Edge of Indigo by Mark Walker

Author:Mark Walker [Walker, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: British mystery, ellery queen, steampunk, scotland yard, detective story
Publisher: Pulp Hero Press
Published: 2020-04-22T22:00:00+00:00

6

THERE WAS AN INLET WITH A LARGE CAVE hidden there! As they drew closer and looked down, Riggs called into it, producing an elaborate echo. There seemed no way into the cave other than the narrow sea-lane from the reef and through the rocks—except for the ledge of rock they were standing on—and he realized it led directly into the cave. Riggs led Kendra by the hand, and they continued carefully around the corner and into the cave.

The reflections of the water sparkled and reflected off the ceiling and sides. The cavern was large, perhaps six or seven meters tall, and almost as wide. The ledge was fairly wide as well, the path splitting in two, the left one leading down to another spit of solid rock that appeared to be a pier, the other to the right, traveling on up along the side of the cave wall, and around the corner.

First, they explored the pier. There were definite signs of use here, with fresh rope laid for mooring lines, set into stanchions embedded in the rock, and various chains, pulleys, and hooks. An overturned skiff and oars were set against the cavern side of the pier, well above the high tide line. Several crates and barrels were nested under the overhang of the upper path, though they appeared empty to Riggs’s inspection. Next, they ventured along the higher path, winding their way slowly as the light from the mouth of the cave grew dimmer. Riggs pulled out his ever-handy torch, and they were able to make good time. The back of the cave rose to a sheer wall, and the path became a tunnel.

The tunnel seemed to curve around to the right, making a half circle around the tin mine, until another chamber revealed itself off the main tunnel. There, caught in the light of the torch, were two great iron doors. The door to the left was locked, and there were signs of recent use. Riggs pulled out his lock-pick set, and made several attempts to breech it, yet failed. The other door to the right seemed to lead back into the mine. It was unlocked, and after a try, Riggs was able to budge it and the interior of the mine revealed itself. He peered in. It was the tin mine’s ground floor, roughly on the same level as the route they had followed.

They passed through the old rusty door and picked their way carefully through bits of rubble. The mine shafts themselves were boarded up and showed no sign of any recent use. Near the door by which they had gained entrance was the great furnace, and the bricks of the smokestack ascended into the high ceiling. Being built on the side of the cliffs, the mine was on several levels, and they found the concrete steps mostly intact. Each floor had high ceilings where the flooring still existed, and through the openings they could see the blue sky overhead. All the floors were empty, except of more rubble.

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