CHAPTER 20
The Corpse is Risen
Waiting at a street corner were two men and two youths. One of the youths held a dog by the thick of its neck. AIs that >im?@ asked the ginger-haired man of Fletcher.
AThat's >im.@
ARight lad, we're goin' to join the queue, sort >im for us Jakey.@
The men walked off, the youths waited as Davey trotted along the Dock Road towards them.
AIt's that kid in the >elmet!@ exclaimed Jake, Athis is a bit of luck.@
AWhat's >e doin'?@ asked Doggo.
ADunno. But he's wearin' overalls so he must reckon he's in with a chance. I'll grab his left arm you grab the other,@ he ordered.
Doggo faced back up the road, trying to figure out which arm would be which. AIdiot!@ snapped Jake, AGet that side!@
Davey saw them waiting, he also saw the dog but it did not enter his head that they could possibly be the same thugs he had encountered in Carnatic. Not until he was right on top of them did he realise his error. He was too surprised to resist as Jake grabbed one arm and Doggo the other. AGot yer! Told yer I'd get yer!@ exulted Jake.
AThat's for cheekin' me on the bridge!@ said Doggo slapping Davey across the head.
Davey tried to fight his way free but they had too good a grip and were too powerful for him. He dropped his carry-out, the sandwiches spilled out onto the cobbles. ALet me go! I've got to get to work!@ shouted Davey.
AHe's got hiself a job! Cheeky little sod! My old feller's been queuing up down there fer days. Bring >im Doggo!@ They started to march Davey along, he saw a group of men approaching and yelled, AHelp me, they've got me!@
AShut it will ya!@ shouted Jake. AUp here Doggo!@ they ran up a side-street forcing Davey to run with them.
One of the men asked another, AReckon that kid needs >elp?@
ANaw, just kids larkin' about.@
The barks and yelps from Lurch drowned out Davey's further cries.
ASuppose yer thought that was smart did yer?@ said Jake, Ahave you got sommat to gag >im with Doggo?@
Doggo rummaged round in his pockets until he produced a filthy handkerchief. AThis do Jake?@
AAye, I'll hold >im. Stick it on him.@ He twisted Davey's arm fiercely up his back so that Davey cried out.
As the handkerchief neared his mouth Davey felt sick by the sight of it. AI won't shout again Jake, honest I won't,@ he pleaded.
Jake ignored him, AWhat yer reckon Doggo? he's already shown >iself to be a little liar.@
AMight look odd takin' him through town Jake.@
ARight you!@ he took hold of Davey by the lapels of his boiler-suit, AOne step out of line and Lurch'll have yer! Got that Lurch!@ The dog gave a slavering growl. They continued up the steep street until they were engulfed in the hubbub of the town; horses and carts, trams which were fed power from overhead cables, flat-backed trucks loaded high and hundreds of people were rushing about all intent upon getting to work for the start of the day.
Davey tried pleading with his captors, APlease let me go, I've got a job, you'll make me lose it.@
His appeals brought laughter from the thugs.
The workers were added to and replaced by shoppers, hurrying to the big city stores all intent upon finding bargains, as the crowd thickened Jake took a tighter grip of Davey, AWhat are you going to do? Where are you taking me?@
AYou'll find out soon enough!@ snapped Jake. They made their way up past Central Station, steam trains were belching out thick smoke within the glass-roofed terminal, the glass was stained a dark-grey, in places it had cracked and fallen in, pigeons flapped out through the gaps, pushed upwards by the hot steamy-smoke from the engines.
Davey grew more worried, ALet me go Jake. I promise I'll go straight home.@
Jake nodded his ginger-head towards a narrow street, with a heavy cuff to the head they walked their prisoner along it heading towards the back of the station. The trains ran underground into the heart of the city, Davey could hear their rumble as they passed through the earth beneath their feet. The street narrowed to a lane, apart from one shop the lane was formed from the back of buildings which towered high above. The shop sold knives, rifles and other weapons. Jake and Doggo spent some time at the window examining the display and commenting upon the various knives. Lurch made frequent use of a lamppost during the halt. Davey saw the shopkeeper, he had a kindly face, he caught the man's eye and tried to let him know what was happening but without daring to make a sound was unable to do so.
AWhat yer up to?@ asked Jake, ACome on!@ They continued up the lane, it narrowed still further to a thin alleyway. Along it they walked until near a spot where numerous drainpipes and overflows from the surrounding buildings ran into gulleys and grids they stopped.
AThat's the one Doggo!@ Jake pointed to a manhole cover at their feet. He took hold of his dog, ALurchy go to Carnatic, there's a good boy. Carnatic...Carnatic Lurch.@ The animal trotted off.
Doggo was unable to lift the cover unaided.
AYou weakling!@ derided Jake. AHere you hold him, if he gets away I'll murder yer.@
He pulled the cover open, it was hinged, a black hole gaped back at them. ADown there!@ ordered Jake.
Davey moved to the hole, a wrought-iron ladder was set into its side. AGo on, down there!@
Davey descended, the air smelt sweet, sickly and oily, a draught of warm air from a steam train passing far below wafted up to him, it smelt of coal dust.
ADon't try nothin'!@ called Jake, his voice echoed in the shaft, Aif yer get lost down there yer'll never find how to get out.@
The base of the ladder was set into rock, cut back into a deep recess, Davey stepped down from the ladder onto the rock. He was in pitch darkness. AWait there!@ ordered Jake as he climbed down and took hold of his captive. After Doggo had joined them they took several paces in the darkness and emerged into a subterranean cavern, gas lamps lit up sets of Astop@ and Ago@ signals above ten pairs of parallel railway lines. The lamps provided enough light to see that the whole cavern had been hewn from solid rock. In some places huge steam engines were resting on the tracks, panting and puffing before the signals allowed them to join the mainlines.
Davey realised that Jake was not going to let him go, he tried to talk him round instead, AIt's good here Jake, how'd you find it?@
Jake was not falling for such overtures, AShut it will ya!@ he snapped, ADoggo, find a cart!@
Doggo went running off, they could hear his footsteps in the distance. Before he returned two trains had passed, one entering the other leaving, they sounded like great fire-breathing beasts as they laboured along, clicking and clacking over the bright rails.
AGot one Jake.@
ACome on you.@
The cart was covered with an old tarpaulin, Doggo dragged it clear, the words AMMO No. 4 was stamped in black paint onto the side of the cart. The rails it rested on were thick with rust.
APut yer backs into it!@ ordered Jake. They pushed hard against the cart, AYer've left the flippin' brake on yer idiot!@
AYou never noticed it either Jake,@ Doggo dared to speak up for himself.
ARight, an' again.@
This time the cart creaked forwards, AKeep it movin'!@ shouted Jake. It rolled slowly along, AThat'll do it, in yer get!@ he ordered Davey as he and Doggo climbed aboard. The cart kept rolling, it followed a slight downhill gradient heading towards the exit from the cavern. Davey realised that when they emerged into the light their eyes would be blinded for a moment, he waited his opportunity but Jake was ready for him, just before the cart rolled from the cavern he seized hold of Davey's wrist. AJust in case, yer a slippery customer ain't yer.@
They rolled on, a steam train came belching towards them. AIt's gonna hit us!@ yelled Doggo half-climbing out of the cart.
Jake sat grinning away, AYer a right chicken Doggo, this line's never used.@
Davey breathed a sigh of relief as the train veered away, the driver leant out of the footplate towards them and shook his fist, Jake shook his own back. The driver
pulled a cord releasing a volume of steam which whistled deafeningly at them. AHe's full of wind!@ jeered Jake.
The cart rolled on, another train drew alongside so that the passengers were clearly able to see them, Doggo dropped his trousers and presented his posterior which was as spotty as his face. Elderly ladies with dead foxes draped around their shoulders turned away mortified.
AThat give them an eyeful eh Jake!@
AYer off yer head Doggo.@ The train accelerated away from them. AEh up here's another! Hang about, let's give >em a double whammy!@
The line was pulling into territory Davey recognised, soon it must veer off from the other tracks and head off on its own towards Carnatic. He looked at the imbecilic grins across the faces of his captors as they shocked the living daylights out of the passengers. It was now or never.
He vaulted from the cart and tore off across the lines, straight up onto the embankment he ran.
AOi! Get back >ere!@ yelled Jake heaving his trousers back on, he was torn between abandoning the cart or letting his prisoner escape. Doggo was already climbing down, ALeave >im Doggo, we'll come across him again, one thing's for sure they won't want him in Stilsons now!@ he laughed and Doggo joined in.
Davey worked his way along the top of the embankment until he reached the recreation ground, he made his way back to Copperfield Street and went straight into Paddy's. Mrs Murtagh bumped into him as he entered, AAlright lovey I was just on me way to the wash-house, but yer back early ain't yer?@ seeing the expression on Davey's face she asked, AProblems?@
ANo..they give me a long dinnerbreak >cos I'm new. Thought I'd just pop back and tell Uncle Paddy what it's like.@
AWhat, all that way? But hark at him up there, he won't be in any state to hear what yer've got to tell him!@
Davey heard a racket coming from upstairs. AIs he in pain?@ he asked.
ANo, he reckons it's singing but it's causin' me pain. I'll let yer into a little secret lad, every once in a while yer dad and that lunk up there have a little tipple...@ her imitated the movement of a glass going back and forwards to her mouth.
AIs me dad up there?@ panicked Davey.
ANaw, he went off like the little gent he is hours ago.@
AShould I leave it come back after work?@ asked Davey.
AYou go on up lad, p'raps he'll listen to you, he won't listen to anyone else. I'm off down the wash-house.@
Davey stood outside the bedroom door listening to the raucous singing;
Mademoiselle from Armentieres parlez-vous?
Mademoiselle from Armentieres parlez-vous?
The colonel got the croix-de-guerre
The son of a gun was never there
Inky-dinky parlez-vous
He peeped into the bedroom and saw Paddy sitting in his cocoon of pillows, with the helmet on his head and waving his hands as though conducting an orchestra.
Mademoiselle from Armentieres parlez-vous?
Mademoiselle from Armentieres parlez-vous?
You might forget the gas and shells
You'll never forget those mademoiselles
Inky-dinky parlez-vous.
Mrs Murtagh was right, the sound was painful. Paddy spotted him, ADavey boyo, come on in lad and tell yer Uncle Paddy how yer got on!@
Wrinkling up his nose at the strong smell of whisky Davey went in, AI got jumped on the way in Uncle Paddy, I've lost the job.@
AYer kiddin' me lad, who the heck would do sommat like that?@ The whisky had taken the edge from Paddy's fierce temper, grateful for that, Davey was able to tell him most of the story.
ADon't you be worrying about it lad, I know all about Stilson's, I knew a lad went there once, sent >im down the stores for a long stand they did. Storeman says >wait there'. Hours he waited, the boss sacked him for wastin' time.@
ADid he get the long stand?@
AHe sure did!@ Paddy laughed, Davey saw the joke and joined in.
AThat's better lad, like yer old dad says >Keep yer chin up' I've yer've got half the spirit of that man yer'll have no problems but yer can forget about Stilsons, that ginger-headed git'll be straight in there in yer place. Swines! We'll have >em. Should have kept that rifle. Nice little equalizer that would have been.@
AI've still got it,@ said Davey shamefacedly.
ASmashin'!@ he paused, ANo, hang on a mo', it's a bit like usin' a sledgehammer to crack a nut.@ He looked round the room. You know them Inkers, they used them blow-pipes?@
AYeah.@
ASee that curtain pole, take it down.@
Davey stood on the dressing-table and lifted the pole and the curtains down from their brackets.
ARight, nip back down, in the sideboard is me old girl's sowing kit, bring it up here. She's gone the wash-house ain't she?@ Davey confirmed that she had. AThat's alright then, go on and get it.@
Davey went back down and returned with the sowing kit.
AThat's it lad, pass them needles out.@ He started unfastening the curtains from the pole, AI know what we need, in the back yard, yer'll find fifteen t'ousand bottles of stout. Bring us up a load of corks.@
When Davey returned with the corks Paddy had thrown the curtains in a heap.
AWatch me,@ he took a needle and pressed it through the cork, Ahalf-an-inch should do >em.@ He pushed the same amount out of the cork. ARight lad, slip that into the pipe.@ He slid the cork in place. ARight, choose yer target, I ain't got the wind for it.@
Davey lined up the pipe with the cupboard door, a hard puff and the needle embedded itself in the woodwork.
AIt's brilliant Uncle Paddy, they won't know what's hit them!@
Paddy sat grinning away, still wearing the helmet. AAnd stick the pickle on an' they won't see yer!@
AUncle Pad.@
AYeah lad.@
AWhat am I goin' to tell me mum and dad?@
AYer've got a problem there lad. They'll be bitter disappointed. Leave that one with me. You get on yer way, them lot need teachin' a lesson, come back tonight so yer can tell me how it went.@
Davey carried the corks and the needles they had embedded into them inside a shopping bag, over his shoulder rested the curtain pole.AI've got everything.@
AYer forgettin' sommat lad.@
Davey began rummaging through the bag, ANo, it's all here.@
ANot that Davey, the girl. The one down at Carnatic.@
AI hadn't forgotten about her Uncle Paddy. If I can I'm going to go back in, try and find out more.
ASmashin', do us a favour before yer go, fetch us up me medicine, it'll be down in the left-hand drawer of the sideboard,@ Paddy gave a slight cough to emphasise his need.
By the time he'd returned with the green sticky bottle and oversized spoon Paddy had collapsed in a heap, the helmet had rolled onto the floor, Davey placed it into the bag and quietly left the room.
It was a bright but blustery as he walked back down the railway line. After he had passed through the tunnel he stopped and tested out his weapon against a tree. It was amazingly accurate, he could hit the tiniest mark upon the trunk without difficulty, only gusts of wind could cause the shot to hit off-target.
The cart had been abandoned right on top of the bridge. He slid down the bank then walked under the arch. AYAARGH!@ he yelled at the top of his lungs, the sound echoed and amplified its way though the woods, then he made his way back up onto the bridge. It was not long before the first scouting party turned up. It was Fleabag and Yatesy. He waited until they were almost directly beneath him.
AAhhh!@ wailed Fleabag as the needle buried itself into him.
AWhat you squealing about?@ asked Yatesy. But squealed even louder as he was hit. The pair of them ran off into the thick vegetation with Fleabag screeching, AIt's the White Lady!@ Davey tore down the bank and raced after them, they glimpsed him moving through the trees keeping pace with them. Fleabag shrieked a cry of pure fear and ran along screaming so crazily that his fear infected Yatesy who chased after him shouting, AIs it her? Have y
er seen her?@
They left the trees and ran into the bushes, along winding paths and under hanging rhododendrons they darted, Davey re-loaded in case he was given the opportunity of another shot but they moved so quickly he was not given the chance. Realising that they were heading back to the railway carriage he clambered up into the foliage overhead. It was impossible to locate the carriage within the dense mat of leaves but the commotion as Fleabag and Yatesy arriving at their destination enabled him to pinpoint its position. Lying down, peering at the carriage he saw several scared faces glued to the windows.
AShe's out there!@ Fleabag screeched.
AShe stuck this in me!@ squealed Yatesy extracting a needle from his arm.
AGhosts don't go round stickin' needles in yer!@ shouted Jake, but all the same he kept looking frantically around. Big Dave was still full of himself, drawling in his dopey-voice, AI ain't afraid of no ghosts,@ he moved to the door of the carriage. Davey allowed him to place one foot upon the bumper before a fierce blast sent a missile winging towards its target. It hit him in the forehead.
As he tumbled down in shock and pain he yelled, ASorry missus white ghost lady. Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.....@
He had reached the fifth >sorry' when another dart struck. Big Dave clambered to his feet and ran straight into the undergrowth, his heavy mass battered into the great stems, shaking the vegetation all around, his progress could be followed by the vibrations of leaves over his head.
The weak sun illuminated the carriage interior, Davey saw Lurch laying down on one of the cushions, the dog raised an eyelid as if wondering what all the fuss was about. It was soon to find out. ALURCH! Get out there and find out what's goin' on!@
AIt won't go Jake. Dog's is scared of ghosts!@ squawked Fleabag.
ASince when have you been an >xpert?@ retorted Jake. He seized Lurch by the scruff of the neck and threw him outside.
The dog was a different proposition but Davey was ready for it. AThunk.@ A dart hit its rear which gave it such a fright it leapt forwards a good ten feet then stood staring at the spot it had left. AThunk.@ Another hit in exactly the same spot. With a squawk of alarm the dog repeated its previous action.
AWhat's up with yer!@ yelled Jake from the safety of the carriage. AWhat yer doin' playin' around!@ He stuck his head through one of the cracked windows and yelled at the top of his voice, ALURCH! I'll boot yer!@
The dog gave such a sorrowful look that Davey did not have the heart to take another shot. When he looked back he noticed that Jake was alone, the last of the gang were slipping out from the other end of the carriage like rats deserting a sinking ship. AOi! Where do you lot think yer goin'!@ shouted Jake after them. ADoggo! Yatesy!@ he called but they were gone and he was alone. He turned back to the window, ALurch. STAY!@ he yelled, but the dog had had enough. It slunk off into the undergrowth deserting its master.
Jake looked from one end of the carriage to the other as if trying to decide which doorway should become his exit. Choosing his dog instead of his companions he hurtled through the doorway nearest to Davey and tore off along the path shouting, ALurchy! Lurchy baby!@
Davey dropped down and chased after him, Jake seemed to have a thorough knowledge of every trail; they cut along paths where the branches hung within feet if the ground so that it was necessary to crawl along, they climbed over stunted roots and broken boughs, the thick growth gradually cleared and gave way to clumps of bushes and tall trees, thick Autumn leaves lay underfoot and covered the cracking of twigs as Davey trailed behind. Looking ahead he saw the position that Jake had brought them to, they were nearly on the railway line next to the tunnel entrance. He cut off through the bushes and emerged on the line nearer to the tunnel.
Jake reached the line and spotted Davey, AWhat you doin' here!@ he shouted.
Davey took off his helmet and placed it down at the railside with the bag and the blowpipe. AWhat yer doin'?@ asked Jake. He grinned, AShouldn't yer be in work?@ Jake was a much larger, thick-set lad. His pug-face and piggy-eyes looked surprised as Davey advanced towards him. He'd never experienced a challenge from someone smaller than him. He quickly got over his surprise when Davey thumped him hard in the mouth. AYou >it me,@ said Jake incredulously as he put his hand to his mouth then looked at the blood upon his fingers, AI'm goin' to kill yer!@
Davey hooked another blow to the side of Jake's head. Jake ducked, not intentionally but so that he could put his head down and charge, the hook went spinning off the top of his head. Roaring like a bull he launched himself at Davey ploughing into him. Davey back-pedalled as he fought to stay on his feet. His back slammed into the side of the tunnel entrance knocking the breath out of his body but he brought his knee up into Jake's nose and knew from the relaxing of the grip that he had hit the target. Jake stood up, his temper had exploded, AI'LL KILL YER!@ he screamed.
AEasy to say, not so easy to do!@ Davey called back.
Jake put his head down for another charge. This time he came in like an express train. Davey side-stepped and watched as Jake's head slammed into the wall. The blow ought to have knocked him cold but he just stood, stunned. Davey took his opportunity, he ran in and grabbed Jake around the neck in a head-lock. His hand went up, a finger hooked into each of his nostrils and he heaved.
AArrgh Mercy! Stop, yer'll rip me nose off!@
AYou listening to me Jakey boy!@ shouted Davey, heaving with all his might.
AYeah. Yeah. Arrgh!@
AIf I ever see your ugly face around here again, you know what you're going to get?@
AYeah. Yeah. Arrgh let me go!@
With a twist and a heave Davey flung Jake away, he tripped over a rail and fell sprawling across the track. Davey walked towards him, Jake jumped to his feet and ran into the tunnel, crying as he ran. Only after he had disappeared through the semi-circle of light at the tunnel end did his cries stop echoing.
Feeling forty foot tall Davey retrieved his helmet, replaced it on his head, picked up his bag and using the blow-pipe as a walking stick headed back into the wood. The railway carriage signified that he was nearing Carnatic Hall but he couldn't resist climbing into it. Something told him that the gang would never come back.
The carriage was pretty much the same as his first visit. Cushions were scattered all around, a small table had been made from a plank of wood resting on an upturned metal bucket, on the plank was a half-full bottle of milk. Davey smelt the milk and jerked his head back in disgust, it was rancid, carefully he replaced it.
On the wall were the same scrawling's he'd seen a few days previously but others had been added. He smiled to himself when he read the names of each gang member and thought how they had received their come-uppance.
Doggo's name was written vertically between two windows, as he read the name his gaze drifted towards a window.
The Shaman snarled at him. Snake-like eyes peered from blackened skin, vicious fingers curved hooked nails towards his face.
Davey jumped back in shock knocking over the plank, bucket and milk. He looked back at the Shaman hoping that what he saw was only an image but the Shaman hissed, AYou see me boy! You chose to interfere, the girl will soon be mine. Nothing can save her!@
ANo! It can't be!@ shouted Davey in terror.
The Shaman started to move towards one end of the railway carriage, it was the end nearest to the field. Davey stood watching helplessly as the Shaman slowly rose into the carriage. AYou will learn the way of the Inca. You will join the girl in sacrifice!@
Davey turned and ran. He leapt out of the end of the carriage and hurtled off through the undergrowth, he had no idea where he ran but the helmet lent him wings and he moved with terrific speed. He tore along aimlessly, expecting at any moment that the Shaman would clutch hold of him he ran for several minutes before slowing down. He had moved into an area he was not familiar with, the ground became tussocky exposing thick rhododendron roots which threatened to trip him at every step. A pathway, perhaps formed by the passage of wild deer, led him into a s
mall steep sided valley. He looked warily down the valley, it was too quiet but he did not dare to retrace his steps into the wood. Slowly he walked through the dark vale fearing the evil would appear. Through the oily rhododendron leaves he glimpsed a dark sheet of water ahead and realised that he was nearing the lake. He slowed his pace and listened, not a sound could be heard save the rustling of the breeze. Carefully he nosed his way out of the vegetation and looked along the lane. To right and left it was empty. Fearful he stepped out of cover and looked frantically backwards and forwards but saw nothing. He had the idea of using the dark waters of the lake as a mirror to contact the old man. With great caution he began to cross the rickety wooden bridge. In the centre of the span he stopped, checked the lane, then turned round and gazed down into the murk. Within the blackness something was moving, it was no image, from the depths the Shaman rose, slowly like a risen corpse, floating towards the surface. Davey screamed as the Shaman's face showed a malicious sneer. He turned and ran at full speed up the lane alongside the stream.
At any moment he expected the Shaman to re-appear, along the lane and up the embankment onto the railway line he ran. He fled down the railway line and only slowed as he neared the tunnel entrance. Remembering the night he heard his father's footsteps from within the darkness and the tapping of his stick, he stood listening, peering into the entrance. He failed to notice the Shaman walking slowly towards him along the railway line, approaching him from behind.
The Shaman cried out, AThe girl is mine boy! Nothing can save her!@
Davey tore through the tunnel like a terrified rabbit.
AWhat's up lad! Did they get yer? I'll have the flippin' lot of them!@ Paddy blurted out when he saw the state Davey was in. Davey was trying to speak but was unable, ACome on, spit it out, what's happened?@ But seeing that he was getting nowhere Paddy said, ASit down till yer calm down, then we'll find out what's happened.@
Davey sat on the bed, after some minutes his breathing had calmed.
AUncle Paddy.@
AYeah lad.@
AThe Shaman was there, he tried to get me.@
Paddy almost hit the ceiling, AWhat! He can't be. It's not possible, you must have imagined him...@
Davey stopped him, AHe was there Uncle Paddy. He's told me he'll get the girl and that I'm going to be joining her.@
Paddy went silent, AThere's sommat going on >ere lad. Sommat not to my liking. I don't know what it is but sure as the nose on me old girl's face there's sommat going on.@
At that moment Mrs Murtagh gave a slight knock on the door and appeared, AHeard yer coming in Davey, got you a nice drink to warm yer up with, it's perishing cold out there today.@
AThanks Mrs M,@ said Davey taking the mug of warm milk from her. Paddy looked at her sorrowfully.
ANo, I've told yer Paddy,@ said Mrs Murtagh, Ayer'll get yer basics and that's all. The way you've been carrying on,@ she scolded. To Davey she said, AHe's been lying there all afternoon like he was at death's door, give me a turn he did.@ Still tutting to herself about the evils of drink and rifles she left the room.
APhew! I reckon as how I'd be better off turning meself in Davey boy,@ said Paddy nodding towards the sound of the departing footsteps, ASince them bobbies come round she>s had it in for me.@
AShe'll come round Uncle Pad. You'll just have to go on bread and water until she does!@ joked Davey swigging his milk.
AI'll give yer bread and water!@ he scrunched his knuckles into the top of Davey's head.
AUncle Paddy.@
AYeah lad.@
AHow come Mrs M never asked me how come I'm not in work. Have you told her what's going on?@
ANot a sausage lad. Paddy's tight as a drum and that's the way he'll stay. But I'll tell yer what lad she's a wily old bird. If there's owt going on she'll have an inkling.@
AWill she say anything to me mum and dad?@
ANot a dicky bird, she's got more hair on her head than yer'd reckon but we'd better not take any chances in future, tell yer what, set the chess up, if she needs to come in the room or sommat we can make out we're in the middle of a game.@
Davey did as Paddy suggested, then they sat silent for a moment.
AQuestion is lad, if the Shyman's round this way what's >e up to? How'd >e get out the temple for one, and if he's here why doesn't he just kill the girl and have done with it.@
AWhy didn't he just kill me for that matter Uncle Paddy,@ said Davey and shivered.
AEh come on now, don't let that bag of bones scare yer. But yer right in what yer say lad. If he'd wanted he could have stuck yer like he did the runner, what's-is-name, Toe-peg weren't it?@
AHotchas, Uncle Paddy.@
AAye, that's him. Hot-chess, whatever. He stuck him but he didn't even try to kill you.@
ASo what's he up to?@
AThat, lad, is sommat were going to find out. Stick that chair by the door in case the old girl comes back. Get the pickle on and let's get down to business.@
ANo, wait Uncle Paddy,@ said Davey holding the helmet in readiness, Alet's stay in the past, what I mean is if we start finding out about what's going on now we might change what's going to happen. We won't be able to do anything about what we're seeing.@
ADon't seem yer can do much about it anyways lad.@
AWe can talk to the old man, he's going to help.@
AWell get to >im then lad,@ Paddy rubbed his hands together, AThings are happenin' if the Shyman's started pokin' his nose round here! Maybe yer should go and get me spirit-level out the shed.@
AWhat for?@
ATo flatten him with - get it?@
They both laughed, it was a welcome relief for Davey after his adventures of the day.