by Alan Lawton
The pair fled across half of Europe, hounded by Ottoman assassins, until they were apparently befriended by Silas Oldshaw and the rest you know.”
The wisewoman was still not completely satisfied.
“Why should Her Majesty’s Government and army go to such inordinate lengths, simply to succour a stray Muslim and his daughter?”
“I am not empowered to divulge further information.” The Captain replied. “Save that a man of Mehemet’s experience and ability could tell us a great deal about the situation within the European provinces of the Turkish Empire and also give us important details about the men who currently hold power in many of the strategic areas of the Balkans. His enemies also know this. Therefore, you may inform the Bey, that Her Majesty’s Government will provide the most secret of accommodation for himself and his daughter and their safety will be our most important consideration!”
The witch slowly bowed her head.
“I will do as you say, Captain Wilson, for I know instinctively that you hold the couple’s wellbeing close to your heart. Nor would I willingly harm the interests of our kingdom. Three days hence, if the two parties are in agreement, I will lead them out through the old sewer and place them into your keeping”.
Inspector Smith offered the wisewoman a further nip from his flask.
“You’ll be glad to know lassie, that we shall raid the Cleopatra on the very same night that yon two refugees are rescued. We shall close the place down, aye, and there’ll be no grand re-opening, for the magistrates will also revoke its license to trade. Also, that group of dishonest policemen from the local station, who allowed that whorehouse to exist, will be quietly dismissed from the force.”
“The girls, what will happen to them? Hetty asked.
“Och, those who might be wanted by the constabulary will be arrested and charged, but the rest will be allowed to go upon their way, for there’s no sensible point in filling every cell in Manchester with the whore’s from the Cleopatra, when there’s thousands more walkin’ the streets”.
The Inspector paused and seemed to lose a little of his selfassurance.
“The unfortunate part of this business, lassie, is that we shall have to leave that devil Oldshaw free and unpunished, for we need the Turkish authorities to believe that Mehemet and his daughter have disappeared for good and are probably dead. Aye, freedom from prosecution is the bribe that we shall offer to Silas and his two henchmen, in order to ensure that our villainous trio keep silent about the fugitives. A Justice of the Peace, who is also a local preacher, will put this offer to Oldshaw. He will also try to ensure that Silas gives up his interest in prize fighting and the mistreatment of young girls in yon house of his!”
“Don’t take it amiss, lassie,” he concluded, “remember, your son’s good name and reputation are now safe, and in three days from now, you can return to your home and to your other responsibilities!”
Anger rose within the witch’s breast, but her keen logic triumphed over her other emotions.
“Very well inspector.” She said quietly. “It seems inevitable that we must allow yon devil to escape the consequences of his sins, but I will not hide my disappointment. The man is a sadistic tyrant and the occasional remonstrations of a local preacher will not prevent him from ill-using other poor women in the future.”
“Well, that’s about the long and short of the matter lassie”. The Inspector said.
“But now to business and as quickly as possible, for my watch says that it’s close to two o’clock and that you must soon return to the house. The Captain and myself will be waiting at the mouth of the sewer from midnight onwards, three nights hence.
We will bring better ladders than the one that you have been forced to use and the Captain will bring along three trusted agents to assist us if it becomes necessary. But first, lassie, you must discover if yon Turkish pair are willing to accept our offer of asylum. Then send Piggins to the White House hotel in Stalybridge, where I will take up residence and have him give me a single word, ‘yes or no.”
The wisewoman repeated the Inspectors instructions and bade the two men goodnight, before beginning the return journey back to her accommodation in Westdyke Grange.
An hour later, she was resting in the temporary comfort of her bed.
“Matters are coming to a head.” She muttered to herself, as the warm blankets enfolded her body, “Not before time either, for I cannot wait to depart from this house of evil!”
Hetty rose from her bed, on the morning after her nocturnal meeting with Captain Wilson and the Inspector, only to find that several of the household staff were already hard at work. The master, she was informed by a flustered housemaid, had unexpectedly arrived back from Manchester, at daybreak, and every effort was being made to ensure his comfort. She quickly aroused Mrs O’Day and the two kitchen women were soon engaged in lighting the cast iron range and in preparing a selection of dishes, in case the master should require an early breakfast. As the day progressed, the tempo of work in both the kitchen and the main house increased considerably, as was always the case when the Industrialist was in residence.
Silas Oldshaw’s unexpected arrival worried the wisewoman considerably as she undertook her chores, for she knew that tonight she must again penetrate the east wing and convey the Captain’s offer of asylum to the two fugitives. The task would have been difficult enough under normal circumstances, but she knew that she must now face the risk of accidentally running into the master, or one of his unsavoury minions, as she emerged from the sewer and entered the forbidden east wing.
Fortunately for the witch, a number of Oldshsaw’s business colleagues arrived from Stalybridge in the late evening and the two women were ordered to leave refreshments in the drawing room, for a conference was in the offing and it was likely to last for most of the night.
A little after midnight, Hetty passed through the sewer and carefully entered the eastern wing of the house and successfully made contact with Mehemet Bey and his daughter. The witch then outlined Captain Wilson’s offer of a safe asylum, which the pair accepted without a moment’s hesitation. She also gave them the precise details of the escape route the three of them would take in approximately forty-eight hours time. Hetty then crept back through the sewer and sought out her bed in the main house.
The following day, the kitchen routine was the same as the one preceding it, but the household staff-members, who visited the kitchen, gradually lost their strained appearance once they became accustomed to having the master back in residence.After breakfast, Piggins arrived at the kitchen door with a basket of freshly cut cabbages and the wisewoman had no difficulty in giving him the message of acceptance that he was expected to deliver to Inspector Smith that same evening.
Darkness fell and Hetty enjoyed the luxury of a full and uninterrupted night’s sleep.
But in her state of deep slumber, she completely failed to hear the clatter of Oldshaw’s carriage, as it crossed the cobbled yard and drew up before the door of the east wing.
Hetty entered the kitchen on the morning of what she fervently hoped would be her final day at the Grange and she was in good spirits as she undertook her kitchen chores.
Mrs O’Day remarked to the wisewoman that she appeared to be happier than she had been for many a day and she asked her companion if she was expecting a birthday or some other type of celebration. The witch, however, merely laughed and continued with her work.
Evening came, and the witch returned to her room and began making the final preparations for her departure. All of her clothing save the thick dress that she wore, could safely be abandoned, for all of the items had been purchased from itinerant garment dealers and were quite untraceable. She took the added precaution of going through the pockets; in case anything had been overlooked that might give away her true identity. Her drugs, potions and spare cash, she packed safely in an oilskin pouch that she secured inside the bodice of her dress, then, once the house was quiet, she slipped down into the basement and e
ntered the sewer. The wisewoman worked her way along the duct until she reached the chamber lying beneath the floor of the east wing, and she was mightily surprised to find Amina awaiting her arrival.
The girl reached down and helped the wisewoman to climb out of the chamber; as she did so, the witch noticed that the girl was extremely upset and that tears where running down her face.
“Oh wise-one.” She said between sobs. “I do not see how my father and I can flee with you. Last night, that vile creature, Bill Travis, arrived from Manchester with another poor girl in his coach. That trio of demons have injured her so terribly that I fear for her life.”
“Gently lass, gently,” The witch said in a soothing voice. “Now take your time and tell me if all three of them are still here in the east wing?”
Amina shook her head.
“No, the girl lost her senses after the last beating. The master and Crowther departed for the main house, leaving only that hell-spawned coachman to let them know when she recovers her senses. Father is also within the torture chamber, helping the girl as best he may.”
“We must remove that damned coachman!” The wisewoman declared.
“Father is a good wrestler.” The girl interrupted. “Perhaps he can break the man’s spine?”
“No, no, lass.” Hetty replied, drawing the oilskin pouch from the bodice of her dress. “Crude violence aint’always the best way of settling these matters.”
The witch took a small vial of colourless liquid from the pouch and placed it in the palm of the girl’s hand.
“Put this draught into a measure of beer or wine and give it to yon bastard Travis.” She instructed. “But, get hold of yourself, for he mustn’t suspect that you’re trying to poison him.”
“This is poison?” Amina said, staring at the vial.
“No lass.” Hetty replied. “Simply a powerful sleeping draught that will knock yon creature out in two minutes and keep him dead to the world for a good twelve hours. Now lass, do your part, and for all our sakes. Stay calm!”
Amina returned a few minutes later with a fleeting smile upon her face.
“Witch, your potion worked well. Come and you will see him sleeping like one of the dead.”
The wisewoman followed the girl into the industrialist’s private torture chamber and the first thing that met her eyes was the senseless figure of the coachman who was slumped in a chair like a discarded rag doll. She also noticed that Mehemet Bey was bending over the recumbent form of a young woman who was lying prone upon the padded couch. Hetty moved closer and she bit her lip as she realized the degree of torment that had been inflicted upon the women’s body. She was lying face down upon the couch and the wisewoman could easily see the criss-cross pattern of cuts and welts that covered her back, buttocks and upper thighs.
The injured woman groaned and moved slightly, as Mehemet released the straps securing her to the couch and Hetty cried out in horror as she caught sight of the woman’s face, for she found herself looking into the pain-twisted features of Marsie’ her friend from the Cleopatra Music Hall.
The wisewoman quickly examined her unfortunate friend and then asked Amina to fetch a mug of water. She took two vials of powder from her pouch and stirred them into the liquid. Supporting Marsie’ with her arm, she encouraged her to drink the entire draught.
The cockney girl opened her eyes and recognized her friend from the Cleopatra.
“Gaw’d sakes.” She whispered. “They all said that I’d come to a bad end, looks like they might be right.”
“You’ll not finish your days here.” The witch retorted. “You’re young and strong and I’ll get you to safety, even if it’s the last thing that I do!”
Marsie’ lapsed into unconsciousness and Hetty turned to address the girl who stood at her side.
“I was goin’ to take you and your father out through the old sewer, even though it would have been a tight squeeze for such a big man; but we cannot pass with the girl encumbering us. I have given her a draught that will strengthen her and keep her sound asleep for a good two hours; more than long enough for your father to carry her across the grounds of the house and to the group of friends who are waiting to aid our escape. Providing that your father is strong enough to bear the load?”
“Father could carry this woman from here to Istanbul without tiring” the girl replied, “but is it possible for us to pass through the grounds of this place without being seen?”
Hetty shook her head. “I don’t know lass, but we must try. I will take the lead and you and your father must follow as quietly as you can.”
The girl turned and quickly translated the wisewoman’s instructions to Mehemet Bey, who cradled the injured girl effortlessly in his arms. The party then made their way to the front door of the east wing and began their escape from Westdyke Grange.
Fortune favoured them from the very beginning, for the door-key was still in the lock and they passed out into the yard without difficulty. However, a few lights still burned in the main house and their passage across the rear of the building was made even more hazardous by the fact that moonlight was illuminating the cobbled yard.
The witch paused at the corner of the east wing and listened intently. She also made use of her inner-eye to probe ahead and detect any unwanted human presence.
Satisfied that all was clear, she signalled for the others to follow her. Carefully, they began crossing the dangerous rear yard, making as much use as possible of the long shadows cast by the towering bulk of the house. Finally, after many heart-stopping moments, they reached the comparative safety of the landscaped grounds without the slightest sign of being detected.
Ten minutes of careful movement brought them to the shelter of the boundary wall, where Inspector Smith was waiting, together with Captain Wilson and three tough looking young men. Hetty quickly explained the reason for her change of plan to Inspector Smith and the other officer and requested the men to take Marsie’away from the Grange, along with the two fugitives. She begged the Inspector to lodge her friend in a place of safety and send to Elfencot for Jenny, whom she knew would tend her injuries with great expertise. The policeman instantly agreed to the witch’s requests, but he was utterly astonished when she declared her intention of returning to her domestic employment at the Grange. He began to protest but Hetty instantly silenced him.
“You are not my master!” She hissed. “Now listen to my words. Hell on earth will shortly break out when Oldshaw returns to the east wing, only to find out that his two overseas helpers have apparently absconded with his plaything for the night. If I also disappear, then I will be exposed as having served as their accomplice and Silas Oldshaw will then rightly blame me for everything that has occurred. He will undoubtedly use his great wealth and influence to discover my true identity and exact his revenge. Afurther consideration Inspector is that if I disappear tonight, then I will undoubtedly expose my ‘brother’Piggins as yet another traitor in their midst and no further information would be gained from that quarter. My revised plan is to return undetected to my post, then depart openly when the time is right and give that bastard Oldshaw no opportunity of suspecting me of depriving him of his future nights of pleasure!”
“A dangerous course of action lassie,” the policeman said reluctantly. “But there’s much in what you say, yet I council you to take care, yonder man is as unpredictable as a snake and you have already taken enough risks to my mind!”
The wisewoman said no more, instead she briefly shook hands with the newly rescued fugitives and disappeared in the direction of the elderberry thicket hiding the mouth of the disused sewer, and concealed her return route to the perils of Westdyke Grange.
Hetty completed her long passage of the sewer and hauled herself up into the basement of the main house. She carefully cleared away any of the fragments of mortar that had fallen into the base of the duct and gently lowered the masonry grid back into its original position in the basement floor. The wisewoman had no doubt that Oldshaw would order
a complete search of his property, once the disappearance of the fugitives had been noticed and that the old sewer system would be re-discovered and carefully examined. She also scattered dust and grime over the floor of the basement cubicle in order to help disguise the position of the grid and then she exited the cellar leaving as little disturbance as possible.
The wisewoman did not return to her bedroom immediately. Instead, she entered the kitchen and lit a candle before removing her soiled outer garments. She tore away all the buttons and clasps that were not inflammable and then opened the fire-door of the cooking range and thrust the discarded clothing onto the still glowing coals. Hetty closed the door and opened the damper to its fullest extent, thus allowing the resulting draught of air to fan the coals into life and burn away the evidence of her subterranean journeys.
Hetty knew that a great deal still remained to be done, before she could return to the comfort of her bedroom and she wasted not a single moment. She placed the oilskin pouch, containing her collection of toxic potions, upon the kitchen floor and in close proximity to the cooking range. Afterwards, the wisewoman took a desert spoon from a utensils drawer and emptied the contents of the vial containing a red liquid into the bowl of the spoon. She added a little water and then boiled the mixture briskly by holding the spoon over the flame of a candle, until only a few grains of white powder remained. She poured the powder into a tiny glass vial and sealed the mouth of the container with a cork, then, with a smile, she held up the vial and viewed its contents in the light of the flickering candle.