8:00 AM
Friday, 13 March 1925
Cool, wet, overcast, partial showers.

In the wee hours of the morning, everyone drank a toast and toddled off to bed. The group was (more or less) up and raring to go by 8 o'clock in the morning.

On schedule, they could faintly hear Big Ben's distinctive chimes from the far side of Buckingham Palace and the park ringing at 25 seconds to the hour, followed by the tolling of the main bell.

Breakfast was served in Howard's room.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:55, Sun 23 Oct 2011.

After washing up JM heads to Howard's room, dressed sharply and not looking any less to wear.  Youth, a military background, and near abstinence from alcohol all likely contributors to such condition.  To make things even worse, he was chipper, having seen traces of sunlight through the famous morning fog to make him think his hungover friend/employee might just have few issues with the return flight.

"Good morning, good morning!  Kippers and toast with marmalade for me, if you have it!"  A healthy breakfast even, smoked fish.

Phil wakes up, what a great mattress.  He starts thinking of ways to get it back to New York.
Onward to the scrambled egg breakfast!

In reply to Phil Webley (msg #3):

The full English breakfast (recently called a "Scotch Breakfast") was full and hearty. There was toast and fried, poached or scrambled eggs, bacon, sliced tomato, beans and hash browned potatoes. (Eggs Benedict were a relatively recent American dish that was increasingly in demand by travellers at the posh Park Lane Hotel.) Tea and coffee were served. Fruit juice was rare in England, although becoming more common in the USA due to Prohibition (as produce was shifted from alcohol to other beverages). Heartier fare (bubble and squeak) would be available at a pub or diners.

Arriving at the suite, Ralph and Storm dug in as well. Simmons helped serve, always seeing to Howard first.

Singh assists Simmons and takes a light breakfast of his own.

Howard eats a full breakfast and sees to it that conversation stays away from future plans in anticipation of Darlington's arrival.

Just after 8.05am DS Darlington arrives at the front desk of the PArk Lane Hotel. He flashes his police badge to the concierge, who directs him to the elevator and tells Darlington where Lampton's suite is located. Darlington takes the elevator and checks himself in a mirror outside Lampton's suite, wiping off a bit of leftover scrambled egg from the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief. He then straightens his neck-tie and knocks firmly on the door three times.

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #7):

Checking the identity of the expected caller, Simmons then saw him into the luxury suite.

The group was finishing breakfast in the suite's sitting room when Darlington was shown in.

"Coffee or tea, sir?"

After serving him and anyone else, Simmons goes back and stations himself at the door to the corridor.

JM settles, without much fuss, on the full English breakfast, though he does search every plate for his kippers before settling on bacon and so on.  At least he got his toast, hopefully with marmalade!  He was used to the simpler breakfast, being in the business he was in, but soon luxuriates in the full breakfast, taking extra helpings of bacon, even, and making a sandwich, wrapping it in a kerchief and slipping it in his pocket for later.

He waves loosely at Darlington when he enters "Do have a bite, I believe there is plenty."  He sips at a third cup of hot black coffee after finishing, looking around at everyone with a smile.

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #9):

Sipping a cup of tea, Ralph fills DS Darlington on the state of their investigation so far. It wasn't simple or straightforward.

He related about how they believed the Brotherhood of the Dark Pharaoh is behind the Soho Slaying, and was somehow related to the cult of the Bloody Tongue, in New York and Kenya. This Bloody Tongue was responsible for the death in New York of their and Barrington's friend, Jackson Elias, an author who exposed mystic cults and other phonies. They also thought the Bloody Tongue was also responsible for the disappearance of the Carlyle expedition in 1919 in Kenya.

"Where to begin? First, our friend Jackson Elias was researching the missing Carlyle expedition.  Jackson told Jonah Kensington, his editor at Prospero House, that he believed not all the expedition members were dead."

"On this Carlyle expedition was: Roger Carlyle, wealthy playboy. We met his sister, Erica Carlyle, in New York. She said he suffered from neuroses and was addicted to drink. Dr. Robert Huston, a psychiatrist who helped poor Roger, possibly along to continue his treatment. She says he was intelligent and sensitive but had a shady past. M'Weru, an African who seemed like a priestess or princess to Erica, she believes he was obsessed by her and she was using him. Viscount Pevensy Sir Aubrey Penhew, head of the Penhew Foundation here in London, who convinced Roger to fund an archaeological expedition to Egypt. Hypatia Masters, noted photographer, ex-girlfriend of Roger's. Also along was Jack "Brass" Brady, Carlyle's thuggish Australian bodyguard."

"Jonah Kensington, Jackson's editor at Prospero House, has come across Huston's files on Carlyle and has sent them via the mails, they should arrive in a week."

"The Carlyle Expedition started from New York in 1919, then traveled here to London. Then on to Cairo, where they visited a dealer in antiquities, Faraz Najir, then traveled up the Nile on their expedition and at this time, this M'Weru woman stole thousands from Carlyle, then vanished. In Cairo. They then took a side trip to Kenya where they go missing in late 1919."

"Roger's sister Erica arrived in Africa in early 1920, looking for him. The authorities find the bodies, try and hang 5 Nandi tribesmen who insist they are innocent. Case closed. Except... No Caucasian bodies were found.

"In attempting to determine what transpired, Jackson started to follow the trail backwards, first visiting Nairobi in Kenya in 1924. He talked to a Nairobi newspaperman named Johnstone Kenyatta who was convinced something was fishy about the massacre. Jackson met friend in Nairobi, Nils Nelson, a mercenary, who claimed to have seen Jack Brady (but not Carlyle) alive in Hong Kong in 1922, 2 years after everyone in the expedition supposedly died. Jackson also wrote a name, "Sam Meriga", no idea what that means."

"After that, Jonah says he visited China. We found a matchbook from a bar in Shanghai and Dr. Weston identified a photo of a yacht taken in the Whangpoo river in Shanghai."

"Jackson then visited Cairo. After, he travelled to London, visited Mickey Maloney of The London Scoop, where he picked up articles about the Soho Slasher, the Derbyshire Monster and some nightmare-inducing fantasist painter in Soho, Miles Shipley. He visited Scotland Yard and talked to his friend (your superiour) Detective Inspector Barrington about the Soho Slayings and alleged it was this Dark Brotherhood Cult. He also talked to Mr. Edward Gavigan, current head of the Penhew Foundation, then left London for New York in a panic near the end of the last year, 1924."

"This is where our involvement begins, early this year."

"In New York Jackson summoned us for assistance but we found him murdered in his room at the Chelsea hotel. We found a sigil carved in his forehead that is the trademark of the Cult of the Bloody Tongue, and several documents. Documents led me up to Prof. Anthony Cowles at Arkham University in Massachusettes, who investigated an extinct "Bat-People" cult in western Australia, but says he never personally met Jackson."

"Other documents also led us to a "Ju-Ju House" (mystical Kenyan imports) in New York and Silas N'Kwame. There was some kind of cult there engaged in some unholy ritual, which led to a terrible massacre where Dr. Weston's brother, Detective James Weston, was tragically killed. Most of those Kenyan cultists, part of the Cult of the Bloody Tongue, have been rounded up the last few days, but not Silas N'Kwame or the man we believe is the high priest. They have disappeared."

"We suspect there is some connection between the Bloody Tongue (New York, Kenya) and the Brotherhood of the Dark Pharaoh (London) but we've found nothing substantial. The ritual murder weapon of the Brotherhood isn't what killed Jackson and isn't what the cultists in New York used, and Barrington didn't mention any ritual sigil here like the Bloody Tongue used."

"That leads us to our investigations. We haven't turned up much more than what I've told you. There's something odd about Director Gavigan, I can't put my finger on it. Dr. Weston identified the steam yacht in Jackson's photo as the "Dark Mistress" which the Lloyd's Registry says is out of London and owned by "Arthur Penhurst",  which is close to but not the same as Aubrey Penhew. The note about Harvard not having the book Jackson was interested in, Dr. Weston found out the British Museum and London Library both lack it as well. John-Marc here read Jackson's set of Nairobi Notes and thinks there may be a connection between the flying monster of the Bloody Tongue in Kenya that Jackson writes about and the Bat-Wing cult in Western Australia, but that's mere conjecture."

"I am going to the library myself tomorrow, see if I can find out more about this Brotherhood of the Dark Pharaoh, as they seem to have been active here in London or England for at least a century. We also received some occult books and material from Erica that belonged to Roger Carlyle. Beastly stuff, horrid and blasphemous. Especially Life as a God, written by an Englishman who joined the Brotherhood a century ago."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:47, Mon 24 Oct 2011.

Cynthia arrives to breakfast a little late. She seems distracted today, and busies herself with her book rather than listen intently to her own adventures described ... again. But as Professor Fuly wraps up, she becomes a little more interested, waiting to see what the police can offer in this most unique situation.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #11):

"Howard! You read that lunatic's diary, Life as a God. There are things in there that could be of interest to the police investigation."

"Such as the description of the ritual murder weapon. The police theory is the Soho Slayer is one madman, Jackson's theory was it was the work of a cult. This could be evidence of a cult link stretching back a century. Unless it's a madman who read this foul book? Seems doubtful."

Darlington settles down and drinks a cup of tea whilst munching on a bacon sandwich. Between bites he goes over the details that the police have gathered in the case so far.

"The Soho Slayings seem to share a distinct M.O. The limbs of the victim are broken before a single wound pierces the chest and punctures the heart. Autopsy has determined the fractures are caused by a blunt instrument, and the killing blow is delivered by a long spike with a sharp tip. The method of killing is the only common element between the 3 confirmed and 21 suspected victims.

The 3 confirmed victims share the same Modus Operandi: resided in London; all were addicted to drink or opiates, were last seen alive at the Blue Pyramid Club; and their bones broken before a single killing blow to the heart with some kind of spiked weapon. These 3 confirmed victims of the "Soho Slayer" were the last reported missing this past November, December, and January and all were later found in the Thames.

Many varied somewhat in the MO, not all have been identified (and therefore their residence was unknown), there are possibly other victims, etc. Also, Barrington was going over death notices because autopsies were not conducted in many of the supposedly accidental deaths.

Of the remaining 21 suspected victims not all have been identified, because autopsies were not conducted in many of the supposedly accidental deaths.

1) They share the same wounds, which is why Inspector Barrington included them in the "suspected victim" category.

2) Most, but not all, were poor, foreigners, and/or addicts. Both sexes, from the late teens to the late 60s, and many different races.

3) Out of 24 (confirmed/suspected victims) about half  had their last known residence confirmed as somewhere in London, a third from cities and towns around England and even Wales and Scotland and Ireland, the rest were last address unknown, so were possibly foreigners or travelers without documentation.

4) Many of the bodies of suspected and all the confirmed victims (12 total) were found dumped in the Thames. 10 more were found alongside road or rail lines NE of London (the furthest one being found on the outskirts of Colchester). 1 was found offshore by fishermen off Mersea Island, one washed up by Felixstowe. Almost all of these deaths were ruled as traffic/rail/boat-related accidental deaths, not foul play.

5) The victims all went missing at a rate of 1 or sometimes 2 a month stretching back to at least 1923, on a regular schedule or interval of unknown significance.

6) The 3 confirmed victims were the last 3 to go missing and the last to be found (all in the Thames). One went missing on 19 November 1924, 19 December 1925 and the last 17 January 1925. No one yet is reported missing in February and March. The first two were middle-aged prostitutes, (Daisy Blackmun, Sarah Riley) and one a Morphine-user (Kieran Kemp). A "Rashid Ka'im Basara" was reported missing on 16 February 1925, whereabouts unknown.

7) Each confirmed victim was found 8-10 days after disappearing. Time of death difficult to determine, possibly 24-72 hours prior to discovery. For suspected victims, where data exists, the pattern seems to be similar. No suspected victims who exhibit the common MO of death went missing for less than a week."

"Alcohol or drug addicts. Not chicken addicts? I guess Phil is safe."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #14):

"Yes, it's my policy never to mix chicken with drugs or with too much alcohol."

"This fella you know called Jackson Elias claimed to Inspector Barrington that the murders were the result of a group known as the Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh. When Barrington interviewed Edward Gavigan, director of the Penhew Foundation, he claimed the cult was a myth and that Elias was just a deluded glory-seeker. This Elias chap left London pretty much immediately after Inspector Barrington interviewed Gavigan. A coincidence?"

"Gavigan is connected to the Blue Pyramid Club via Tewfik al-Sayid, a spice dealer and importer who frequents the club. Al-Sayid and also guided an Penhew expedition in Egypt a decade ago, and also denied the Brotherhood's existence. We have information from Aiyeesha that Tewfik is involved in something dodgy at that club and may make a move there soon."

After imparting his wisdom, Darlington swallows the final bite of his bacon sandwich, leaving a red smear of tomato ketchup on the corner of his shirt lapel that he either doesn't notice or doesn't care about. He learns back in his chair and belches with vigour and gusto.

"Pardon me manners. Better out than in. So, the way I see it is that there is a definite link between these savages you ran into in New York and the Soho Slayings. There is also information, however circumstantial, linking Edward Gavingan to both. We have three separate major fronts of investigation. Edward Gavigan and The Penhew Institute. Tewfik al-Sayid's businesses and residence. Tewfik's suspicious dealings at The Blue Pyramid Club."

Darlington takes a pipe from his inner pocket. "Mind if I puff? I also want to ask you about your security. I noticed yesterday afternoon, whilst watching the Blue Pyramid, that Mr Singh here was being followed by a tail. A very suspicious looking dark-skinned man of Arabic origin. There may be a very real chance that certain interested parties are well aware of your current dwellings and movements."

"We've spoke with gavigan. While I'm aware of some methods that would quickly gather evidence, one police officer visiting us is enough for the time being. I think we need to close down that lead, unless someone has something new.

"We have time to visit Mr. al-Sayid and see what he can contribute. I'm not sure if an interview is most appropriate, or if it would be better to seek some other method of evidence-gathering.

"We also have the dancer's boyfriend, you mentioned last night. I don't know if we were given any hard leads on that.

"Regarding security ... I suspect we'll be tailed where-ever we stay, as long as we're quite as meddlesome as we've been thus far. But if you have a specific suggestion, I think we're open to it."

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #16):

It seemed that everyone was looking towards Darlington, who was, after all, the professional detective, with the most to give in the way of guidance.

"So Aiyesha's husband Rashid is missing, but his disappearance hasn't been reported and he's not been found. Have any unidentified bodies turned up in the Thames in the last month?"

"Sergeant Darlington, no one's put the Penhew Institute under direct watch? Or Tewfik's warehouse?"

"Let's assume Jackson is right and these killing are ritual related. Dates have great significance in rituals and cults. And religions! Do you have any theories on the significance of the dates? It sounds like the missing are taken every 30 days. It's not the full moon, obviously."

http://www.timeanddate.com/cal...r=1925&country=9

"We don't have to do anything direct, or illegal. I think we have much to gain simply by observation."

"I think we have to ask ourselves what we are here to accomplish and stick to what will further that goal.

"I believe we want to discover the truth behind Jackson Elias's death and complete his investigation into the Carlyle Expedition's disappearance. At least the former. To do that, we have to get the facts being concealed by Gavigan and the Penhew Foundation. We also need to talk to Tewfik al-Sayid.

"I propose to go see Mr. Al-Sayid at his place of business today."

"Who, that you do not count as a friend, knows you lot are here in London? From what I can tell, it stands at myself, Inspector Barrington, Malone and Mungo from the Scoop, and Gavigan. I can vouch for Barrington and the fellas from the Scoop, and I know for a bleedin' fact that I am on the level. That leaves Gavigan. He must 'ave keeping an eye on your movements ever since you went to meet 'im. The fact that the tail was an Arab just confirms the link between Twefik and Gavigan in my mind."

"I agree that Tewfik al-Sayid needs to be investigated. But I don't fink you are the people to carry out that investigation. If there is a crimal link between Tewfik and Gavigan, then you going to see 'im won't do any good, it'll just give away our 'and. I reckon you lot look into the Penhew foundation in more detail, and leave the Tewfik investigation to me, a face he is not already suspicious of."

"I also fink that you oughta leave this 'otel. Whoever is keepin' an eye on ya knows that you're 'ere. If you stay in this place then they will be able to follow every move ya make. I say you should check out tonight, late at night under the cover of darkness, and decamp to a less... opulent and visible lodgings."

Lampton pulls a sour face and shoves his plate away: "Quite frankly, Darlington, other than the six of us who came together from America (and Simmons and Singh, of course), I don't know of anyone concerned in this matter that I know to be trustworthy. Even these companions I never knew until about a fortnight ago.

"I don't consider most journalists above underhanded dealings that might suit their purposes. As I said before, the activities of the police as regards these Soho disappearances have not inspired confidence. You say you vouch for Barrington, but, when it comes right down to it, who vouches for you? No offense.

"You say that we should trust you to interview al-Sayid. Well, why hasn't that been done already?

"You tell us to 'look into the Penhew Foundation' in more detail. Well, we got nowhere with Gavigan. Unless you can suggest a course of action in which we might be able to do more than plow through articles of incorporation, stock offerings and financial reports, and decades of newspaper files searching for i don't know what -- Well, I confess I'm at a loss as to how to proceed on that front."

"Admittedly, we are amateurs, but we are involved. I ask you to use your professional knowledge to suggest how we can be of use, rather than shunting us aside. Otherwise, we must proceed according to our best ideas."


Howard throws down his napkin. "As for changing hotels, I am not inclined to waste time with such an exercise, only to find ourselves in less comfortable quarters that are less secure than one of the finest establishments in London, which ought to count for something.

"Singh was followed. Webley was menaced. We are engaged in a dangerous project against dangerous foes. No place will make us safe. They're as like to find out our new location as they did this one. What's the point?"

[ooc - Yes, I'll take an Idea roll, please.]

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #21):

John-Marc took a call from Karlheinz. The weather improved enough for him to shuttle the Brisfit back to Lympne Aerdrome.

Lampton idly studied the calender. In a way, their job was easier than the police. They already had some suspects, an MO (as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle termed it in the "Sherlock Holmes" stories), and so on. It would help if they knew why this was happening, as that could be key to their safety and to defeating the cult once and for all, and to this end the pattern underlying the actions of the Brotherhood could be examined.

"Perhaps I and Mr. Webley, if he is willing, could serve as decoys at the Blue Pyramid. If we could be selected as the next victim -- while actually keeping our wits about us, of course -- it might give us a great deal of insight."

In reply to Imran Singh (msg #23):

"Yes, I like that idea.  I've been thrown out ehhh... inside quite a few clubs.   I was never was able to stay very long though."

"Are you sure this is a good idea? Even if they need some special criteria for a ritual killing, I don't think they'll hesitate to kill you both just normally if things seem suspicious. And I'd be awfully pained to lose you, Mr. Singh. Oh, and you of course as well, Phil."

In reply to The Keeper (msg #22):

Lampton leaves the table and goes to his room. In a moment, he is back with one of the books. He stands by a window, studying its pages in the sunlight.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #26):

With a start, something was revealed to him about the pattern of the disappearances.

The rest of the group tried to come to a plan. Darlington was going to question Tewfik al-Sayyid, Fulty and Storm would check out whatever records they could find for the Penhew Foundation, Gavigan, even Tewfik's spice warehouse.

Singh and Phil volunteered to act as bait in the Blue Pyramid. That night? For the foreseeable future? Right now, this plan seemed to be in the embryonic stage at best, with many questions unanswered. How would the group tail Tewfik (presumably) when he took one, the other, or both? Where would they go? What if they got into trouble?

Darlington and Falcon were most keen on relocating to a different hotel or other lodgings. The others seemed reluctant to leave the lap of luxury, despite the fact someone seemed to know they were there. The Park Place was very large and cabs could be caught on 3 sides, plus there was the tube. It was unlikely they could all be tailed if the took precautions like going out side exits, switching taxis, etc. Also, it seemed safe as houses unless the presumed cultists wanted to come into the open, and they'd have to know which rooms they were using.

With a knock on the door, Phil's suits arrived!

Stepping to the secretary in the corner of the room, Howard snatches up the desk calendar. "Look here," he says, flourishing the calendar, "According to Life as a God, the cult is quite regular in its activities. Victims are taken when the moon is at half-wane; kept prisoner for a week; and sacrificed when the moon is dark. The next new moon is eleven days from now on the 24th. So they'll seize their next victim sometime on the 17th!

"Really, Sergeant, it's damned elementary. I'm surprised the police didn't tumble to the schedule."

He paces a moment, tapping his fimger on his lower lip. "It's no good setting out 'bait' before the 16th at the earliest, Singh. You and I and Webley are better employed with al-Sayid, I think.

"Darlington, can you call him down to the Yard for his interview? With him out of the way, we three can visit his establishment. There must be a room there for holding the next victim and probably for the sacrifice itself. If we can find it, we'll be in a position to disrupt their next attempt, if nothing else."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:32, Thu 03 Nov 2011.

Lamptons' suggestion to Darlington made sense, as did his revelation that the next victim would be taken in 4 days time, on the 17th. Therefore no further plans were made to stake out the club or set any sacrificial victims, at least for now.

The rough plan for the day was that Fulty, Storm and Dr. Weston would research the records on Tewfik's warehouse to see if they could find floor plans, identify possible modifications, or even just determine ownership. The same would go for the Penhew Foundation, and Gavigan in general.

One stumbling block to entering Tewfik's warehouse in Soho was if he weren't there, they would have to force entry, and do it in some way that wouldn't leave obvious tampering. As it turned out, none of the group seemed to possess the required skills. Darlington could cover for them to a degree but they would have to be a little subtle in some sense.

John-Marc said he thought Karlheinz, his friend and business partner, could probably handle a lock, but he was either in the air ferrying the Brisfit back to Lympne Aerodrome or was already there. It would take the rest of the day for him to return via train or by the road. Flying back to Croydon and taking the train would take time, too.

"I know just the chap," declared Dr. Weston. "An... acquaintance of mine. Friend. Owes me a favour. Let me make a telephone call." A short call later Dr. Weston reported, "it's set. My friend will meet us there and provide access. He'll have a look around, too."

So far, the people going to the warehouse were Howard, Imran, Cynthia, John-Marc and Phil.

Tewfik would be called in to Scotland Yard for 11:00 am. Using Darlington's knowledge of the area, the group going to the warehouse would wait at a telephone call-box (booth) in a pub near the warehouse for Darlington to confirm Tewfik had arrived at his office for questioning. Darlington could tie up Tewfik for a couple hours without difficulty but without evidence it would difficult to hold him overnight. Assuming Tewfik had a rich and powerful patron like Gavigan on his side.

After the call, they would proceed directly to the warehouse where they would meet Darragh. He would stay outside as lookout and if there was police trouble he would try to lead them off, even take the blame if needed. Darlington's supervisor Barrington could pull strings to clear anyone caught of charges if needed but it was hoped it wouldn't come to that. If needed, their taxi was paid to wait at the end of the alley so they could make a quick departure if needed.

11:00am

Scotland Yard

At the appointed hour, a disgruntled Tewfik al-Sayyid arrived at Scotland yard. He was dressed in a suit, hat and cane, like any normal if modestly successful London businessman. Only his dark and pockmarked face, dark eyes and thick moustache betrayed his foreign origin. He waited impatiently as Darlington made contact with the group waiting in the pub by the telephone with the news. He would delay al-Sayyid as long as he could, probably at least an hour and likely three, but advised them not to tarry.

For good measure, he kept Tewfik waiting for a good half-hour before even deigning to admit him into his presence. The man seemed angry and off-balance as he waited, brimming with impatience but attempting to conceal his ire at officialdom.

Soho

Once the call was completed, the group consisting of Howard, Cynthia, Imran, John-Marc and Phil quickly made it to the "Foreign Spice Emporium" warehouse's rear door. They were met by Dr. Weston's friend "Darragh", a shifty-looking wiry redhaired ruffian dressed in shabby coat and cap, smelling strongly of fish.

"'Eeloo 'dere. Ah've opened de dure an' 'ad a squizz. Thar's naw wan inside an' oi couldn't fend nathin' interestin', 'ope yer fend waaat you're lookin' for. I'll whistle if someone cums an' den lead dem away. Gran' luk t' yez!"

Clerkenwell

Dr. Weston, Ralph Fulty and Charles Storm ensconced themselves in the London County Record Office building, which also housed the London County Council Members Library. If there was a record of what they wanted, it would be in there somewhere. The records stretched back eleven centuries or longer, in some cases.

They were looking for plans of Tewfik's "Foreign Spice Emporium", the Penhew Foundation, and any titles or deeds belonging to the Foundation, Gavigan or the missing Penhew.

Fleet Street

Over on Fleet Street, Mickey Malone called Molly "Mungo" Fuller into his cramped cigar-smoke filled office. He asked her to interview the Soho-based artist, Miles Shipley, for the London Scoop. "Interview this geeza. Get me summit interestin' I can print. Make it up if ya 'ave ter! Roite, get aahhht of 'ere."

Well, I suppose Cynthia peers in the open doorway, pausing to listen for a moment, against any other clerks or employees still lingering. What do we see in there?

Tewfik al-Sayyid's "Foreign Spice Emporium"

The "Foreign Spice Emporium" was located on Waldour St. in Soho, among a row of slightly disreputable furniture stores and furniture-makers.

The building seemed to be 2 stories with small warehouse on the ground and one or more flats on the top floor. The flat had no entry from the outside so it was reasonable to assume it was Tewfik's and could be reached from inside the shop.

Realising that the situation required some measure of boldness, they crept into the small rear storage room and quietly closed the outside door.

Peering in, it was clear the rear of the narrow warehouse building was taken up by a store-room. Storage shelves held dozens of boxes, casks and crates of spices and herbs. The air was thick with many smells and scents.

Venturing further in past the connecting door, they saw the front of the shop was filled with display shelves. On the shelves were boxes and bins of Tewfik's wares. There was a cash register and a set of stairs up. Light came in through curtains hung in the front windows, and a "CLOSED - Please Return Later" sign had been hung on the door. The front room, like the rear, was dim and musty.

In the far corner by the window was a set of stairs leading up:

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/2070/tewfikb.jpg
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:49, Sun 06 Nov 2011.

(So it's pretty clear there can't be any hidden rooms or stairs down, correct? When we walk on the floors, is there any suggestion of a basement from how thick and well reinforced the floorboards are?)

Once it's clear the building is empty, Cynthia carefully creeps up the steps to the upper level, always keeping her eyes and ears open.

Singh Goes to the front of the shop and makes sure that the shaqdes are drawn on the windows and door. He glances at the items displayed on the shelves in the shop.

When Miss Cynthia starts upstairs, he follows as far as the foot of the staircase.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:14, Sun 06 Nov 2011.

Howard steps behind the counter of the shop and looks for any books or ledgers.

Tewfik al-Sayyid's "Foreign Spice Emporium"

After making sure that there is no one outside looking in, Imran quickly drew the shades.

From the outside there were no windows, stairs down or coal chute to indicate a cellar or basement. Inside, Cynthia paced the floor and looked as best she could for any evidence of hollow floorboards or a trap-door under the one carpet, or other false wall hiding any way down without finding anything.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/97/tewfik.jpg/

Darragh was true to his word: upstairs was as deserted as down stairs. A space like this would usually be subdivided into two or more flats. While modest, it appeared that only one person (a man) lived there in a single somewhat-spacious flat (for the area).

Despite the wet miserable weather the flat was kept hot by an oil heater, easily 90-100 degrees. There were a couple electric lights as well as oil lamps (neither were lit).

There was a parlour in front, bedroom in the rear, kitchen and indoor bathroom in between. The flat was decorated in muted yellow and blue, and in both parlour and bedroom were numerous pillows, rugs, and incense burners on low tables. The kitchen had a stove (still warm to the touch) and sink, but no ice chest. On the counter were numerous bottles of spices, ingredients, seasonings and crust of unleavened bread. Dishes and pots were in cupboards, etc. Nothing jumped out at her (figuratively or literally).

There was an ancient tome left open on a low table beneath a shelf filled with ornately painted figurines that she easily recognised were ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses (Ra, Annubis, Osiris, Isis, Seth/Set, Thoth and Bastet). Carefully keeping it open to the original page, Cynthia paged through the tome. With mounting excitement she realised this book written in an ancient Arabic language seemed important! If only she could understand it.

Tewfik al-Sayyid's "Foreign Spice Emporium"

12:00 PM

Over the next hour, the investigators poked around. Their efforts didn't seem to be overly systematic or directed to any particular area for any discernible aim.

Maybe it was the sheer strangeness and transgressive nature of poking around in someone else's home while they were away, trying not to disturb anything noticeable. Perhaps it was the overwhelming smell of spices and herbs that permeated the air and drifted up the stairs.

Downstairs, Howard looked for and found a ledger, but no other books. It seemed to be a legitimate record, written in Arabic. Maybe the numbers meant something, he couldn't be sure.

"I say, Webley, shift the crates and boxes around in the storeroom," Howard calls quietly, "Perhaps they conceal something." There must be a cellar to the building. He contempkates taking the ledger, but knows it will be missed.

He searches under the counter for any sort of switch or hidden compartment.

Howard Lampton rolled 30. Spot Hidden  35.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:01, Fri 11 Nov 2011.

Singh climbs the stairs to aid Cynthia in searching al-Sayid's living quarters.

Imran Singh rolled 8. Spot Hidden  50.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:01, Fri 11 Nov 2011.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #37):

In a sarcastic tone, Phil replies, "Yes, boss."

Cynthia completes her search of both upstairs and downstairs. The only thing of note discovered so far is that book.

"Suppose we should take the book with us? It's not as though he'll suspect it's us, and even if he does, what can he do?"

Yeah, without a clue of what else to look for, well, I don't know what else to look for :P Empty warehouse, empty room, no secret doors, no bodies. I assume Lampton would recognize anything from My Life as a God. I am having difficulty imagining how large this place is, and how long we'd have to search to feel like we did a thorough job, though.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #40):
Imran shrugs at Cynthia's suggestion about purloining the book, "Why not? Even if it does not help us, it may hinder him and the cult. We shouldn't stay more than another half-hour, I think, Miss Holloway. We don't want to be pushing our luck."

12:30 pm.

Scotland Yard

Darlington could tell there was something off or wrong about Tewfik. This bastard should be quaking in his shoes, a modest businessman and foreigner pulled into a detective's office, yet the man was showing barely concealed anger.

The telephone on his desk rang and he banished Tewfik to the corridor to wait while he took it. The man's eyes contained noticeable fury, yet he complied without outward complaint.

It was Dr. Weston. He, Fulty and Storm had been in the London city and county archives and library all morning, searching out the paper trail of their quarry. They found some outdated floor plans for the small warehouse and no basement was included in the blueprints. They were still following up on other avenues of research: the titles and properties owned by Gavigan, Penhew and the Foundation.

Tewfik al-Sayyid's "Foreign Spice Emporium"

Time passed in the dim, dusty store.

Upstairs, Imran and Cynthia kept looking for anything else of significance. The book was kept at the same page, ready to go.

Aside from the book in the parlour, they noticed in the bedroom a smallish mirror about the size of a dinner plate that looked... wrong. It was old, the silver gilt was peeling away and the surface a little warped and wavy. The subtly asymmetrical frame was some kind of unidentifiable metal, worked into strange shapes.

Downstairs, John-Marc made a call on the shop telephone to Darlington's office at Scotland Yard.

Again, Darlington sent a fuming Tewfik out into the corridor to take the call. In a circumspect manner, Darlington confirmed that Tewfik was with him and he'd telephone the shop when Tewfik left his office to give them some advance warning.

Darlington also passed on that city records showed no old basement or cellar in the warehouse.

Leaving the ledgers and records behind, Lampton and Phil shifted around crates and boxes in the rear storeroom to examine the floor. With considerable effort, they discovered a small trapdoor in the floor concealed beneath a keg of granular but mundane salts. It wasn't large enough to admit a person but certainly large enough to keep a shoebox. Unfortunately, the trapdoor was locked and the cover was of the stout floorboards. It could be broken open with some effort.

Does the trap door seem to take a conventional key? Have we seen any keys in any drawers?

Cynthia checks also in the stove and in the heater. She pulls up the rugs and checks under there. Given the width of the floor, is it possible for secret cubbies to be hidden in the floor of the second level? She also hits the normal hiding spots; the tank of the toilet, under the bath tub, under the bed and so forth.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #43):

There is no drop or false ceiling, and by looking across at the stairwell it was clear the wooden upstairs floor had no room for any but the smallest compartment. If there were any, it would take hours to discover as each board would have to be examined.

As it was, there were no obvious compartments and they didn't find anything secreted in and around the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, etc. in the upstairs.

Cynthia came downstairs to examine the trapdoor with Lampton and Phil. Several of the floorboards were neatly cut and they removed them, exposing enough space for the small trapdoor, secured by a padlock and hasp. There was no sign of a key elsewhere, but the lock could be picked, the hasp broken or unscrewed, and so on.

Meanwhile, Howard gave the book she found a looking over.

I suppose we should also check the ceilings of the second floor for anything?

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #45):

The ceiling of the 2nd floor is wooden with support beams. It looks like it's just the underside of the roof but time seems to be running out and to check for sure, measurements would have to be made inside and out.

Howard glances at the Qu'uran that Singh is carrying. "What have you got there, Singh?" taking it from the other's hands, he glances at several pages, "High-quality work, but just an ordinary Koran, I think. Hm. Can our chief cultist be also a devout follower of Islam?" He returns the book to Singh.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:34, Sat 12 Nov 2011.

Once Cynthia completes her check of the other odd spots, she moves on to check the second floor ceiling for any more possible hidey-holes, odd bits of carpentry and so on.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #48):

1:00 pm

Tewfik al-Sayyid's "Foreign Spice Emporium"

There doesn't seem to be any place to hide anything in the roof. It seems to be a water-spotted plaster ceiling of poor but old construction. There are a few patched areas and areas of repair but they don't seem to hide any compartments.

Upstairs, the only object of note is the mirror, around the size of a dinner-plate.

Downstairs, Lampton and Webley mulled over how to access the hidden floor compartment. They could break the hasp, unscrew it or try and pick the stout lock.

Darragh kept a look-out in the alley, John-Marc looked out the front windows, keeping hidden. This was not a very popular shop, no customers came up and tried the door, no pedestrians even glanced their way. To have the whole building, even a small one, to himself Tewfik should be at least moderatly busy but even Friday during the day there was little foot traffic in the area and no potential customers to turn away.

Scotland Yard

Darlington could do this all day! Tewfik, however, looked like he was barely containing his fury. Certainly, the man was mad, that much he was sure about. No normal person would be that put out by questioning from a Scotland Yard detective unless they were either powerful or insane, not always mutually exclusive. The foreigner dressed in his shabby suit with fez and cane didn't look wealthy or well-connected, it was therefore the other. Tewfik could barely contain his rage and contempt.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 08:52, Sun 13 Nov 2011.

Howard goes to the back door and looks out, "I say, Mr Darragh, do you think you might step in here and give us a hand with a padlock? I'm quite willing to pay a reasonable fee for the assistance."

Cynthia spends her remaining time then with the mirror; trying to work it out of the frame, turning it around, knocking it gently, examining it for indications as to its history and so on.

1:10pm

Tewfik al-Sayyid's "Foreign Spice Emporium"

Darragh poked his head in the rear door at Lampton's summons.

"Oi 'ill gie it a try. Someone shud watch de alley, yeah?"

He cracked his knuckles, pulling out his lockpicks and going to work on the hidden padlock. After about ten minutes of effort, he was unable to pick the sturdy lock, which was of high quality.

"Shoite. oi canny git it."

Upstairs, Cynthia couldn't shake the impression there was something wrong or different about this mirror. She couldn't say why, other than the angles seemed oddly inexact and non-squared. It seemed of antique manufacture, although the iron frame was newly hand-wrought and set with weird images. There were no makers' marks or stamps and it was of what she'd consider a reasonable weight.

Keeper's Note: if no one volunteers or is directed to watch the rear when Darragh is inside, it is unguarded.

Lampton steps into the alley to keep watch.

Cynthia will take an etching of the mirror.

(I assume she's already checked that she can't remove the glass, there's nothing behind it, etc. Does she need to make a lore check or something to see if she can recognize its significance?)

1:30pm

Tewfik al-Sayyid's "Foreign Spice Emporium"

Muttering under his breath, Darragh worked on the lock downstairs. "Shoite. Bugger. Shoite." He couldn't seem to get it no matter what he did.

Upstairs, Cynthia made a careful etching of the mirror frame designs, wondering if she'd seen them somewhere before. This was a good idea, taking a photograph would be better but they didn't have a camera along.

Outside the back, Lampton didn't observe anyone. Out the front JM didn't see anyone, either.

"I suppose we now have to decide if we're willing to practice destructive entry. Is anyone skilled with his hands?"

Would it be possible to start the screws, pop them with a crow bar, then screw them back in afterwards so it appears they weren't tampered with?

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #56):

Mid-curse, Darragh looked up and blushed when Cynthia came into the rear storeroom. "Pardon me French, ma'am. Me struggle an' strife 'as tried ter break me av de 'abit ter curse."

"Possable? Aye. It wud be gran' ter luk at but fale loose whaen yer unlocked it. Chucker yer 'av a pry boozer on yer? Oi 'av a screwdriver."

He showed her the screwdriver he carried in a small satchel along with the other tools of his "former" "trade".
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 01:26, Tue 15 Nov 2011.

I can't imagine finding a bar of metal will be that hard. Likely even another screwdriver can be located somewhere. And as Cynthia has already searched the building, she certainly has a good idea where she saw either of those items last.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #58):

Cynthia looked around for a pry bar of some kind while Darragh started working on the screws.

This was a storeroom and there were boxes and crates that needed opening, so she quickly found a pry-bar for Darragh to use.

JM takes another look around, then notices the ledger being carried.

"Might I have a look at that... and this might sound odd, but try turning on or tugging decorations, moving them a bit maybe.  It sounds cliche but sometimes it turns up secret latches.  I think.  Is that the only book we have found?  That can't be right."

Singh shows John-Marc the Koran from Tewfik's flat.

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #60):

The book was indeed the only one they found in the flat, other than the ledgers by the till.

When Imran showed it to him and he immediately recognised it as a copy of the Quar'an. It seemed to be normally kept in front of a shelf of figures of ancient Egyptian Gods.

No amount of pushing, pulling and prodding revealed anything unusual. To do this himself he needed to leave the front where he was keeping watch.

"Quite the pagan, to have quite so many idols, don't you think? As though one religious leaning wasn't enough for a proper person."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg #63):

"Quite unusual for a Muslim to have such idols, indeed.  This book is a sort of Arabic bible.  In fact some of it is nearly identical to the Christian bible."  He taps the book with a bit of an idle hand, then start to examine it for clues... is it well worn, put back together hastily, repaired... one cover a bit thicker?  Any underlined passages?

"I would examine and catalog those idols, they might have some significance."

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #64):

The book seemed like a normal Qaur'an, if anything, the condition was great, a little too good for a book that's read regularly. The idols were: Ra, Annubis, Osiris, Isis, Seth/Set, Thoth and Bastet. Common enough Egyptian Gods.

From the rear came the sounds of Darragh working on the lock. Finally he said, "Oi opened de lock! 'Oi warn yer, 'twill not fool any paddy who looks at it."

Inside the compartment hidden in the floor was an unmarked cardboard box, big enough maybe for a pair of shoes.

"Oi'm not touchin' dat. I'll go outside an' send yisser mucker in."

With that, Darragh left out the back door and sent in Howard, telling him, "Oi foun' a box in de 'ole. yer better 'av squizz."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 00:09, Sat 19 Nov 2011.

JM Takes another quick look at the statues and then replaces the Qaur'an in it's normal place.

"That book is purely for show"

He chuckles and then looks over to the revealed box in the floor.

"At the least, handle that with gloves."

He keeps a respectful distance to it for opening, but intends on watching.

"Stuff," says Lampton coming into the room. He picks up the box and carries it out to the counter. He lifts the lid and looks inside.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #67):

Inside the heavy-seeming box were two sandstone vials resting with a silken skullcap and black inverted Ankh on top of a folded black silk robe. Under the robe were two ebony sceptres and a brass scroll tube, such as one would fine throughout the Middle East.

Upstairs, Imran kept an unseen watch out the front windows on the street and sidewalk.

Lampton whistles under his breath and covers the box. "Put the lid back on the hidey-hole. We're taking these things with us," he says quietly, "I think it's time we were on our way, yes?"

Cynthia agreed, "the quicker the better. Let's make sure everything is back where we found it." She does a quick check through to make sure nothing is out of order.

Tewfik al-Sayyid's Foreign Spice Emporeum

There wasn't too much clean-up to do. Darragh gave the inside a once-over, tsking at the damaged lock as there wasn't much he could do if someone pulled on it. Since the contents of the cubby in the floor were being taken any subterfuge regarding the hidden door would be pointless.

"Oi 'ill stay an' clean up a bit. Git 'eadin'!"

"Best av luk ter yer. Say 'owaya ter de Doctor for me an' yer man can call any time yer man needs any marr av me 'elp."

Otherwise, it was a simple task to return everything else to the way it was. JM called Darlington to alert him they were leaving.

They were still in Soho, a little far from the club but relatively close to the Penhew Foundation. To get back to the Hotel they took 2 cabs which travelled circuitous routes and also involved a mid-trip change of taxis. They should arrive back at their putative base by 3:00pm or so.

Scotland Yard

Having received the word via telephone that the group was clear, Darlington also wrapped up his interview with Tewfik. The man was clearly insane, barely keeping from leaping across the interview room at the Detective, although Darlington would have relished the chance to sort this bugger out, right proper. They had moved from his office because Darlington sincerely expected fisticuffs to break out and didn't want to damage his office again.

Clerkenwell

Fulty, Storm and Dr. Weston continued their research at the London city and county record archives for additional information on Penhew, Gavigan, and the Penhew Institute.

3:00

Park Lane Hotel Lobby

Count Sigismund Báthony sat in the lobby of the Park Lane hotel watching the people pass him by.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:35, Sun 20 Nov 2011.

Park Lane Hotel Lobby

Count Sigismund Báthony sat in the lobby of the Park Lane hotel watching the people pass him by. His top hat and gloves resting on the chair next to him. He sat in an upright position with both hands on his ebony cane. His fingers reassuringly touching the elaborate carved Russian jade handle, if anyone passing where to look they would see it is in the form of a dragon, no one did.

When he had inquired at the desk as to whether the party he sort where in, he did not then know how to proceed when he was told they where out. He handed the concierge his card and said he would take a seat. In Romania he would just wait, but this was London and in the two years he had been here there where still many English idioms to pick up.

It was a very pleasant place to spend some time and Perkins seem to relish being left on his own in charge of the shop. His mind then moved as to why he was waiting for this group of strangers, it still grated when he thought about the manuscript. He had been naive to give it up, it went against his better judgement, but he had only just arrived in London and was eager to make his mark and the promissory note looked genuine as had the peer of the realm that had given it to him.

The manuscript was one of the letter despatches made by Doctor David Livingston and bound by an unknown person. He had found it wrapped in brown paper and string in the basement of his shop. It was dated the 12th October 1868 and was during the six year period the explorer had been missing just before the meeting with Stanley two years later. From the quick glance he had given it he discerned it dealt with unholy rights the tribe Livingston was staying with preformed. It looked to be incredibly detailed in the description with hand-drawn images and sections in different languages. Once he had found it he took it upstairs and then forgot about it. He had many months of cataloguing and cleaning ahead of him and it was going to be an arduous task.

It was, he remembers that summer as a dirty smelly experience. There where other treasures, in the end many that more then made up for it or the small price he paid for the business. Some he spun off for a quick profit others he kept mostly for his own interest. He refurbished the shop and the apartment upstairs, he produced a catalogue and hired Perkins.

If he hadn't given it up would he have been sponsored for membership of the Athenaeum ? The place had been a trove of information and contacts, not to mention it's excellent library. He had meet his best customer there who was now really a patron. It had opened doors and a refusal to sell would of closed all of those doors. No he had made the right decision and now he wanted paid or the item back.

He took out his pocket watch and checked the time, another half and hour and he would go get a drink from the hotel bar and then if they have not arrived he would leave a note with his card.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Sun 20 Nov 2011.

Lampton enters the hotel lobby, crossing to the front desk to retrieve his kay. A large cardboard box is tucked under his arm.

3:10 PM

London Park Lane Hotel

Somewhat delayed, the investigators received their room keys at the front desk. The Concierge cleared his throat and said to Howard, "beg your pardon, sir. There is a gentleman waiting at your convenience in the lobby. A Count Sigismund Báthony?"

He recognised the name of his old associate, a colleague of sorts who had been invaluable in his London researches some years back. He'd gotten in touch with him due to the nature of this investigation and the Count's expertise in the occult. Punctual as ever, he had pried himself from his dusty volumes to pay a visit to his old friend, Howard.

Scotland Yard

Having had a grand old time raking a furious Tewfik over the coals, Darlington cut him loose well after the others should have departed the warehouse. They'd probably be at their hotel by now, planning their next move in light of any information they'd gathered. While the police could not make use of any information or evidence gathered by way of illegal means, it was perfectly all right to accept any such material gathered by others using means he should not be in the habit of inquiring too closely about.

That Tewfik was a nutter all right, but shrewd. He'd not divulged anything other than what was already established fact, that being he had a minor past connection to the Penhew Foundation and currently frequented the Blue Pyramid.

For the moment, he would greatly like to know what they could have dug up.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:52, Thu 24 Nov 2011.

On the ride home, Cynthia provides her etching to the group. "I'd like to start doing some research on the symbols on this mirror I discovered. Where do you suppose would be the best place to start with something like this?"

"Capital!" Howard exclaims when told of Count Bathory's presence, "Cynthia, come along, here's just the fellow to answer your questions."

He crosses to Sigismund, taking his hand in a double handshake, "So good to see you again, Sigismund. This is splendid of you to come down for a consult and do we have some things to show you!

"Count Sigismund Bathory, may I introduce Miss Cynthia Holloway of New York. Cynthia, this is my friend and colleague, Sigismund Bathory. Let's go up to our rooms where we can talk in privacy and comfort."

Lampton leads the way to the lift.

Singh takes charge of the items brought back from Tewfik's, taking them up to the rooms as soon as he has Miss Holloway's key.

Rising from his seat as the others turn to look at him, Sigismund extends his hand and greets Mr Lampton.

"Yes wonderful to see you again, it has been too long."

Before you is a tall man with black wavy hair to his shoulders and an anchor style beard and waxed moustache. He is dressed in a three piece style lavender suit with a cravat and a small jewel. The style of his dress is more in keeping with the 1890's then the present day and it adds to his general feel as being a foreigner.

On being introduced to the others in the group, he gives a curt bow. Through a heavy Eastern European accent he says;

"I am Count Sigismund Báthony of Mureș, my card."

The card is printed on the finest white linen paper and it reads in red letters:


                       Count Sigismund Báthony
                               Proprietor
              Abingdon Rare Books, Maps and Antiquities
                          23 St. Martin’s Court
                              Covent Garden
                                  London

As they wait at the elevator for the attendant to open the grill he adds:

"Indeed, I believe I may also have some information that may prove useful."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:53, Fri 25 Nov 2011.

Park Lane Hotel 4th Floor

Singh was already gone up to their rooms by the time the Count engaged his friend in introductions.

The lift attendant opened the grille and allowed them entry with a smile. Being circumspect, they were let off on their richly-carpeted floor without continuing the discussion until they were in private.

In Lampton's suite, Simmons was preparing the tea time meal. Singh met them there, as the items were securely hidden in their rooms.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:25, Fri 25 Nov 2011.

Cynthia follows along with Lampton, her etching still in her pocket. "Howard, who are we going to meet? Have you made some other arrangements?"

She follows along regardless. Meeting Bathony, she offers a hand, "Hello. Any friend of Mr. Lampton's is a friend of mine."

Cynthia will initially hold off on sharing much, until Bathony and Lampton have had a chance to share whatever is burning holes in their pockets.

The Count took in his surroundings as he entered the room behind Mr Lampton. He noted any other exits and when he took his seat was facing the door. He passes off his gloves and hot but keeps his cane.

"Well Mr Lampton I was somewhat surprised to receive your message. It seems we may also have a mutual acquaintance, a Mr Gavigan and his Penhew Foundation. But I am getting ahead of myself let me explain. As you know it was about two years ago that I purchased my business... how would you say “Lock, stock and barrel”. It was not so much the building I was interested in but the large uncatalogued stock in the basement."

"It was within this clutter that I found what I though at the time was an unimportant manuscript, the authors account of his explorations of Africa. So much clutter, there was a vault down there Mr Lampton hidden by all the books. But that's bye the bye, this manuscript was very detailed in it observations of the tribe that the explorer was living with, unholy rites."

"Well it was not two days later I was at my club and I was introduced to a Lord Hattering who was searching for African oddities to add to his library. He initially asked about a book called "Africa's Dark Sects" a book I was unfamiliar with and I made a counter offer of the manuscript. Now I must admit I was somewhat eager to make the trade and was taken in. This man was not a Lord and the promissory note was worthless."

"It was only a couple of months latter that I discovered the old ledger for the shop in the vault. It listed the manuscript as having come from Doctor David Livingston, no less and having been bound at the shop. It was one of only two bundles of letters to have made it out of Africa during the Doctors time there."

"Well this added to my indignation and I could not let it stand, it became a matter of honour. So through some investigation I was able to find that an expedition had gone missing and one of the percipients was our “Lord”. The expedition was entangled with the Penhew Foundation somehow. I have tried to use intermediaries to inquire of the manuscript but they have not meet with success. Of course the foundation denies all knowledge of the piece. I have had an employee of mine, a Mr Perkins watching the building other then that I gave up contact several months ago."

At this he lifts his hands in a gesture of resignation.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Fri 25 Nov 2011.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #81):

5 O'clock

Park Lane Hotel

Over the next hour or so they had tea, which consisted of the usual assortment of sandwiches, pastries and of course, tea and coffee. At that time, the reason for their visit and the state of the ongoing investigation was explained in some detail.

The Count's revelations came as something of a surprise, as this was obviously someone who joined up with the expedition in London and not New York. Still, it was an unknown, and it occurred to a couple they could do some more research on the expedition to eliminate such unknowns.

They were joined by Prof. Fulty, Dr. Weston and Major Storm. Later, the cockney Detective inspector, DS Darlington, arrived. The day's exploits were related to all and sundry.

In reply to The Keeper (msg #82):

As ebullient as always, Storm exclaimed, "too bad I was escorting Ralph here and the good Doctor! I picked up a little knowledge of getting into locked supply rooms over the years while I was in the Army, I believe I can recall how to do that in the future if need be. Sorry for not bringing that up!"


Keeper's Note: I see Storm has some Locksmithing, therefore he can perform that service in the future if needed, although Darragh is of course much better at it than he!

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #81):

"Would any of you folks care for some tea? Coffee? Please, let me get y'all something."

With Ralph's blessing he efficiently served them beverages and sandwiches.

In reply to Francis Simmons (msg #84):

Ralph accepted a cup of Indian tea and a deviled egg sandwich from Simmons.

"That is quite the story, Count! What a bounder, indeed. It brings to mind we don't know all that much about who was in the Carlyle expedition, as you say this "false Lord" accompanied them. Certainly, someone could have been added when they reached London. We shall research those involved further on the morrow, I wager."

"Africa's Dark Sects? That sound very familiar. I believe that was a book our friend Jackson Elias was seeking from the Harvard library! It went missing. As did the copy of Dark Sects here that was in the possession of the British Museum's reading room. Very interesting, not to mention suspicious. I should like to get my hands on a copy myself of this book."

He looked over at Dr. Weston.

"Doctor, what say you about what we found today? A few interesting and relevant pieces of information!"

In reply to The Keeper (msg #82):

The Detective Sergeant shoveled a watercress sandwich into his mouth and washed it down with some tea. He wiped his mouth on his sleeve and commenced talking as he chewed, which exacerbated his loutish Cockney accent. "Cor, I'm starving! That 'it the spot."

"Meself, oi couldn't cop nuffink out of that Tewffik bloke today at the Yard. 'E fancied 'avin' 'ave a go at yours truly 'e did, and oi would'a obloiged too roight. Oi 'ope yer 'ad yor wee fun messing at burglars today. Wot'd yer find there or at the library? Come on naow, don't everyone speak up at once!"

Once everyone has been refreshed with their light tea, Lampton has Simmons clear away the dishes and such, leaving the white cloth spread upon the table. He goes to his room and comes back with a cardboard box, which he places on the table.

"Here's the swag," he announces with a mischievous grin, "Perhaps, Darlington, you should avert your eyes."


He uncovers the box and lays out two sandstone vials, a silken skullcap, a black inverted Ankh, a black silk robe, two ebony sceptres, and a brass scroll tube. All appear to be Middle Eastern in style and workmanship.

"Well, Bathory, Fulty, what do you make of this lot?"

Cynthia addresses the Count. "Perhaps sir, since you seem so well-read on the topic, you might be able to assist us in deciphering this. We recovered it at Tefwik's. I'm hoping to scour the library tomorrow for clues, but frankly, I'm not even sure where to start looking."

She withdraws her etching of the mirror and lays it over the table, for all to see.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #87):

"Let's take a gander at that scroll and see if it is anything recognizable?"

The count steps forward and looks over the items arrayed before him. He carefully looked over the pieces taking in as much as possible. When Miss Holloway steps forward he asks;

"May I..."  before lifting up the piece of paper.

He stares at the drawing for sometime;

"You say this was from a mirror ?"

"Was the mirror above a piece of furniture ? Was it easily accessible ? Did it look like the mirror came off the wall a lot, I mean was there discolouration on the wall from it hanging there for sometime."

Park Lane Hotel

The Count examined the tracings Cyntia had made of the mirror frame, and they did seem somehow familiar. There were figures that were reptilian and vaguely humanoid, some wearing what appeared to be ceremonial dress. 

Carefully, John-Marc pulled out the scroll from the brass tube. It was made of papyrus, old but not ancient. Decades, maybe a century at most. Howard examined the papyrus closely and saw that on it was written a series of Egyptian hieroglyphs. For much of history (after the Emperor Theodosius I banned public writing of hieroglyphs in AD 394) their meaning was obscured and it was thought by the Romans to be some sort of purely symbolic, even mystical system of writing.

A hundred years ago, the discovery of the famous Rosetta Stone proved that while this may be true, hieroglyphs also functioned a conventional language, as phonetic sounds.

Aside from the tracing of the mirror frame, inside the box were some garments (a black silk skullcap and robe, both embroidered with an upside down Ankh in black thread. There was an inverted Ankh made from black metal on a metal neck chain. Further, there were two sealed sandstone vials and two black metal scepters (each a foot long, one tipped with a shepherd's (or Pharaoh's) crook and the other an inverted Ankh.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #87):

Fulty studied the scroll, looking puzzled.

"Hieroglyphics... I believe I've seen some of these before. I can't make head nor tails of this lot, though. Some kind of, what, religious rite?"

Leaving the translation and interpretation to Lampton, he moved onto the Sceptre, adjusting his glasses to peer at them, tapping them against the wooden table and then with a silver stirring spoon. "I'll be deviled if I recognise this metal. I thought it was iron of some kind, but they're far too light! From the sound, they're solid and not plated or hollow. But far too light."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:17, Tue 29 Nov 2011.

"Let me see what I can make of this," says Howard, bending over the scroll, "This will take a bit." He silent mouths syllables as he peruses it.

[ooc - Previous post should have been Fulty, not Lampton.]

"Indeed, you're right on both counts. It was hung in the bedroom, and clearly removed frequently. What do you make of it?"

"Well there is a muddling painter by the name of Miles Shipley who has garnered a following of sorts for his ghastly style of painting. Your rendering looks very much like his feeble work."

"Though from what you have said I would say the mirror is much earlier."
He pauses for a moment while still looking at the drawing.

"Yes indeed much earlier... how odd.

He puts the drawing back on the table before donning his gloves and lifting both of the black metal scepters. He holds them up to the light so he can study the detail on them.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #87):

Seeming to heed Howard's tongue-in-cheek advice, Darlington busied himself with demolishing the tea-time spread.

"Don't worry about me, squire, I ain't seen nuffink. You let me knaow quick-loike if you foind a murder weapon or signed confession in there, roight?"

Lampton looks up from the scroll. "This is something of a hash, actually.

"I'm not certain of the provenance, but I believe it to be of fairly recent origin, within the past century most likely. These are late period characters, properly used.

"It is some sort of ritual or formulary. Certain words to be spoken, gestures to be made. All to accomplish an effect called... near as I can discern, a body... warping, I suppose is the closest translation.

"The exact nature of the result isn't described, but it's attributed to someone or some thing called G'or-G'or-Uth, which is most odd. That doesn't seem Egyptian at all. More like... I don't know... Sumerian?"


He sets aside the scroll and takes up ihe ankh pendant.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:45, Wed 30 Nov 2011.

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #97):

Howard felt he'd gleaned as much as he could from the scroll. Although the glyphs were correct and the language was Ancient Egyptian, the words were meaningless and what rituals they pertained to were not part of any body of Egyptian or Sumerian knowledge he was party to.

"Is a G'or-G'0r-Uth a good thing?"

Howard shrugs, "No idea really, Miss Holloway. But considering who we're dealing with, it seems doubtful."

"Is this body-warping common in Egyptian or Sumerian mythology? Do you know of any comparable myths?"

7 o'clock

Darkness fell over the city as over the next couple hours the group continued to examine the articles that had been found.

Lampton explained that Egyptian mythology featured many Gods with animal heads, although he was sure this wasn't the same thing. Sumerian mythology held no clear connection either.

Fulty examined the twin black sceptres.

He left the room, returning with a new-looking large leather case and a tripod. He opened it and took out a camera, also new with a black case. It was much smaller than expected.

"I took the opportunity to purchase this beauty today. I became quite handy with a camera on my digs, and developed my own film. In those days the cameras were much larger with no adjustable focal length, so bulky and awkward! This is a brand-new 35mm Lietz Lieca I camera, German made, just came out."

Fulty set up the tripod, camera and flashbulb. He arranged the other items on the white tablecloth to take pictures.

"Let me get some pictures of everything. I also bought the chemicals that will allow me to develop the film wherever it's needed, as long as I have a dark room."

He started taking pictures, and the room was filled with the strobes of the flashbulb. He paused after every shot to wind the camera and it made a quiet ratcheting noise, much smother and easier than earlier cameras which fed the film vertically.

"Excellent. You know, the black sceptres are very reminiscent of ancient Egypt. The crook symbolised the Pharaoh's role as political leader and shepherd of his people. The Ankh symbolises many things, among them strength and health, curious in that it's inverted. As well, Egyptians never wrought or depicted it in silver  like it is on the cap and gown, it's done in the the metal they associated with the sun: gold."

"I wish to make it clear, I believe I've never heard of anything quite like these sceptres, what with the black metal and inverted Ankh.

Placing the sceptres back on the table the Count takes a quick visual scan of the other items before picking up the scroll. He gave it a thorough going over as he would with any book. He gave the group a detailed analysis of the papers printing origin, manufacture date and it's sources geographical location.

"You said this man maybe involved in some sort of cult. Well we can probably safety assume the clothing are some sort of vestments of office or the like. As to what the vials are... probably used in rituals but who knows without more detailed analyses."

Bathony moves across the room towards Lampton:

"Could I make use of your telephone."

If given an affirmative answer. The count lifts the receiver and asks the operator;

"Covent Garden 24"

"Perkins....Bathony... Good, good, everything fine I trust. It's in relation to this auction tomorrow. Let the agent know our postal bid limited on the two manuscripts and the book of hours. He can go £10 pounds above our maximum and tell him to get the witch manuscript whatever it costs. Can you open at 10am tomorrow and close early around 2pm."

"Also let our people know we are looking for a copy of "Africa's Dark Sects" either to buy, borrow or if it exists in a public or private collection, do it through the agent, same terms plus 7 percent finders. I know but it is rare and unknown in a public collection."

"I probably won't be in as I have a few errands to run and I wont be at the auction obviously. I will see you on Monday. Thank you..... Goodbye"

Replacing the handset he lifts it again:

"Operator, Mayfair 98."

"Good evening... Count Bathony... is Mrs Evens at home."

"Sandra it is Sigismund... yes, yes but I have spent most of the day away from the shop..No not that I am aware of, Perkins is fine. I have to cancel our dinner plans, I have met an old friend who is in town."

"Also I won't be at Christies tomorrow, but my agent has new instructions so hopefully he will deliver it to you tomorrow night. I also may have something for you to look at... but I will say no more... yes  hmmmmmm.... yes that fine, until then goodbye."

Replacing the handset he turns to Mr Lampton:

"Thank you Lampton have the hotel send the bill to the shop."

"Well should we dine....either here or out ?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:05, Sun 04 Dec 2011.

Finishing off the last of the crumpets, Darlington wandered over and cast a skeptical eye on their finds. "Well naow. Those dann't look loike our murder weapon. As loike to be a club wid' a large spoike or some such. Bugger."

He listened to Bathory's guess with a raised eye. "If our friend 'as any suspicion you lot nicked 'is gear, there'll be 'ell to pay, mark me words. You best be careful from 'ere on out, expect the gloves to come off right proper and these boys play rough, they do."

"Is me warnin' crystal to you lot?"

He then turned to Webley. "Phil, me lad, tell me all about the encounter what you 'ad in that alley. Those blokes, what'd they say, what'd they look loike?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:36, Sun 04 Dec 2011.

His analysis was professional and accurate. The scroll was made from authentic papyrus, not the imitation material that passed for it these days after English society went mad over anything Egyptian since the discovery of King Tut's tomb a few years ago. It was perhaps a century old, as was the writing, which seemed to have been scribed by a traditional papyrus reed brush.

Remarkably, he described how the scroll was made from authentic Cyperus papyrus reeds, commonly known as papyrus. The reed still grew along the Nile and was used for various purposes like fuel, weaving into mats, baskets and sandals. However, it hadn't been produced for some thousand years, ever since Arab traders had introduced methods of making paper from pulped wood. This was significant but the meaning is clear.

All his other personal business was conducted without a hitch. Again, everyone was reminded of the book "Africa's Dark Sects", a book that seemed rather difficult to locate and, in, fact, something of which they knew almost nothing about.

Keeper's Notes: My apologies, Lampton would have recognised before that Papyrus was an unusual material and hadn't been produced in over a thousand years. Not really a retcon but I could have made that clearer. Also, interestingly enough, London and many other UK cities had automatic exchanges at this time. Unlike the USA, telephones were a more modern 1-piece handset instead of the old-fashioned 2-piece separate earpiece and microphone attached to the base.

"Given the sergeant's warnings, perhaps best we ate in when we can. I'm sure we'll tire of the menu soon, but it's better than the alternative.

"So now that we have this, what is the plan for the morrow? I've never been very bookish. I hope it's not just another day in the library."

Listening calmly to the experts JM takes up on being prepared for the gloves off, and prepares for such himself, rising to the phone himself.

"Gloves off, you say?  I might want to get prepared for that myself.  One of my planes is ex military you see, and being such myself, I still have the armaments.  It might be time to make sure those are ready and oiled, just in case."

He casts a glance at Darlington and winks "No worries, I carry for the Post, so if more dangerous waters are our next destination, it is perfectly legal."

"It maybe prudent to also disperse said items or at least to have them on your person within your group. This is especially true of the sceptres, they are a matched pair. So it is probably safe to say whatever they are for it is diminished if they are apart."



"Well Miss Holloway maybe we could follow up this Miles character ? I am afraid your drawing and his works are to similar to be coincidence. We could call at his house under the guise of buying one of his paintings and see what we can make of him. Of course if anyone else wishes to come we could make a day of it"

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #108):

Seeing that Phil wasn't paying attention at the moment, Darlington decided to reply to something to John-Marc said.

"'Old on there, son, ya do 'ave papers for said weapons, wite? Oi'll see to that tomorra if you give me a list."

He turned back to Phil. "Wake up, me son! Tell ol' Al here wot 'appened to yer in that alley. Daon't be shy."

"Perhaps. It seems unlikely they're related, but if given the choice of an art show or a day trapped among the stacks, I think I'll take the art show."

In reply to Albert Darlington (msg #110):

Phil is a bit reluctant to tell the tale, "Ahhh... I was errr.. I was educated by two men about whose alley it was.  Not wanting to call attention to myself, I ran away before getting into a fight.  Not very heroic, I admit. "

"I intend to spend tomorrow on my reading. I think dining in tonight is an excellent idea.

"Since Simmons is almost always in our rooms when I am out, I suggest we keep these items locked in my trunk, unless someone is actively studying them."

"I will accompany you, of course, Miss Holloway, when you go to see about this artist."

"Thank you, Mr. Singh. Anyone else? Do we know anything about this artist? About what sort of company he keeps?"

In reply to Phil Webley (msg #112):

DS Darlington laughed, trying not to sound scornful of Phil's weakness but not quite succeeding. "Daan't worry, son! Any foit ya walk away from, or dann't get inter inna first place, ya come out on top in me book." He looked like if it were him, he'd would rather relish getting into some manly fisticuffs.

"They just gave ya a warnin' then? They weren't wogs loike Tewfik and his chums? That might 'ave been a local "ragpicker" "welcomin' committee" warnin' ya off their territory. Such chaps moight be useful, they see and knaow everythin' that 'happens in them alleys, if the Brotherhood or Bloody Tongue or whatever they call themselves 'ave been takin' their people they'd knaow about it."

Darlington shrugged at Shipley's name, not having seen him as connected to the murders in any way before now. "Shiply? Name daan't ring a bell fer me. Oi'll be glad ter accompany you tomorra, Miss 'Olloway."

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #113):

"I should like to come as well to do more research."

Ralph smacked his forehead. "Wait! Speaking of research, we didn't tell you our own big news on that front! Dr. Weston, allow me."


He ducked back into his room to retrieve a cardboard tube of the type that contained blueprints. Spreading them out on the table, they could see these were floor plans for Tewfik's "Foreign Spices Emporium". It seemed apparent that there were no rooms hidden by being walled-off and there was no basement.

"We found these floor plans to Tewfik's Spice Emporium. Like we said over the telephone, as you can see it doesn't appear there were any hidden spaces according to your description."

"There are plans on the record for the Penhew Foundation building, as well, although those won't be prepared until tomorrow."

"Intriguingly, we found a list of properties relating to the probate of Sir Arthur Penhew's estate and subsequent title transfer to the Penhew Foundation and subsequently, Edward Gavigan. There's his home in London, of course, but also a warehouse on the Limehouse docks. In Soho, Tewfik's Warehouse is also listed, as it the property of which the Blue Pyramid is a tenant.

"There is no listing for a steam yacht named "Dark Mistress", but there is one for the "Wanderer", supposedly tied up at the Royal Thames Yacht Club. Perhaps there is some attempt at subterfuge, there."

"Most importantly, Gavigan now possesses Penhew's country estate, called "al Misr" ("Egypt") up in Essex. Not far from Harwich, on the river Nave."

John-Marc grins a moment and moves to a writing table to make a list for Darlington.  "Just in case they are misplaced, it would not hurt, yes?  Oh, and I will include my Post Handler number.  I'm thinking I might need those guns for defense to deliver post to Africa or Persia, you think?"

He Looks back over at the mention of splitting things up "I'll carry a scepter if it helps.  I'm wondering if it might be prudent to fetch a street sweeper rather than rely on handguns in case this comes to blows.  What do you think Inspector?"  Action, that he could sink his teeth into, this conspiracy stuff was creepy, sneaking around with all these false religions and cults, but of what truth could they possibly have?

He listens to the Professor and nods to himself  "I can do a flyby of the estate to get a look at any boats that might be tied up, I suggest we might split our forces and have another team check out his registered ship.  My smaller plane is a two seater, and I'd appreciate another set of eyes with some binoculars in that seat."

Storm smiled.

"I should be glad to get back in the saddle, as it were!"

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg #118):

Darlington took the list and read it with a nod. "Shan't be a problem, you bein' a mails carrier an' an officer and a gentleman. Persia and Africar? "

"Street sweepas? Roight, shotguns. If you daan't 'ave one, Ya can score wahn at the bleedin' Lollipop tomorra wite proper. Pardon, you can stop by any gun shoppe and pick one up in the mornin', naow trouble a-tall."

When Fulty related the news of Gavigan owning an estate in Essex he slammed his palm down on the table, startling everyone. However, he was excited, not upset.

"FUCKIN 'ELL! Ah, sorry, ma'am. I bloody knew it! Many of them suspected victims, wot been found outside the Thames 'ave been found along the road between 'ere and Essex! A couple ain't, an' wahn or two been fished outta the ocean but Oi'll bet me grandma they was washed daahn the Nave Damien Hirst!"

"Not in the chuffin' buff for a warrant, I wager, but bloody suspicious."

"I have not meet the artist myself but I did read a piece about him recently and over the summer he exhibited one work at the Royal Academy to gain admission, he was unsuccessful."

The count thought for a minute then added:

"I will procure his home address on my way home tonight and if we meet in the hotel lobby say at 9am tomorrow ?"

"As for arms and ammunition may I suggest The London Armoury Ltd on Bury Street. Several of the members of my gun club use them exclusively and I also have used them on several occasions. Wonderful service and the height of desecration. We could stop there on the way to the artists house in the morning if you like. I believe they have the Colt and Winchester agencies and I purchase my ammunition from them."

"And on that note, I shall say my goodbyes, it was wonderful to meet you all and I shall see you on the morrow."


The count leaves via the main entrance where he hails a cab to the Athenaeum Club on Pall Mall. He signs in the members book and hands over his hat, gloves and coat, before going to the library. He scans the spines of the Royal Academy summer exhibition catalogues until he finds the one he needs and quickly jots down the address of the artist.


The Reading Room of the Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall, London

He then spends the next three hours studying the period of Egyptian history he thought the artefacts came from. He also left a note for the librarian asking if she knew of or could source a copy of "Africa's Dark Sects".

Once satisfied he had done enough for the night he left the club and caught a cab back to the shop, baring the side door as he entered and retiring upstairs.



The South Library of the Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall, London.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Thu 08 Dec 2011.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #121):

The librarian promised that she would keep an eye out for that book, as his contacts vowed to do earlier in the day. "I'm not familiar with it at all. Just published in 1922 or 23? How odd. "Africa's Dark Sects". Sounds like a book on beastly cults! Nevertheless, I shall make some inquiries."

Good book in hand, Báthony retired for the night.

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #121):

"I shall take me leave naow, as well. Mus' get back to the struggle 'n' strife!

"Fer tomorra, I'll get those permits wot you require for your armaments, Mr. Falcon. We both 'ave friends in 'igh places, we do! Daan't kna aahhht abaht this Shipley bloke, Oi'ill ask 'round. See if 'e has a record 'n' such. In the mean time, I shall look at other 'otels wot you can move to in an 'urry, should the need arise. Less conspicuous, loike, not as comfortable. Oi'll also check on yon boat at the Yacht Club, less botha' if Oi do it.

"Also, Oi wann't as loike ta be free until after 5 pm tomorra, meet back 'ere for a bit o' tea and palaver, yeah?"

"Right then, I'm off." He seemed happy that he made an important connection in the Soho Slayer case. Not enough to get a warrant but enough to break the case open a little.

8:00pm

As Cynthia suggested, they ate in.

Further, there was some shuffling of rooms. Dr. Weston took what were his regular lodgings at the Park Lane Hotel, while Falcon was moved p from the ground floor to bunk with Webley. Howard and Simmons, Cynthia and Singh were staying down the hall from them, adjacent to each other.

10:00pm

After something of a leisurely and late dinner was over, Ralph yawned.

"Well, I should toddle off to my room now. Maybe after a nightcap. Simmons, scotch and soda, if you please?"

"To reiterate, tomorrow Howard, Dr. Weston and I will continue our research of the records along with Mr. Lampton, while Miss Holloway, Mr. Singh and Mr. Webley, pay a visit to this Shipley character, once the Count has located his home address or that of a showing of his. Mr. Falcon and Storm will perform an aerial reconnaissance of this "al Misr" estate in Essex. The Detective Sergeant will see to his own business, and some of ours, then meet us here at 5pm."

"Whoever likes to shall drop by Bury St. and the London Armoury Ltd. shop in the early morning. There is no licence required for shotguns, I believe."

"When you question this Shipley chap, what shall you ask him?"

In reply to Prof. Ralph T. Fulty (msg #125):

Without being directly asked, Simmons gathered the items they'd "found" and locked them securely in the trunk.

When asked for a drink, he moved over to the bar on the sideboard. "Anything I can get the rest of you folks?"

"Oh dear. Artist or aeroplane ride. I wonder if he can fly us by aeroplane to visit the artist? You suppose that would be too far out of the way?

No matter. So we know where these ceremonies are taking place now, and when they're happening. Now we just need the evidence so the police can go in and save us the trouble.

All of this talk about shotguns, where are people supposing we should store them? We're not going to carry them on our hips through town, are we? And I don't trust any hackney enough to leave my competition guns in his trunk. Will the good count be lending us a car to carry them in?

Should we elect to keep both scepters on people, I can take th e second. It's easier to hide in a purse than in a coat pocket, after all. But that's assuming we dont think it more practical to leave it in the room."

Cynthia is so busy chatting she hardly has time to enjoy her drink.

Howard chuckles, "I expect a shooting party strolling the streets of London Town would attract quite a lot of attention. Goodnight, all." He retires to his bedroom to read a bit.

[ooc - How big are the scepters? I would thing at least two feet long.]

In reply to Howard Lampton (msg #128):

"Well, I'm off. See you in the morning."

Storm bid the others goodnight, leaving Lampton's suite and walking down the hall to the one he shared with Fulty.

In reply to Major Charles Storm (msg #129):

"Myself as well. Hold up, Charles, I'll walk with you."

"Abandoned. Good night, gentleman."

Left nearly alone, Cynthia will eventually excuse herself to tuck in.

Singh wishes Miss Cynthia pleasant dreams. Then he and Simmons clear away and tidy up the suite.

Singh meditates for a time before going to sleep.