to find out more about.  The kitchen was
in near uproar.  There was a scurrying around as rumours of murder most
foul were bandied around.  Only Mrs Gray seemed unperturbed.  "Those silly
geese," she said pointing to two weeping kitchen-maids, "They don't even
know the pair but think we'll all be murdered in our beds if the criminals
ain't captured.  Need their heads slapped but it'll make 'em weep more."

     We thought it better to retreat so divested ourselves of our outer
garb in the hall closet and made our way to the breakfast room as Mrs
Gray's parting words were "There's a good lunch awaiting being eaten and
nobody about!"

     Both Timmy and Benjy were there and were eying the heated dishes.  "We
got a bit worried as you were late and we thought you might have been
robbed, too," Benjy announced as we entered. "You've heard about it?"

     I said we had seen Bobby and all we knew was that two grooms had been
found beaten and robbed.  I didn't mention the cut throat, nor that Benjy
didn't sound too concerned about our welfare.  I would deal with that
later.

     He nodded.  "Dr Lancelot went off to see how injured that pair were.
Your father's at the stables and sent a message to say there was too much
to do to come back here for his luncheon," he added.

     "So it's just us two for all that food," I said with a grin.  I turned
to Robin.  "Do you think we might invite the serfs to join us?"

     Timmy wondered at that remark I could see, but Benjy bowed his head
and was most servile.  "If it pleases Your Worships I would be most obliged
to take part in this fine repast and Master Timmy would no doubt be
delighted to join the company."

     Timmy looked rather askance until I smiled at him.  "Timmy, it's just
us boys, no 'masters' and 'servants' for this meal.  Come, we will share
this together."

     "Oh, Master Tom, I hope this is not a jest," he began but got a nudge
from Benjy.

     "Timmy, pick up a plate and choose!" Benjy said as he handed Robin and
me good warm plates ready to be filled.

     I chose first from roast capon and a piece of mutton with boiled and
buttered potatoes.  I saw Robin added a slice of fat bacon to his plateful.
Benjy selected less than us as he was still trying not to overeat.  Timmy
was rather hesitant but Benjy filled his plate for him.  I made him sit
next to me with Benjy and Robin opposite.  Benjy quickly filled tankards
with good small beer from our own brewhouse and there was silence after
Robin had pronounced a Grace as four hungry lads made short shrift of those
platefuls.

     We had almost cleared the dishes with that first onslaught and made
sure they were clean after our second helpings.  There was still a good
slice of a filled apple pie with cream for a pudding.  Four replete
youngsters smiled at each other.  "Oh, Master Tom, how can I thank you for
making me so welcome at the table?" Timmy said, "I praise the Lord each day
for such things that have happened since I left that place."

     "Timmy," I said, "You are with friends now and you must exercise what
gifts you have and that will be enough thanks."  I took his hand and
squeezed it.

     "I will be good and learn all I can and do whatever is right and
needed," he said with a quiet authority.

     Benjy was nodding but said nothing.  I looked over at him.  "Where is
Eamonn today?" I asked.

     "Mrs Gray has sent him to his mother's with a basket of food.  Your
Aunt gave instructions the family were not to be neglected.  He will be
back before dark I'm sure."

     As lunch was over Robin and I went up to my room and discussed what we
had heard about the attacked grooms.  "I expect they thought they might
wager some of the money they were paid at Christmastide and were gulled
into thinking they might win more.  If they did then it was nothing for a
couple of ruffians to get their winnings off them," he said.

     "Or relieved them of whatever they hadn't placed as bets," I said.  "I
cannot see how anyone can wager on whatever card may come up."

     "My father Steven has said he's seen many a fool parted from his money
on his travels.  There is no knowing if the players are rogues or not.  I
have no desire to try to increase any money I have by that method," Robin
averred most seriously.

     I went over to my desk table with a drawer beneath.  I had put the die
that had belonged to Black Jack there.  We knew it wasn't a true die and
was used to cheat.  I was looking at it when Robin spoke up again.  "If the
die were true we could work out what winnings there might be if it was
rolled repeatedly."

     "Yes, you have one in six chances of calling any number," I said.

     "Let us imagine two true dice," Robin said, "How often might you
expect two of any number, say two sixes?"

     "That is easy," I said, "For any number on the first die you can get
any number from one to six on the other, so that is six by six which is
thirty-six.  Only one pairing will be two sixes so that is a probability of
once in thirty-six throws.  I would not wager on that!"

     Robin laughed.  "My father says the same.  But if you see two sixes on
the first throw would you expect two sixes on the next throw?"

     I thought for a moment.  "It would not matter.  You would still have
one chance in thirty-six."

     Robin nodded.  "That is so, but father has said he has seen many who
will not gamble if two sixes appear first as they think it will not happen
again.  But then if on, say, nine or ten throws two sixes have not appeared
more money is placed and lost as they think two sixes must appear soon.  It
gets even more frantic if two sixes haven't appeared by the twentieth
throw.  He says he has seen men put a whole handful of coin on the next
bet."

     I shook my head.  "Even I can see that is not a done thing.  Just as
you can get four or even five heads in tosses of a coin each toss is equal
to the last so there is no saying that the next roll of the dice should be
two sixes."

     "You are correct," said Robin, with a laugh, "But try telling a host
of thick-skulled labourers such a truth as father said he did once and
nearly got beaten for his forwardness.  He said by the thirtieth throw the
oafs had put down all their money and the two who owned the dice rushed off
with their ill-gotten gains.  Father said they weren't seen for the dust
their mounts kicked up and the laughs that echoed back to the dolts."

     "Their gains were not ill-gotten," I said, "If dice are true such a
thing can happen.  I trust I'll never be tempted to wager either."

     "Aye to that," said Robin with a grin.  "Now, how much do you wager
that Philip has discovered some secret room piled high with an Emperor's
ransom?"

     I gave him a sneer.  "Not a brass farthing," I said, "But it will be
exciting if it is what Uncle Dodd thinks.  We shall have to be patient and
wait until our return unless the cellar is cleared before we leave on
Monday."

     There was rap at the door.  Robin went over and opened it.  Benjy was
there with quite a serious look on his face.  He came in ready to divulge
something or other.

     "Those boys found on the road," he began, "I know one of them.  He's
the son of the carter who lives at Pickworth.  My father's just brought
things from Mr Hine's ordered by your mother. He said there's a real hunt
on and that lad is very lucky he ain't dead.  He had a thick muffler on and
the knife slashed through that and just caught his neck so dad says."  He
shook his head.  "He's not a bad lad, that Bristow boy, it's his cousin,
Henry, who's a wastrel. I can't say I'm surprised he got beaten.  Mr Jarvis
is in the kitchen and says he'll dismiss the pair of them for
disobedience."

     Robin looked serious, too.  "They'll find it difficult to get another
position anywhere after this.  They're a pair of fools if they were warned
before."

     "Mr Jarvis must be very angry to say that," I said, "It's more than
the usual bit of misbehaving to merit that consequence."

     "That it is," said Benjy, nodding his head.  "My father said they'd
had a warning about a month ago as Mr Bristow had spoken to him when they
met on the road but he said the lad was easily led.  I wager the other one
will be put to the Navy.  He's cunning and needs a firm discipline so my
father said."

     "Rope's end or a flogging if you don't obey," said Robin.  He smiled.
"I'd better behave myself, eh, Tom?"

     "You need not worry, I'll make sure you keep to the straight and
narrow."

     Benjy said he'd better get back to the kitchen as there was haunch of
venison to be hung ready for the dinner on Saturday.  His father had
brought that as well as a gift from Mr Jefferson.  I wondered if they would
be at the dinner. Father and Mr Jefferson were firm friends but his
youngest son, Algernon, was someone I did not like although he had
entertained us after that last dinner.  His sister, Millicent, was quite
different and somehow we had to tell her what had happened.

     After he left we just sat and chatted until we thought it might be
time for a dish of tea and a piece of cake.  Lancelot was already in the
parlour looking harassed and with a blood- stained kerchief in his hand at
which he was peering intently.

     "Are those lads badly injured?" I asked even before greeting him
properly.

     Lancelot looked up.  "Both could have been but whatever happened it
must have been quick."  He held up the kerchief.  "This was by the one who
had his head battered.  He said it was not his and the blood is not from
the other one whose throat has a cut.  He was beaten as well and both were
robbed."

     "Who did it?" Robin asked.

     Lancelot shook his head.  "They do not know. Both were well-taken in
drink even this morning and gabbled about two riders with clubs or cudgels.
The pair were found on the road back to the village from the Barley Mow.
They had been knocked almost into the ditch and would have been dead from
the cold if they had not been wearing good cloaks.  At least the robbers
did not strip them though the other said his muffler was taken."

     "Benjy said the one with the cut throat had been wearing a thick
muffler so the knife must have been very sharp," I said.

     Lancelot looked at me keenly.  "A sharp knife!  There was another hue
and cry this morning.  Wheaton the butcher found his shop had the door
broken in the night but he kept no money in the shop as everyone knows so I
wonder if a knife or two were taken instead."

     "It doesn't sound as if the villains were from this or the other
village," Robin said, "Have any travellers or vagrants been sighted near?"

     Lancelot shrugged his shoulders.  "There are always rumours about
barns being slept in and no one notes any riders who may pass in this sort
of weather."  He shook his head "Perhaps it'll be a lesson to any other
stupid youngsters thinking they might double their money at gambling." He
peered at the kerchief again.  "This is a fine cambric I would say.  It is
not a labouring man's kerchief.  I will ask Mr Hine about its quality.  It
may be stolen but if it was the culprit's own then it is another matter."

     Robin laughed.  "So it may have been a pair of gentlemen highwaymen
robbing the poor!"

     A more cheerful Lancelot laughed, too.  "That is a thing that has
happened, or so I have been told.  But, no, I wager this is something
stolen and the miscreant who cut that fellow's neck also cut himself or his
companion."

     We were disturbed then by a far off scream which I surmised was from
the kitchens.  We looked at each other.  Lancelot said he had better
investigate in case one of the maids had injured herself.  As he got up we
heard someone running along the corridor outside.  It was Benjy.

     "Dr Lancelot, sir," he said breathlessly, "Eamonn is back and he has
found a knife with blood on it."

     We got up, too, and followed Lancelot and Benjy along the corridor and
down to the kitchen.  Two of the kitchenmaids were clutching each other and
weeping with Mrs Gray and Mrs Clements telling them to stop as there was
nothing to worry about.  Eamonn was standing by the large kitchen table
with a sharp-looking butcher's knife on a plate in front of him.  Mr
Clements was bent over looking at it.

     "Ah, Dr Lancelot," he said, straightening up, "The lad found this on
his way back from carrying the basket to his mother." He turned to Eamonn.
"Tell the doctor where you found it."

     "Please, sir, I was just coming from the cottage where my mother is at
the farm and I saw a redness in the snow.  Then I saw the knife.  I saw it
had blood on it when I picked it up and I brought it straight here."

     "Is that Cobblers Farm?" Lancelot asked.

     "Yes, sir," Eamonn said.

     "Was this in the lane to the farm or on the road to the village?"

     "'Twas on the road near where the milepost is, sir.  I saw that
sticking up out of the snow and the knife was five or six yards along."

     "Did you see any riders?"

     He shook his head.  "No, sir, I did not.  There was no one the whole
way."

      "Thank you, you are an observant young man," Lancelot said, then
laughed. "The posse have gone the wrong way.  Our robbers are on the road
towards Pickworth and our brave fellows are looking towards that tavern."

     I looked over at Benjy who was the other side of the table craning to
look at the knife.  "Did you say the pair who were robbed were from
Pickworth?"

     He nodded. "Aye, that is so.  Jacob Bristow and Henry Bristow.
They're cousins."

     "And the villains have ridden that way," I said.  "Perhaps it was some
revenge?..."

     "...Or the riders did not know they were on the road to Pickworth,"
Robin added.

     Benjy coughed. "I may be speaking out of turn, sir, but Henry Bristow
had dealings with one of the girls in the village there and her brothers
were not happy."

     "You mean they might be out for revenge as Tom said?" Lancelot asked.

     "I make no accusations but it could be a reason," Benjy said.  "My
father says it is a very quarrelsome village and not settled like ours.
There's little work and there are three families who vie for precedence
tho' none have any land of their own."

     "You are very knowledgeable, Benjy," Lancelot said with a laugh.

     "Yes, sir, I have been told many things as my mother comes from there
but not from one of those families."

     "And it is in Rutland, too, so if the miscreants are apprehended they
will have to go before Justices of the Peace in that county," said Lancelot
with some authority.  He shook his head.  "It will be a trouble if they are
caught there for crimes committed here.  I will have to ask my father his
opinion."

     Lancelot turned to Mr Clements.  "Please keep this knife safely locked
away and put this kerchief with it.  My father is to be witness to
documents for Mr Browning this evening so I can tell him what has been
found."

     Mr Clements picked up the plate and took the kerchief from Lancelot
and went towards the butler's pantry.  He turned.  "It will be kept safe in
here.  There is a cupboard I can lock."

     All this had happened and we had not had any sustenance.  The three of
us made our way back to the parlour without speaking.  Benjy followed us
and said the parlourmaids would bring tea which had been made and had stood
waiting while all this happened.

     "I will be glad to sit and rest," said Lancelot as we reached the
parlour, "As well as those lads to be looked at I was called to the stables
earlier to see one of the grooms who was kicked and had a cut head
besides."

     We settled in front of the fire which blazed up as Benjy added more
wood.  Lancelot continued his tale without being asked.  "A mare was being
serviced by Invictus and she lashed out and caught the groom holding her on
his backside.  He battered his head on a post and still lay there when I
was called.  He was awake by then but shaken with that cut to the side of
his head.  I dressed it and told him to go back to his bed and rest and
sent another groom to sit by him in case he fell unconscious again."  He
shook his head and pointed a finger.  "I have said before, Tom, care must
be taken when there is an injury to the head.  I did not worry about his
backside but I warrant he has a good hoofprint there."

     We were disturbed by two of the maids bringing in the wheeled tray.
Benjy became rather imperious, dismissing them and taking over the serving.
He had just poured three good cups of tea when my father appeared at the
door.

     "I'll have one of those before I die of thirst," he commanded.  Benjy
was quick off the mark.  A filled cup was handed to him and the contents
disappeared in one gulp.  "Another, my fine fellow, and then you can serve
these lazy coxcombs!"

     Both Robin and I had stood as he entered as the good polite lads we
were.  "Father, we have been busy solving a mystery," I said, "Our opinion
is that your posse has searched in the wrong direction."

     "What's that?" he demanded, "Those fellows I sent have returned with
no result.  They found nothing."

     Lancelot was also standing.  "Uncle, let me explain."

     Very concisely he told the tale and my father just shook his head.
"We jumped to conclusions.  We should have questioned that pair before
setting the search.  All they found were a set of liars who said they'd
seen and heard nothing except the potboy let out two young fellows had been
in the inn last night.  He got a crack across his head from some rogue for
saying that so my lads said."  He looked at Benjy.  "You think it's a
village thing, eh?"

     Benjy nodded.  "Sir, I would suggest it was."

     "And best left there, eh?"

     "Sir, a village like that will take care of such matters."

     My father laughed.  "Benjamin, you have said it exactly."  He looked
at Lancelot.  "That knife could be returned to Wheaton in the morning.
Clean, of course."  He dusted his hands together.  "I will reward the lad
for finding it and send a carpenter to repair Wheaton's door if it is
damaged."

     I must have been staring at my father.  Crimes had been committed and
were now to be hushed up.  He must have seen my concern.

     "My boy, what would be the use of trying to find out the perpetrators?
If more retribution is to happen let it be out of Lincolnshire.  Family
feuds are ugly and do not need to spread into innocent areas.  A strong
message with that kerchief will be sent to the constable in Pickworth who I
hope is not as addle-pated as one we know closer to home." He looked at
Benjy.  "When you have served these mystery-solvers ask Mr Clements to
attend on me in the library."  He patted his stomach.  "I will forego that
delectable-looking cake as it might spoil my appetite for my dinner."  He
pointed at Lancelot.  "Your father will be here this evening and all
matters are closed."  Lancelot nodded.  "There will be correspondence in
all directions in the morning!"

     He went off and Lancelot breathed a sigh of relief.  "That was a
difficult decision for your father to make, Tom, please do not think ill of
him."  He must have seen my apprehension as well.  "Sometimes there are
compromises to be made.  I can see your father's point of view and I am
sure whatever occurred will be dealt with in due course in the village
where the trouble most probably started."

     "But we do not know if it was some dispute over a girl," I said.

     Benjy came over to me with a good slice of cake on a plate. "Please,
Master Tom, I am sure it was.  I think we shall find out more when those
two are sent off home tomorrow."

     "I hope so," I said and took a comforting mouthful of the cake.

     Robin had been silent all through this but I knew he was of the same
mind as me.  What were compromises?  Another matter to be discussed with Mr
Ridley as we had talked about Sir Thomas More who had brooked no
compromise.

     All seemed forgotten that evening when a fine dinner was served with
both Uncle Dodd and Aunt Matty present.  My father had put on a good suit
of clothes or his sister would have refused to sit at the same table with
him.  It was during dinner that father mentioned the documents to be
witnessed by Uncle Dodd and Mr Mead, who would be attending later.  He
continued by saying that Mr Grindcobbe had sent more deeds that morning
concerning the transference of land to the railway company and also for
buying the farm at Witham.  Not only these but there were four special
transfers of land.  From tonight my brothers and I, together with Robin,
would be landed gentry!


To be continued:


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