Dr. Manzano is the last to arrive. Well placed in comfortable chairs in the library and served refreshments. Pierre's bandage is removed. The doctor concluded that Pierre had contracted a minor concussion. Pierre was ordered to take it easy the next couple of weeks.

Charles speaks up. "Friends, I hope you have had more luck with you than I had. My investigations turned up with absolutely nothing."

Dr. Manzano clears his throat. "I think you should all read this." He unfolds the copy he made and lets it circulate.

Nobody speaks, but sit in his or her own thoughts, until everyone has read the article. Manzano watches everyone as they read the article, then says. "It was a shocke for me to reade this article. Normally I would never have believed suche a cock-and-bull story as thise, but when I read it, it fit. It explaine everythinge. What do you say?"

Stunned by the content of the article, Charles Cochroft remains quiet for a few moments as if to reflect on it's meaning. "You think this fellow Bishop escaped from his imprisonment and stole Henry Atwater's body?", he whispers softly almost as if afraid to admit that he words spoken are his. An uncomfortable silence hangs in the library. Just then there is a knock at the door and an elderly woman enters with a tray. Charles quickly rises from his chair and takes the tray from her. "Nell...", Charles quickly says, "I would like you to meet Doctor's Manzano and Slade" He gestures in turn at both. "And this is Pierre. He is from Canada" Smiling at the elderly woman, Charles continues, "Everyone, this is Nell. She looks after me and the cottage." The old woman's face suddenly blossoms like a spring flower. "Welcome dearies." She glances in Len and Daria's direction, "Good evening Leonard. Good evening Daria dear." Beaming from ear to ear, she turns to Charles, "Well Charles, you'll have to excuse me. Dinner is almost ready. In the meantime help yourselves to some tea." She pinches Charles on the cheek and with that leaves the room, closing the door behind her. Grinning at present company, Charles places the tray on the table and sits down once more. The tray is laden with cups and saucers neatly arranged around a graceful old teapot. A plate of biscuits has also been included. "Now where were we?" says Charles, his demeanor suddenly very serious again. Charles Cochroft

"I couldn't eat right now..." mumbles Len as he stares at the table. "I knew there was something off about this case from the start, it had the feel of a two-dollar note in your hand or when you know your arm's gone and this guy is going to hit a grand-slam off of you. I'll bet my last dollar or drink that this Bishop has taken over Atwater's body and I am sure he's going to cause Arkham no end of trouble. Many of you..." and he looks around the table..."probably think I am nuts but I tell you I believe in this stuff and this looks like more proof that I am right!"

Len stands and begins to pace, periodically taking a swig from his hip flask. When its empty he turns to Cochroft and says, "Charles, would you?" and holds out the hip flask.

"I have heard tell up North of legends such as these, but never did I pay heed to them. I thought someone was just pulling my leg. Is it possible in this day and age that things like this can happen? Myself I think I would rather stalk an enraged grizzly with an axe than go after these 'spooks' if you might call them that, but I said I would lend a hand, so no matter what goes on, I will stay and help. It is so kind of you Mr Cochroft to invite me, a virtual stranger into your house for tea, I thank you. Anytime you are up in Canada, feel free to visit after this, my mama would welcome a gentleman like you with open arms."

Dr. Manzano speaks again, "Dr. Slade, you are the one among us who ise the most experiencede in dealing with the occult and unknowne. Ise it possible that the old Wizarde Bishop has taken possezione of Atwater's body?"

Doc Slade replies, "I have learned that anything is possible, even that which seems impossible. It is possible that the Bishop and Atwater swapped bodies for their spirits with Atwater having no choice involved. I have never seen such an occurrence before, but I would not state that it couldn't happen. If it did happen, we need to taker care to subdue the Bishop in Atwater's body without damaging the body so that Atwater can have it back and we need to discover how the Bishop accomplished the transfer."

"A warning though, most people would state that body swapping is impossible and consider us insane for even discussing it. You need to take care who you mention this to and how much details you provide."

Dr. Manzano replies, "A sound advice. Before we discuss this Sermon Bishop again, I would like to hear what the rest of you found out?"

Len tells of their accident and ruined bridge and says that he didn't see any symbol on the bridge. Charles says he discovered nothing of interest but had a nice conversation with the chief reporter of the Gazette. Slade says that he was given information with which we prove that the old man really is Atwater.

*****

"Well I know what I'd prefer to do. I'd prefer to go and get drunk for a week and forget all about this Atwater and this Wizard!" Len is obviously intoxicated as his face is flushed and he is speaking just a little too loudly.

"But I guess we need to take a look at the bridge, p'rhaps put some sort of watch on the "old man" in case the wizard returns and we gotta go looking for this guy!" Len stands a little too quickly and his chair falls over, he stumbles and is only stopped from falling by Charles and Pierre...."Thanks my friends!" says Len, grinning inanely.

Dr. Manzano speaks up, "Well thought. The bridge and the olde man are the only leads we have. Me myselfe also wish thate I nevere hearde of thise man. I had to cancelle a dinner apointemente to be here. I suggeste Cochroft and I continue to search the archives tomorrow and that the rest of you go back to the bridge to investigate the symbole. The police will watch over the olde man."

Charles says, "I have no better suggestions. Let's do as Dr. Manzano says."

Doc Slade says to Pierre and Daria. "I can pick you up at your homes, let's say at 8AM. Then we can meet you, Len, out at the bridge at 8:30AM." Pierre and Daria nods in agreement

Charles rises from his chair, "Well friends, this has been en eventful day and I have the feeling that the next day will be no less. I am an early riser, and we could all need a good night's rest."

*****

Once again Charles stands before the Gazette. A day in the archives lies before him. The receptionist smiles at him when he enters. "Did you find what you were looking for yesterday?"

"As a matter of fact I did not. You wouldn't mind if I continued digging would you?" says Charles with a disarming smile. The receptionist smiles and he adds, "That's a pretty dress you're wearing. Suits you quite well I must say." The receptionist smiles even more.

Again Charles smiles, before turning on his heel and making for the archives. He finds the door quite easily and descends the stairway leading to the gloomy vault below. He walks over to the desk and switches on the lamp. He sighs as he looks at the filing cabinets, his hands resting on his hips. "Now then Mr. Bishop..." he whispers, "...let's see what we can dig up on you.

*****

Len is already there when Slade's car drives up the road to the car. There is no near accident this time. Len greets Doc Slade, Pierre, and Daria with a hello when they jump out of the car.

After getting out of his car, Slade opens a large box, and dons a number of items, including a leather coat and a gun belt.

Len seems a little worst for wear. Hug-over being another term commonly in use. He has bought a shovel with him and is wearing hip boots. "Well I suggest we start on this side of the river and then perhaps drive round to the other side if necessary, later on?"

Pierre says, "Well this place is as good to start as any other, and we have a good day for it. I brought some sandwiches for lunch and I have some beer here too. I'll just place the beer in the water to keep it cool."

He takes a length of rope from his car and ties it round his waist. "Seeing as I am dressed for it, perhaps I should tackle the river?" Len suggests.

"Okay Mr Len." Pierre says, " I will hang onto the rope for you, though the current probably is not too bad. See if you can see any fish there as well. Might be a good spot to relax some time with some cool refreshments. Are you sure you are up to this Mr Len? I mean, you don't look too good this morning."

"Lad, I have played a double-header and pitched Nine straight Innings with a worse hang-over than this!" He makes to move into the water.

Slade goes over to the river staying a foot or so away from its banks and looks over the river from both the downriver side and the upriver side. " Slade says, "Mr. Colson. This river is too deep to wade in, and don' underestimate the current. Are you a good swimmer Mr. Colson?"

"Yeah I guess your right Slade," replies Len. "And yes I am a good swimmer and with Pierre holding the rope I'll be fine."

Then Slade proceeds up to the remains of the bridge and studies it, looking for anything out of the ordinary. Len strips down to his underwear, seemingly ignoring the fact that a young lady is present. He reties the rope and makes his way into the river and toward the remnant of the bridge.

"Sure don't worry about me, I mean if only you were wearing a loincloth and looked a little bit different it would be fine but with you...." Daria didn't need to finish because her face turned bright red as she turned away from him.

All Len does in reply to Daria is smile charmingly at her. The effect would have been quite good, as he is a handsome man but he showed his brown-stained teeth, coloured that way by his chewing of tobacco.

-----

The swim to the pillar is easy, and a small mudbank flanks the pillar. Once there Len finds that portions of the stone and concrete mix within the pillar had molded to the shape of a human body now missing. Carved onto a stone, encased in the pillar-facing Northeast {where the rest stands}, is a symbol. Parts of the stone are missing and Len finds fragments on the mudbank. Len swims back to the bank and after wrapping a blanket around himself, he makes his report to the others.

The symbol, (the wole of it)

"There is definitely an impression left by a body, which is no longer there..." and he goes on to describe the symbol..."I think we need to get an "impression" of this symbol and then do some reading and find out about it, what do you think Slade?"

Doc Slade replies, "Actually impressions of both the symbol and the hole left by the body would be useful. I will get some wax paper and some charcoal that you can use to make the impression. I would recommend that you wear gloves near the symbol. It is possible that something is still active there."

The swim to the pillar is easy, and a small mudbank flanks the pillar. Once there Len finds that portions of the stone and concrete mix within the pillar had molded to the shape of a human body now missing. Carved onto a stone, encased in the pillar-facing Northeast {where the rest stands}, is a symbol. Parts of the stone are missing and Len finds fragments on the mudbank. Len swims back to the bank and after wrapping a blanket around himself, he makes his report to the others.

"There is definitely an impression left by a body, which is no longer there..." and he goes on to describe the symbol..."I think we need to get an "impression" of this symbol and then do some reading and find out about it, what do you think Slade?"

Doc Slade replies, "Actually impressions of both the symbol and the hole left by the body would be useful. I will get some wax paper and some charcoal that you can use to make the impression. I would recommend that you wear gloves near the symbol. It is possible that something is still active there."

"Well I suppose I am already wet but I want a whiskey after I am done!" and he winks at Daria.

Slade heads off to his car, and gets the needed supplies and returns, giving them to Len. "Do you know how to make a charcoal etching, Len?"

"Mr Slade, I am sorry forgotten your first name. I have been making things dirty as a job for years. Rub some soot on some paper, am I right?"

"My first name is Stuart, but everyone just calls me Doc. Effectively yes, you press the paper against what you want to etch and the rub something soft medium on it. And it works better if you use charcoal and wax paper, both of which I have you for you to use."

"I think that we must believe that this man has somehow risen from the dead, taken control of this boys body and begun to do who knows what!"

"It is more likely that he was woke from a coma-like stasis then he rose from the dead. The old man's body is definitely alive with no signs of death" Slade answers.

"Well he's been on one huge bender if he was in a coma for that long!" and Len laughs heartily at his joke.

Daria tunes back into the conversation at the mention of what he could be doing with the body. "Maybe he's using him to take his revenge, it would be the most logical thing to do as he was hated by people in his time and then had been encased in the bridge for so long. If you were him, think, even though the people who actually entombed him are long gone the blood relations are not so if this old man has somehow managed to track down some the relatives they might be suffering from what has happened. I suggest that we try and find these relatives before he does. Although that is just a thought of mine, it might not mean anything."

"I don't understand how any of this can be happening. I mean the talk of spells and dead arising again, wow, nothing like this ever happened in Canada. Really interesting. Must say too Mr Len, never seen anyone go swimming like that before either." Pierre says with a smile on his face.

'Well nothing like this is ever happened in Massachusetts or these here United States, either Pierre but there is a first time for everything! I agree with you both, other than letting our boffin's here research this symbol, I favour staking out the relatives of his accusers and finding him that way. What say you Stuart?" Len replies....

"Unusual things does happen, most of the time people tend to ignore or disregard them as they are too difficult to believe. I would agree that researching this man's past and relatives make sense, but about contacting them, I disagree at this point. Remember from what we have heard he believes it is many years ago, so he will be out of place even with his relatives."

Daria stands silent for a while then decides to add. "If get to the relatives before him and revenge is what he is looking for then he will lead himself right to us, and while we are waiting for him some of us might be able to do some more research on the spell that encased him. Who knows we might be able to do it again." She scanned the group with her eyes "Could someone please tell me whether that is a good idea or whether I am being really stupid." She has hope on her face as she waits for an answer.

"What you say makes sense, Daria, especially about the spell", Slade says.

-----

Carefully wrapping the paper and charcoal inside some waterproof cloth and slipping it inside his long-john vest, Len enters the water and swims back toward the remnant of the bridge pillar.

Slade shouts to Len, "Was the bridge hit by lightning or did an explosion inside the bridge cause the damage?"

"I believe that the bridge-pillar was hit by a lightning. The scorched marks point in that direction. There was definitely not an explosion", Len shouts back.

Len makes a copy of the symbol. When he is finished, he picks up all the stone fragments he can find and puts them and the paper sketch in the bag and tosses it over to the riverbank. Slade picks up the bag and studies the fragments.

"I think I missing something obvious, but I can not think of it." Doc says. "I have to come back here later, maybe it will come to my mind then. I think the best course of action now, will be for me to go back to my office and piece this symbol together. I can manage that on my own. Maybe you want to look up on Dr. Manzano and Charles and see how they are doing? Or do you have anything else on your minds?"

"Yes actually I have. What about the beer and sandwiches I brought with me?", Pierre says.

Len slaps Pierre heartily on the back, "Of course not, Pierre. I’ll, at least, will stay behind with you until all the beverages is consumed."

*****

Once again Charles stands before the Gazette. A day in the archives lies before you. The receptionist smiles at him when he enters. "Did you find what you were looking for yesterday?"

"As a matter of fact I did not. You wouldn't mind if I continued digging would you?", says Charles with a disarming smile. He adds, "That's a pretty dress you're wearing. Suits you quite well I must say." Again he smiles, before turning on his heel and making for the archives. He finds the door quite easily and descends the stairway leading to the gloomy vault below. He walks over to the desk and switches on the lamp. He sighs as he looks at the filing cabinets, his hands resting on his hips. "Now then Mr. Bishop...", he whispers, "...let's see what we can dig up on you..."

It is 10 AM and Charles has found nothing and needs some fresh air. On the way out the receptionist says to him. "Have you heard?" The receptionist continues without letting Charles the opportunity to answer. "There has been a cruel murder in W. Curwen Street. Mrs William Hope was in killed in her own home. Ain't it terrible? We can't be safe in our own homes."

"Dear God", muses Charles, his face an expression of shock. "Do the police have any clues as to whom the murderer might be?"

"I don't know. Willard Peck told me this before he left for the scene of crime.

Charles grabs his coat and exits the Gazette. With a troubled mind, he gets into his car and drives to the address where the murder was committed.

*****

Outside he can see the police and public milling around. He looks for Willard Peck and walks over to him. Grabbing the reporter gently by the elbow, he says, "Dear God Mr. Peck. I just heard down at the Gazette. Any suspects? And family members that I may be of assistance too?"

"As far as I know, she doesn't has any living descendants. This is an awful case Mr. Cochroft. Dear Mrs. Nina William Hope who was always so nice and kind and who wouldn't never hurt a fly. I get so mad. If I get hold of the misdeeder I will..." Mr. Peck' face reddens as he can't speak out the words which lay on his tongue. Mr. Peck calms down, "Excuse me Mr. Cochroft. I don't usually loose my self control."

"Be my guest Mr. Peck...", fumes Charles as he paces up and down in front of the reporter. He continues to listen to the news paper man's tale...

The professional Mr. Peck takes control. "Mrs. Hope was killed between 5AM and 6AM today. She was bludgeoned to death with a fireplace poker, which was left on the floor. The numeral I was carved into her forehead. The misdeeder took some cash and some jewels and the library was ransacked."

"The numeral I?", whispers Charles and halts. He cocks his head sideways, glancing at Willard Peck. "What do you think that means Mr. Peck? Could it be that the murderer is trying to say something to us, perhaps let us know that he intends to murder again and that Mrs. Hope was perhaps his first victim?"

"Indeed he is trying to make a point. I hope it is not what you believe. The maid, Georgia Smith, appeared at 6AM, as usual, to prepare bath and breakfast for her feeble employer. She positively identifies a picture of Henry Atwater as the man who sprinted past her out the front door and turning south down Brown Street"

"Henry Atwater?", asks Charles softly and turns his attention away from Willard Peck and towards the house. "Detective Stuckey.... is he here?" His face is ashen and his voice grim.

"Yes he is around, somewhere? I'd also like to speak with him. Let's go and see if we can find him."

Mr. Peck and Charles can't get to Stuckey. The police constable at the door won't let them in but has notified Stuckey that they wish to see him. After five minutes of waiting the police detective comes out to see them. "Hello Mr. Cochroft and Mr. Peck. Could you please come in? I want to speak to you."

Stuckey leads you into the hallway and closes the door. "Gentlemen. This is a very delicate case. We have a positive identification of the killer by name, but he who claims to be by that name isn't that man, and was by the time of the murder hospitalized. Whoever the killer is, the circumstances around this case suggest that he might kill again. Therefore I must ask you to do me a favour?" Charles and Mr. Peck both nods.

"As you know, because a police constable was to talkative, is that the numeral I was cut into the victims forehead. This suggest that me might face a serial killer here, and. One that might intrude into another Arkham home and kill again. If this gets publicly known, and put atop that the Atwater confusion, it will create panic and fear, and we won't let that happen, will we?"

Mr. Peck replies, "The public has the right to know, you know, if a serial killer is on the loose."

The police detective looks at Mr. Peck, as if he tries to stare him to obedience. "You promised me to do a me favour. This is the favour. Write that this was a murder with the intent to rob, but keep quiet about the numeral and the connection to the Atwater case."

Charles withdraws from the debate. He waits until he can speak alone with the detective, before confronting him, "Alright detective. You haven't said much since we found the Cardigan boy. What are your thoughts on this whole mess? Do you know something that you are not telling...? " Charles Cochroft

"Mr. Cochroft. You are a famous person who has done great deeds. The whole town of Arkham, me included, is proud of what you have done. I also thank you for your assistance in this case. But I begin to wonder. Why are you so interested in this case? What are your motives? Your efforts so far point at something much more than a common citizen's sense of duty to his society?"

Charles Cochroft's face is flushed with anger as he answers to detective Stuckey's insinuations, "You'll recall detective that it was you who initially asked for my help when that boy went missing. After we found him I wanted nothing better than to go home and have a cup of tea. However, both you and I know that what we witnessed there in the woods and what transpired thereafter is as sinister, if not more so than anything I have ever researched or encountered. I am troubled, because my professional instinct tells me there is more to this case than meets the eye and I think that you'll agree with me. I am not interested because I get a thrill from it. I am interested in this whole Atwater case, because it defies all logic and being a man of logic I feel it my duty to get to the bottom of this whole matter so I can put my mind to rest."

Detective Stuckey leans closer to Charles, as if he is afraid that someone overhears them, "I am sorry that you feel offended, but I have to be absolutely sure." Detective Stuckey's voice is almost a whisper now, "There are people in this town that worship dark powers. These people are respected citizens and they might be anyone. These people are cruel and merciless and if they suspect that you are aware of their existence, your life is forfeit. Be very careful with who you share this knowledge with. Do you understand?"

<Charles response>

*****

"That was the last bottle. Mr Len, I didn’t know that you where that thirsty, or I’ll would have brought more", Pierre says.

"About time I say, Pierre. Now let’s leave and find out what Mr- Cochroft and Dr. Manzano have learned.

-----

"He is not here? Where did he go?" Doc Slade asks.

"He went to investigate about the murder in W. Curwen Street." The receptionist says.

"Murder? What is the street number?"

*****

When Daria, Doc Slade, Len, and Pierre arrive in Curwen Streets, they see a gathering outside Mrs. William Hope's place. They also see Charles in conversation with Mr. Peck and go over to them.

Doc Slade asks, "What has happened here. The receptionist at the newspaper told us there had been a murder?"

"I’ll talk to you later." Mr. Peck says to Charles and disappears in the crowd.

"Yes there has been a murder. I’ll tell you all about it. But let’s find a small cafe where we can sit down and have something to eat. I’m starving."

*****

Detective Stuckey shakes your hands while he says to each of you, "Pleased to see you again." He sits down and after ordering coffee and doughnuts he says, "Mr. Cochroft, here, says you have done some investigations on your own. I’m very interested to hear about it."

Doc Slade speaks up, "That is right, detective, we investigated the old bridge that was hit by lightning and discovered a man-shaped hole in the bridge that appears to have been there before the lightning destroyed the bridge. We also found a symbol on the bridge nearby. I am planning to try to identify the symbol and see if it helps our understanding any."

"Is this significant to this case, Mr. Slade?" Detective Stuckey asks.

Slade responds, "At this point I do not know. This case and related cases are growing stranger with every fact we find. Anything can be related and surprisingly useably is. So right now, unusual facts need to be kept track of, because ultimately they may lead to the actual solution, however hard that is to accept."

Detective Stuckey receives his lunch and after taking a bite of his doughnut he asks, "Please can you tell me what these facts are and how you relate them?"

Doc Slade replies, "Well, we have a boy who psyche appeared disturbed wandering around doing things unusual for him. We have a ghastly murder. We have an old man, with no current past, with the memories of the boy. We have a bridge that may have contained a human body destroyed by lightning, but no remains of the body was found. We have strange legends and history associated with the bridge. We have a strange language the boy spoke in the sanatorium. What it all adds up to, I am not sure at this time.

After hearing the legends and story associated to the bridge, Detective Stuckey strokes his chin, "Do you seriously believe that there can be a connection here?

Doc Slade: "In my experiences, I have learnt when dealing with unusual activities there tends to be inter-relationships between some or all of them. So seriously, I believe we need to keep it all in mind when dealing with other unusual occurrences."

Detective Stuckey pays his bill and raises from the table, "I promised Mr. Cochroft that he could examine the scene of crime. My boys should be finished with their investigations now. Do you all want to join Mr. Cochroft?"

Doc Slade: "I for one would like to." Pierre looks at the others. "Well I said I would help, so if you think I can be of assistance here I will come along."

*****

Stuckey shows you around in the house, the place where Mrs. Hope was found, she is moved to the Mortuary now. The Library upstairs is in shambles, with books scattered everywhere. "The ground is yours."

"The killer broke in at approximately 5 A. M. through the outside cellar door. He bludgeoned Mrs. Hope to death with a fireplace poker, which he left on the floor, then carved the numeral I into her forehead. He took some cash and jewels, a couple of Mr. Hope's old suits, and ransacked the library.

Doc Slade replies, "I think I would like to start in the Library, the intruder obviously was looking for something in it and maybe it will give some clues." I plan to search for secret/hidden areas as well in the library and maybe find what the intruder was looking for.

Pierre looks to Doc Slade, "Tell me what to look for and I will have a go. I am not sure what we are actually looking for but oh well." Daria says, "I will look through these books to see if any are unusual or not, though who ever did this may have already taken what they wanted."

Doc Slade and Pierre searches through drawers and closets and look for secret compartments. Charles, Len, and Daria goes through the books which are thrown to the floor and those still in the bookshelves.

"Looks like I am superfluous here. I’ll check on you later" detective Stuckey says and leaves you.

After ten minutes of search, Charles says "Most of the books are bound sets of encyclopædias or standard 19^th century authors like Sir Walter Scott and Charles Dickens, and there are a considerable collection of volumes on the American Civil War. But I still haven’t anything really interesting."

"Hey!" Len exclaims, "I found a book with bloodstains on it."

"Let me see!" Charles hurries over. "Seems like an ordinary novel." Charles flips the pages, "No notes hidden between the pages either. The blood is probably just."

"Come and look here Charles, I’ve found a notebook. It’s a list of volumes in the library through 1917."

"Let me see!!" Charles and Doc Slade exclaim at the same time. Doc Slade reads over Charles’ shoulder as he flips the pages.

"Hold." Doc Slade is excited. "We want that book, a copy of the Thaumaturgical Prodigies in the New England Canaan. It is the history of witchcraft in the New England with emphasis upon the Miskatonic Valley area. I have heard about it, but never read it. It may turn up with useful information about Sermon Bishop."

"I’ll find it in no time", and Len begins to search in the pile of books.

"Keep flipping Charles. Let’s see what treasuries this collection may hold?"

"The booke of Thoughts of Ethan Williams, for the Year of Our Lord 1814." It must be a diary, might be interesting, or what do you say Doc?"

-----

After a couple of minutes Len comes up with both books. "It is a diary, alright, a century old, pages is torn and mangled, hanging out.

"A true treasury. I’ll read that", Charles says. "And I’ll take the Thaumaturgical Prodigies" Doc Slade says.

Both find comfortable chairs and dig down in their books. Len looks at Daria and Pierre with a smile. "While the bookworms do theirs, I guess we can complete our search, or what?"

-----

An hour passes.

"Charles." <louder> "Charles!" Charles Cochroft looks up from his chair. "Did you say something?"

"Do you want to know what more we found?" Len says, "Only this. A letter from State Secretary Stanton, which makes clear that Mrs. Hope’s husband fought valiantly in the Civil War.

"At least we have something, a lead possibly. I’ll use the time I need to read through this diary. Very interesting, reading a man thoughts on the life and society a hundred years ago. Might come up with information about Bishop too.

Doc Slade speaks to himself, "Interesting," then louder to the group, "Bishop had an associate, Richard Russell, who lived at what is western end of we know as main street. Bishop also appeared never to age. Also it is thought that he had a pact with a demon and could not die. Rumors state that Bishop was killed and buried in the forest, or weighed down and sack in the Miskatonic River."

Looking around at his companions, Slade adds, "We probably should check out Russel's old home and perhaps find the old man there." He continues glancing through the book for clues. " I plan to take this with me and read it thoroughly. I guess I have to ask the detective for permission to borrow it." "Excellent idea, Doc. I'll think I also will spend the rest of the day reading through this book. That leaves you, Len. Pierre, and Daria. What about visiting our poor fellow at the hospital. His memory may have improved since yesterday? And what about checking up this new name, Richard Russel. Also I wonder how my fellow professor is doing. He should know about our findings. Maybe he is looking for us know, with important news." "In case you don't have my phone number." Charles deals out his card. "I invite you to breakfast tomorrow morning at 8AM. That will give us all time to ponder about what has happened and some of us may even have something new to tell."

Excerpt from the Thaumaturgical Prodigies

*****

Len walks down the stairs to the basement. Bundled newspapers, paper boxes, bound covers lie everywhere. Here and there are old filing cabinets. At the end of the sits Dr. Manzano, leafing through old newspapers.

"Had any luck professor?"

Dr. Manzano looks up and turns around. "Oh, hello Len. No I am sorry. No such luck for me today. How about you?"

"You may say so. This morning has been very eventful." Len sits down beside Dr. Manzano and begins to recapitulate.

*****

"Why can't I speak to him?"

"The patient has had a relapse. He has spoken incoherently all day, not eaten food, and been aggressive to the nurses. If this continues we have to send him over to the Sanatorium even though he is physically in very bad shape. We simply haven't the recourses to keep such a patient. We must keep a constant surveillance on him."

"But you do have the constable, surely he can be of some help?" Daria says.

"Oh' I don't know that. Detective Stuckey spoke to me recently about withdrawing the guard. Said he needed the manpower elsewhere."

"But, surely, I can have just a little word with him. I have Detective Stuckey's permission, you know?" Daria pleads.

"Young lady" the doctor says with a stern voice. "I do not have the time for this. You can come back tomorrow. If he is better then, you can talk to him. Goodbye."

"Nice try Daria, but let us just admit the defeat", Pierre says. "I have a hunch that the fish will bite this evening. The weather is right. Do you want to come along?"

-----

After they leave the Hospital, Pierre walks with Daria to her place so she can tell her mother where she is going. They pick up something to eat and then bike out to the stream. They spend the time trying for some fish and both talk about what has happened and the weird things that are going on. Pierre is still a bit dubious about beings coming back to life, but Daria is so convincing even though it frightens her a bit. To take their minds off the awful things that have happened they tell each other tales about their different cultures. Pierre is really interested in the story of Hong Kong and all that went on there. And Daria commented on the sound of peacefulness of Pierre's old home.

*****

The Town Hall lies at 551 N Peabody Avenue (loc 221, downtown section A). This large brick building, was built in 1901 (I withdraw the previous statement about the old city and proud city hall), houses the town's administrative offices. Hours are 8 A.M. to noon and 1-5 P.M., Monday-Friday. The administrative offices here are the mayor's office, Public room, Town Manager's office, Clerk's office, Engineer's office, Assessor's office and school board.

Inside the old and proud city hall he sees a middle aged woman, with small rimmed glasses and greying hair, knitting. She spots Len standing in the middle of the room looking around, "What can I do for you sir?", with a tone that indicates that she appreciate being disturbed this late in the day.

"Hello Mrs. I am..." Len is interrupted. "That is Miss to you, young man."

"Hello Miss. I am seeking information on a man who lived in Arkham two hundred years ago. I hoped that you may have some old archives in the City Hall that I could go through?"

"Certainly we have. But we can't help today. We close in one hour. You'd better come back tomorrow."

Len puts on his most, winningest smile..."Well m'am I wouldn't take very long and its quite important. Do you think I could take the time to look now? Please?"

Len's brownish teeth and attempt to charm her doesn't make an impression on her, "Like I said, we are closing soon. You can come back tomorrow"

"That's a real shame Miss? What is your name?"

"Laura Stamford is my name."

"Well Miss Stamford, its a pity because I might just feel the need to mention your lack of help to the Mayor (or a city councillor) next time I see him at the Arkham Gun Club. Now what do you say, we are after all wasting time."

The woman hesitates, "You are a member of the Gun Club?" She's all helpful now. "Why didn't you say so in the first place? I've never seen you before and thought you where a stranger in this town. Maybe they can help you at the clerk's office. It is on the second hand down the corridor."

Len, satisfied with himself, finds the clerk's office. Inside sits a young man.

"Hello. My name is Len Colson and I am seeking information about a man who lived here a 150 years ago."

"What was his name and what do you want to know?"

"Eh, everything really. His name was Richard Russel and I want to know when we was born, when he died, where he was buried, what was his occupation, was he married, how many child did he have, what was his cause of death, but most important, where he lived."

"Phew. I am not certain if I can help you. Our records that far back are incomplete. As to when he was born and died, I would rather look up in the church registers, they may even have the streets address where he lived when he died."

"Before I give you access to the archives, I need you name and address." The clerk picks up a log from his desk. "Put the date, your name, and your address, here, here, and here. Len does so. "Come with me and I'll see what I can do for you." The young clerk leads the way into the basements. "Our records from that time is mostly tax records, land deeds, registration forms, and civil records. They are sorted chronologically and it will be a hell of a job to go through all those.

"Here we are." The young man unlocks the door. Inside the room are boxes upon boxes. Everyone labelled with the type of document it contains and a date and year. "Good luck to you, Mr Colson. We close in an hour. I'm afraid I can't let you stay behind after the closing hour. If you don't find what you are looking for, you'll have to come back tomorrow."

"Thats fine at least I can make a start. Now where are the births and deaths records, the marriage records and tax records? I guess they will be a place to start. Perhaps even School records."

"We don't have birth and death records." The clerk points at a shelf, "But there are the marriage records", and pointing on another shelf, "and here are the tax records."

-----

An hour passes

"Did you have any luck?"

Len hopelessly waves with his arms. "This is a hopeless task. I could spend days in here searching for those damned papers"

"Can I give you an advice?"

"Sure. Spit it out"

"Why don't you try the Arkham Historical Society. They take pride in their extensive library and archive. Maybe they can help you out."

"Thank you for the advice. Who should I talk to over there and can I mention your name?"

"Sure, my name is Richard Harr"

*****