CHAPTER XXVII
THE CAVES
Mr. Longvale’s two patients were removed to hospital that night, and, with a favourable report on the man’s condition from the doctors, Michael felt that one aspect of the mystery was a mystery no longer.
His old schoolmaster received a visit that night.
“More study?” he asked good-humouredly when Michael was announced.
“Curiously enough, you’re right, sir,” said Michael, “though I doubt very much whether you can assist me. I’m looking for an old history of Chichester.”
“I have one published in 1600. You’re the second man in the last fortnight who wanted to see it.”
“Who was the other?” asked Michael quickly.
“A man named Foss——” began Mr. Scott, and Michael nodded as though he had known the identity of the seeker after knowledge. “He wanted to know about caves. I’ve never heard there were any local caves of any celebrity. Now, if this were Cheddar, I should be able to give you quite a lot of information. I am an authority on the Cheddar caves.”
He showed Michael into the library, and taking down an ancient volume, laid it on the library table.
“After Foss had gone I looked up the reference. I find it occurs only on one page—385. It deals with the disappearance of a troop of horsemen under Sir John Dudley, Earl of Newport, in some local trouble in the days of Stephen. Here is the passage.” He pointed.