Chapter Five

There was nothing to do after my hammering but return upstairs and prepare my list. As I turned to go, the taproom door swung open, and a quite well-dressed man entered.

“I say, you! I’m looking for a young woman, Alice Martin. Do you know her, old chap?”

He seemed to be a well-to-do, jovial old fellow, quite harmless.

“May I inquire as to your interest in Miss Martin?”

“Careful fellow, aren’t you. Good chap! Can’t be too careful these days. Say, how about a drink, on me, of course. Hum, no one here.” He bellowed, “Who’s in the bar?” and rapped on a table with his umbrella. Jane came from the kitchen swinging her hips, much to the delight of the old gentleman.

“A brandy for me and whatever this fellow drinks.”

“Oh, he only drinks tea, sir.”

“Whatever. Only drink tea, do you? Some medical condition, no doubt. Poor fellow. Well, enjoy your tea. Make that a double brandy for me, if you please, young lady.”

The gentleman turned to me and said, “Sit, sit. Enjoy your tea.” He extended his hand. “Name’s Childers, Harold Childers. Miss Martin was in the employ of my household. I have just discovered we have done her a great injustice.”

The taproom door flew open once again, and a young dandy rushed in. “Father, what are you doing? This thing is none of your business. Please don’t interfere. This is between Alice and me.”

“Ah, Mister, er, what is your name, old chap?”

“My name is Duff, Mr. Childers.”

“Yes, yes, Duff! Mr. Duff, this is my son, Edward Childers. I am sorry to say that he is the cause of the injustice of which I speak.”

As Childers was introducing me, Blathers returned to the room. The fresh air must have helped him clear his head. He was no longer singing, just humming.

“Ah, Blathers, these gentlemen are here looking for Miss Martin. This is Mr. Childers and his son. They are Miss Martin’s previous employers.”

Blathers asked, “What do ya want wi’ her? What makes ya think she is here? I doesn’t think she would care ta sees ya.”

Mr. Childers Senior responded, “Now, now, my good man, easy. I found out this morning that I had made a mistake when I released the young lady from her position. I went to her lodgings to make amends, but she was not home. The landlady said she might have left with a Mr. Blathers who maintained a business location at the Black Lion Inn. I see I have found Mr. Blathers. Can you tell me where to find Miss Martin?”

Blathers turned to the younger Childers. “What about you?”

“I followed my father. Once again he has misunderstood the situation and is acting irrationally. Father, we must talk before you go further with this matter. You are not aware of all of the facts. You always go running off before anyone can explain anything to you.”

“Now you listen to me, lad. I didn’t just appear on this earth at the age of forty-five, you know. I was young once. I have had some experience. I’ll take care of everything.”

The elder Mr. Childers poured down his brandy, grabbed his hat off the chair, and departed without another word.