Seamus was disappointed to find The Toadstool deserted. “Cousin Jack?” he called. “Serving girl?” No response.

He nosed around behind the bar, looking for clues whilst resisting the desire to take a tug of some of the aged, single malt bottles the man had ferreted away there. Seemed a bit early for that sort of thing, particularly since he had the feeling his wits would soon be required.

Then he heard someone yelling from the front and stepped out from behind the bar just as Cousin Jack opened the tavern door from the outside. He was still looking outside, however. “And stay out, you pesky children!” he yelled at some unseen group of youth. “Insolence!” he said when he saw Seamus waiting.

“Agreed,” said Seamus, recalling his earlier run-in with the blac...

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