3,
The climb to the hill and then the four gentlemen stood by the cliff side overlooking at the inlet below. To the right was the fishing port and to the left was the cluster of trees that could be part of the forest where the tree trunks were cut down to make the boats. Sherlock stood there on the cliff side and peeked over the edge. He saw the fall was steep and deep to the sharp rocks below. He saw the gulls and other sea faring birds were nesting below.
“Mr. Leroy was last seen here. He likes to come here and stare at the sea. He was doing it in the last few days.” Mr. Brady explained. “We found his pipe here. He was smoking one then.”
Mr. Brady produced the tobacco pipe towards Sherlock. It was the Inspector who intervened and took hold of the pipe.
“I will have that. Its evidence and needed to be examined.” Inspector Lestrade looked at Sherlock before he pocketed it. Sherlock then looked away and observed the cliff line. He saw it stretched far and there was a hut at the far end. He was to walk towards it when his eyes looked to the terrain before the cliff. It was all green grass but he noticed the crisscrossed of trails on it. It resembled no real patterns but it intrigued him.
“Sherlock, are you coming with us?” Watson called out when he saw Sherlock was wandering along the cliff line. The other turned and nodded. He took a step and followed across the green grass but then his left foot stepped into a hole. He went in deep to his knees before he could scream out. It attracted the attention of Watson who ran over and assisted him. He was pulled up with the help of the Inspector.
“I am sorry if I was careless.” Sherlock apologies profusely.
“Nay, it was my fault. I should had warned you. There are cavities in the ground and they are deep.” Mr. Brady crouched down to pull at the grass and showed the hole. It was a narrow one and when peeked over, it was deep down into the ground.
“These holes are random and deep. It could be rabbit holes but we never explored. There are a few and the grass tends to cover it anyway. The local lads knew of it and avoided it.” Mr. Brady explained.
“Could Mr. Leroy had fallen into it? Perhaps something bigger?” Lestrade asked.
“I doubt so. The holes are rather small.” Mr. Brady replied and then he was shuffling everyone to move on. The walk was towards the cliff and then they came to a narrow ledge that led to a walkway down the cliff.
“This is the only way down the cliff. If Mr. Leroy had gone down, he would have to walk by here.” Mr. Brady took them the narrow walkway holding onto the cliff side rocks as support towards the bottom. It was a man-made walkway from ages ago but its steps were finely cut and spaced out evenly. The descent was slow for they have to make it in a zig sag manner and in some areas, it was cut into the cliff rocks like small tunnels. Sherlock took note that during the descent, he could not see the side of the cliff where he had fallen into the hole. Soon they reached the bottom and it was a beautiful sight.
An isolated inlet with the rocks and the swelling sea waves that rolled gently on the rocks but there was a stretch of rocky beach line. Sherlock looked up and estimated the height of the cliff was over three hundred feet. He looked to the cliff walls from there and saw the birds nesting there, and then caught what may be a glimpse of the hut he saw earlier.
“Look. Imprints.” Lestrade called out. Everyone rushed over and looked at the imprints on the beach. It was an imprint but it was not of a foot but a set of boots.
“Who goes there?” The voice from the side called out.
“Oh, hello Hogan.” Mr, Brady recognised the voice. He then introduced the others to Mr. Hogan Linus. “Hogan collects shells here to sell.”
Sherlock sized up the man who was said to be a shell collector. He was short, squat framed with the short hair on his head, and the sunken eyes gave him the menacing look with his elderly years age. He was dressed like the other locals but held an apron of leather cutting and wore gloves. He had a bag slung across his chest. He also had the tattoos on his arms.
“Yea, I collect shells here and there. What made you climb down here?” Hogan asked.
“They are from London and investigating the missing Mr. Leroy, our guest of over a month who was here last.”
“Oh, him. I heard he went missing yonder but if he had fallen down here, he is fish food by now.” Hogan replied. “This is dangerous area. No strangers nor of those who stayed on for weeks should come here.”
“Tell me, Mr. Hogan.” Sherlock smiled at the man.
“Not much to tell but out here, there are tales of mermaids and sirens. Beware of them for they will eat you to your bones.”
“Be away, Hogan. Your tales are for the children or the astray young couple. We best be going back then.” Mr. Brady took them back up the hill. The climb was equally slow and hazardous. Soon they were walking back to the village when Sherlock spied the figure on the grassland looking at them. He could made out the figure was alone and been watching them walked back from the cliff. He was to ask Mr. Brady who could that be but the other had walked ahead. Instead he caught up with Watson and told him.
“Yes, I saw him sometime back. He was watching us from afar.” Watson replied. “Let us go back first and then later we can come back.”
Sherlock agreed for he was feeling hungry then. The group was invited to a hearty meal at the baker next to the tavern patronised by Sherlock.
“Come on in and have a meal.” Sherlock heard Mr. Brady and saw the place was named the Red Beard Bakers. The place was a bakery and café with the best meat pies and rum to go with it. It was an unusual combination but the hungry trio took to their food with relish. The baker was there to serve them with his white apron and uniform but his arms took on the same tattoos. It was then Sherlock asked on the tattoos.
“Yea, the locals here have their tattoos done as part of the tradition. It’s said that if you ever get lost at sea, raised your arm and the tattoos will seen for miles.” Mr. Brady added with jest to the saying.
“And where are the womenfolk, Sir?” Watson asked when he noticed all that he had seen were men.
“They are at work on the fishing port where they mend the nettings and tend to the fresh catches.” Mr. Brady replied. “If you are asking where are the children, they are at school.”
It was then they heard the school bell rang and the sounds of children could be heard on the street.
“There they are. The next generations of the locals.”
It was then the local constable stepped into the bakery.
“Inspector, we have sad news.” The constable stopped there looking for affirmation to continue on.
“Speak up, man. You are among …. friends and associates.” It was Mr. Brady who voiced out much to the surprise of Inspector Lestrade.
“Yes, Sir. We have located Mr. Leroy’s body. He was discovered at sea this morning. Not much of him left but his remains were enough to identify him.”
“Then let us be on our way.” It was Sherlock’s turn to surprise Lestrade. Watson saw the expression on Lestrade and saved the embarrassment.
“Subject to your approval, Inspector?”
“Yes, let us visit the remains.” Inspector Lestrade stood up and then took to his heels. He stopped and asked the constable.
“Where to my good constable?”
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