by Ray Smithies
‘It would take around fifteen minutes by car. The address is sixteen Fulton Road, Regents Terrace. May I have your name?’
‘Arthur Simpson. We’ll see you shortly.’
~ * ~
The leafy and affluent suburb of Regents Terrace boasted wide and winding avenues of bare deciduous trees whose branches would knit together in continuous foliage come the warmer months. I could envisage these streets looking a treat given the chosen season of the year. Fulton Road was no exception, I thought as I stared through my car window at the passing mansions and expensive array of parked vehicles. Number sixteen was your classic Edwardian style abode, set amidst manicured gardens that were probably maintained by a full-time gardener. The area oozed incredible wealth. I felt distinctly out of place.
A knock on the front door brought a man of around seventy years into view. He was a rather short person with big ears and a slight stoop. Dressed in a dark suit and wearing thick-rimmed reading glasses, he greeted us with a welcoming smile and gestured for us to enter. The sound of Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ could be heard in the background.
‘I’m Gordon Findlay. Thank you all for corning at such short notice. Please step through and I’ll introduce you to my colleague Nigel Bourke.’
Following introductions we took our seats in what appeared to be an oversized study. Gordon and the younger, bearded Nigel of around forty-five years sat directly opposite. It was Arthur who commenced proceedings, explaining the crisis in Pedley and the need for pursuing the whereabouts of the underground network.
Findlay was first to respond.
‘Yes, I’ve been reading all the reports concerning Pedley. Terrible business and there seems to be no end to all this bloodshed. The sooner these criminals are brought to justice the better. I sympathise with the kidnapping of Brigit O’Neill and can now understand your need to locate these subterranean passageways. May I look at your great-grandfather’s letter, Mr Simpson?’ he asked politely.
Arthur passed it across to the outstretched hand of Findlay, who immediately raised the letter toward the overhead light prior to reading the contents. Seemingly satisfied with the authenticity of the paper, he then commenced to digest its message.
‘Excellent and in such good condition given its vast age,’ complimented Findlay, passing it to his colleague.
‘Storing it in a dry and dark area helps with the preservation,’ responded Arthur.
‘Mr Findlay, would you please give us some background on the Huesmann Historian Group and how you can help us?’ I asked anxiously.
‘Karl Huesmann founded the historian group around sixty years ago, with the intention of investigating phenomena that had German affiliations. Pedley is no exception given its strong Fatherland connections.’
‘I think this might be a waste of time, Mr Findlay,’ I replied, raising myself from the chair. ‘We’re not here to listen about various phenomena your group may be investigating. Our objective is to seek factual information that will hopefully lead us to the underground site.’
Gordon Findlay’s polite and calm manners immediately gave way to a stern and blunt response. I had struck a raw nerve. His raised voice seemed distinctly out of character.
‘Sit down, Mr Harrison! Please do not take us for fools. We are not some dead-and-buried geriatric society that idles its time away on mere gossip and imagination. Our research is extensive and we take our work very seriously. This historian group operates on the generosity of people who volunteer their time to resolve various issues in the community. Your particular case is one of many on our books.’
I returned to my seat feeling like a scolded child.
Findlay continued. ‘Now back to the subterranean passageways. We can certainly help you, but first I have some questions. How did you come to learn of the equilateral triangle?’
‘From a website at Perkins Press,’ Arthur volunteered.
‘Do you understand how an equilateral triangle differs from other triangles?’
‘Yes - all three sides have equal length.’
‘Do you have a reasonable grasp of mathematics, specifically geometry?’
‘Yes, I’m a qualified engineer by trade,’ offered Arthur.
‘Good, then you would understand what a polygon is,’ Findlay said, testing his knowledge further.
‘Yes,’ Arthur responded unconvincingly. I was sure that, like me, he didn’t know where all this was heading.
‘Let me explain and listen to me very carefully. This historian group has researched the subterranean site for years and has gathered a wealth of information over time. From our accumulated evidence we have finally pieced together the submerged three-pointed star -’
Interrupting Findlay’s explanation, I said, ‘What? You’ve found it?’
‘Mr Harrison, you don’t find a three-pointed star. It’s not some buried treasure you dig up. The star derives from a mathematical formula incorporating an equilateral triangle.’
‘I don’t understand,’ I said, and Hamish nodded in agreement.
‘Let me continue. There’s considerably more to this triangle, and without the inclusion of a polygon the answer would never have been revealed. Throughout the years we have gathered and brought these vital clues together. Our search was completed around seven months ago, enabling us to finally construct the star. Five crucial pieces of information collected over the past decade have made it possible.’ Gordon Findlay arose from his chair and walked across to a blackboard mounted on a jarrah-timbered wall. Grabbing a piece of chalk, he recommenced his lecture.
‘I will demonstrate this discovery in two parts. First I will list the information that has made this possible and secondly I will construct the three-pointed star.’
We sat glued to our chairs. Completing the first part, Findlay turned to his audience and paused for a moment, allowing us the courtesy of digesting his notes.
Initial circle to be 3-inch diameter
Introduce a regular polygon
Central star well
Map size 1:50-200 yards
Intrinsic triangle becomes your star
‘This is all beyond my wee brain,’ confessed Hamish.
‘Yes, I have to agree, it’s all very confusing.’ I reiterated the Irishman’s sentiments.
Nigel Bourke spoke for the first time. ‘Initially it may look that way, but give us time and you’ll come to understand their meanings.’
‘The best way to approach this is to emphasise the problems we confronted prior to the five clues,’ Findlay said. ‘From a mathematical point of view we knew the three-pointed star was a triangle, but it begged the question as to which type. We experimented with the total spectrum from scalene and isosceles through to obtuse and acute. Our first major breakthrough came in the form of a regular polygon. This meant that all three internal angles were sixty degrees, which in geometry terms could only mean one thing - an equilateral triangle whereby all three sides are of equal length.
‘Our second such clue made reference to a central star well that we interpreted as being the central point within the triangle, which obviously held some relevance or importance. By a stroke of good luck, one of our members uncovered a vital piece of information, the use of a Pedley street map having a scale size of 1:50 to 200 yards. We applied numerous formulas but to no avail, for we still lacked the key ingredient to bring it all together.’
‘So what happened next?’ questioned Arthur, who by now was totally absorbed in Findlay’s story.
‘We share a common passion, Mr Simpson,’ declared Findlay, reaching for the stick of chalk. For Arthur’s benefit the historian commenced writing some formulas on the blackboard.
I looked at Hamish, who simply shrugged his shoulders and wore a silly grin. I couldn’t help but agree with him on this occasion. The sight of this lengthy algebra and inclusive analysis only confused me more.
‘Fascinating, but do go on,’ urged Arthur.
‘The two remaining clues literally clinched the puzzle.
Our starting point became the three-inch circle and our intrinsic triangle became our conclusion or finale,’ Findlay claimed with enthusiasm.
‘What do you mean by intrinsic?’ I queried.
‘It means the inner or second triangle.’
‘Oh,’ I responded, none the wiser.
Sensing our ignorance, Findlay decided on a second approach. The puzzled look on Hamish’s face was enough to convince the historian that a mental grasp on things didn’t come easy for some. A passing glance my way indicated he held me in similar contempt.
‘Let’s view the steps from a layman’s perspective. By accumulating our five pieces of information we eliminate interpretation. In other words we take the guesswork out of it. We’ll begin with our first clue and gradually build up the sequence until we expose the three-pointed star. We commence by drawing a three-inch diameter circle and then place an equilateral triangle within its circumference, whereby the three angles are touching the circle.’ Findlay illustrated his point on the blackboard.
‘Why a three-inch circle?’ asked Arthur.
‘A crucial measurement to commence the geometry. Our next stage is to introduce a second circle within the triangle, whereby the circumference is touching the triangle in three places,’ said Findlay, drawing the additional prerequisite.
‘By the way, what is a polygon?’ I queried so as to grasp a better understanding.
‘It’s basically a collection of line segments which form a cycle but don’t cross each other,’ volunteered the normally silent Nigel Bourke.
I was none the wiser.
Findlay appeared anxious to move forward with his geometry lesson.
‘Back to the matter in question, gentlemen. At this point in our drawing we’ll identify our sides and angles with a simple upper and lower case a, b, c arrangement. Our next step is to draw three straight lines from each respective angle to its corresponding opposite point where the circle touches the triangle. We’ll classify these further points, including the centre point, as one, two, three and four.’
‘But why the need to go to such lengths?’ I questioned, still oblivious to the drawing’s underlying purpose.
‘Because it relates to scale, which I’ll explain shortly,’ declared Findlay.
‘We’ve got two circles so I hope we get another bleedin’ triangle,’ Hamish said, adding some light humour to an otherwise serious and thought-provoking affair. I was sure he didn’t expect to receive such an eager reply.
‘You’ve hit the nail on the head, my friend! That’s why you’re here and what I’m about to reveal,’ Findlay responded enthusiastically.
‘You’re welcome,’ said Hamish, taken back with the unexpected reaction.
‘I will now slightly erase everything before you, leaving only the points represented by one, two, three and four. Additionally, I will connect one, two and three in bold lines to form a triangle or, more to the point, your submerged three-pointed star!’ said Gordon Findlay triumphantly.
The three of us just simply stared at the blackboard, not knowing whether there was just cause to celebrate, laugh or cry. We were stunned by Findlay’s conclusion.
‘But... but... but what do we do with it?’ I stuttered, totally dumbfounded with this mathematical outcome.
‘Come now, Mr Harrison, you’re not using your head. Think about it. All the answers are there bar one.’
‘Oh, then could you please enlighten us?’ I insisted.
Findlay responded with an air of authority. ‘Certainly. I’ve shared with you the evidence accumulated over the past ten years. Now couple this with the Simpson letter and everything remains consistent and supportive from both sources. To begin with, Alfred spoke of using the mathematical formula in conjunction with a street map. My source provides the scale of map to be used. Alfred makes reference to the submerged three-pointed star. Our research provides identical information but with one subtle difference - the discovery of the equilateral triangle, which is supported by the website you located at Perkins Press. Additionally, further evidence has come to hand categorically stating that the second or smaller equilateral triangle is in fact the star. I can continue with further examples if you wish.’
‘Okay, you’ve made your point, but how in the hell can I turn this blackboard drawing into something that will ultimately locate the underground network?’
Findlay stepped toward his diagram to emphasise its importance. ‘Points one, two and three are your entrance points to the subterranean passageways. Point four becomes the central star well.’
‘What is a central star well?’ queried Arthur.
‘This becomes your central pivoting point.’
‘Your what?’ Arthur asked.
‘You’re not looking at the bigger picture. Cut an outline of the triangle and place it on a Pedley street map that has a scale of 1:50 to 200 yards. In other words, you’re making up a template. Why? Because this three-pointed star is to the exact same scale as the map. I’ve provided you with the tool, but I can’t help you with the sites of the three entrances. That’s something we don’t know. Initially you must find the location of the central star well, which as the name implies is an old well site situated in the exact centre of the triangle. Once you’ve discovered this, place point four of our drawing onto this spot to act as your pivoting point. You will then enable the three-pointed star to rotate at a certain radius. The three underground entrances are somewhere on that circular line. Again, that part of the puzzle you’ll have to work out yourselves.’
‘Tom, remember the article I read in the Advertiser?’ said Hamish. ‘It was about some guy who claimed he had found the subterranean passageways.’
‘Yes,’ I said, ‘it turned out to be a disused well when the authorities decided to check. I wonder if that report mentioned the location.’
‘I can’t recall. We didn’t realise the importance of that report at the time,’ confessed Hamish.
‘We can always return and look through those microfiche cards again,’ Arthur said and then added, ‘This explanation is beginning to make sense. As you rightly point out, Gordon, you’ve provided us with the tool and now it’s up to us to make the damn thing work.’
‘Exactly!’
‘The one thing that hasn’t been discussed is the star being submerged,’ said Arthur, to ensure all aspects were covered.
‘Elementary, my dear Watson,’ responded Findlay, taking a swipe at Arthur’s ridiculous outfit. ‘Find the locations to one, two, three and four and by submerging the star at these precise points you will reveal the underground network.’
Unexpectedly, Hamish had one last enquiry that took everyone by surprise.
‘Mr Findlay, do you happen to know a person called the Piedpiper?’
Findlay’s eyebrows shot up instantly. A mixture of frown and oppression was etched on his face. I couldn’t help but think that Gordon Findlay and his expression wouldn’t exactly excel in noble art of poker. He paused before committing himself.
‘Certainly not! My only knowledge of this man is from what I read in the newspapers, nothing more. Why do you ask?’ asked Findlay.
‘Because he’s probably located the subterranean passageways,’ replied Hamish in a surprisingly calm manner. ‘This person has received information from some reputable source, that’s all.’
‘Well, he didn’t approach the Huesmann Historian Group if that’s what you’re implying.’
‘My intention wasn’t to offend, merely enquire,’ Hamish said.
Arthur intervened to soften the contentious remark. ‘We wish to thank you both for your generous contribution. Its time we returned to Pedley and recommenced our investigation.’
‘Good luck with the remainder of your search. Please let us know if you discover the subterranean site,’ stated Findlay in a passing gesture.
~ * ~
After leaving Findlay’s house we agreed to dismiss the second publishing house. Time would not allow for further research, and besides, we had what w
e came for - the tool to uncover the elusive underground network. The return trip to Pedley was full of discussion, each of us laying claim to where the elusive fourth point should be inserted on the map. We had become a Sherlock Holmes trio, each believing it to be our destiny to solve this mother of all puzzles.
‘I bet it stood along the main street,’ I said. ‘Any ideas, Arthur? You’ve lived in the place a lot longer.’
‘Tend to agree, Tom. I believe the central star well has got to be in the heart of town, considering how far back in time these cryptic clues go. Back in those days there wouldn’t be many roads in Pedley. As to its exact whereabouts, I’m not sure, for there’s been no well during my time.’
‘Just look for a divot in the ground. There still might be a slight hollow where they tried to fill it up,’ offered the Irishman.