Free The Ledbury Lamplighters by Kerry Tombs Page A

visit in Whitechapel, I would not be far off the mark. Even the rats appeared to have left last year.’
    â€˜I know what you mean, sir,’ sympathized Crabb.
    â€˜I spoke with an old woman, who appears to be dying from some form of consumption, who said she was the mother of our Joshua Leewood. She told me that her daughter-in-law had run off with a tinker some two years ago, and that her grandchildren were living she knew not where in some other part of Ledbury. Apparently she has neither seen nor heard anything concerning her son since he was sent down,’ said Ravenscroft, standing before the fire andfeeling the heat beginning to make its way up his back.
    â€˜Bit of a blank there then, sir.’
    â€˜At least there was no sign that Leewood was there, so one can only assume that he is still locked up in Hereford gaol.’
    â€˜We won’t know that until we receive the reply,’ replied Crabb, accepting two plates of food from the barman. ‘This looks mighty good.’
    â€˜Ah, you won’t be disappointed there. Best venison pie in the whole of Herefordshire. I’ll just get your ale, gentlemen.’
    â€˜Thank you, my man. Have one yourself at our expense,’ said Ravenscroft, looking down at the plate before him.
    â€˜That’s uncommonly good of you, sir, I don’t mind if I do.’
    â€˜Eat up, Crabb. Hopefully the snow will have eased after our lunch and we can go and pay a visit on Mr Catherwood and attempt to discover what part, if any, he plays in this affair.’
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    An hour later Ravenscroft and Crabb left the Feathers Hotel. A thin layer of snow had settled over the ground and a hesitant sun was attempting to appear from beneath a dark-looking cloud as the two men made their way on foot up a narrow lane that ran off the marketplace.
    â€˜I thought it best if we walk in this weather, Crabb. Catherwood’s place can’t be more than ten-minute’s away from here,’ said Ravenscroft.
    Their journey took them away from the town as they began to climb steadily upwards, past a wood on their right and some fields stretching away downwards on their left-hand side. Eventually a large, rambling, black and white house came into view, the grounds of which were surrounded by a forbidding wooden fence. As they drew near they could hear the sound of dogs barking.
    â€˜That would seem to be the main gate over there,’ said Ravenscroft, pointing to one side.
    â€˜I don’t like the look of those animals,’ said Crabb, observing that their approach was being heralded by two large dogs intent on preventing any intruders from entering the grounds of their domain.
    â€˜Perhaps if we wait here for a minute or two their owner may appear and give us safe passage,’ suggested Ravenscroft.
    â€˜What do you two want on my land?’ called out a voice suddenly.
    Ravenscroft and Crabb turned to see a middle-aged man of stocky, rugged appearance walking towards them.
    â€˜Mr Catherwood?’ enquired Ravenscroft.
    â€˜Depends who wants him.’
    â€˜Inspector Ravenscroft from the local constabulary, and this is my associate Constable Crabb.’
    â€˜And what do you want with me?’ said the man in an offhand manner.
    â€˜We are investigating the death of Mr Montacute. I believe you may be able to assist us in our enquiries, if we might have a few moments of your time?’
    The man stared at the two detectives for a few seconds and then said, ‘You best come in then.’
    â€˜Thank you,’ replied Ravenscroft.
    â€˜Mind the dogs,’ instructed Catherwood, opening the gate.
    One of the animals leapt up to greet its master, while the other growled at a nervous Crabb and seemed intent on trying to jump upwards on to the constable.
    â€˜Down, you brute!’ shouted Catherwood.
    The two dogs instantly obeyed.
    â€˜Dogs won’t hurt you unless you startle or threaten them. Follow me,