Hanging Murder by A. J. Wright

Author:A. J. Wright [Wright, A. J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Endeavour Quill
Published: 2019-04-28T16:00:00+00:00

15.

William Livesey arrived at his shop on Wallgate earlier than usual. His young assistant, Andrew, had been given strict instructions to be there for seven o’clock, for today was a most significant day in the shop’s history. The usual displays of saddles and harnesses had to be put outside the shop, of course, as they did every day, but what rendered the day special would be arriving by wagon at eight o’clock, and everything had to be made ready for then.

The central area of the shop, for instance. That had to cleared of all manner of clutter – saddles, stirrups, bridles, hackamores, headcollars, reins – all had to be rearranged and placed in their proper areas so that there was nothing to interfere with the new arrival’s pride of place.

The New Horse Action Saddle.

With glowing testimonials from HRH The Princess of Wales herself, this wonder of the equine age, this cure for dyspepsia, this stimulator of the liver, was about to make its debut appearance in the north of England and in William Livesey’s shop in particular. This remarkable machine, that simulates the moving action of a horse without actually having the expense of owning and grooming one, would bring him customers from far and wide and establish his reputation as the foremost saddler in the north.

Young Andrew slouched through the door at a minute past seven, his cheeks flushed and his nose a deep scarlet from the chill of the morning. Such a pity the boy didn’t share his enthusiasm for the imminent arrival, Livesey reflected as he watched the boy remove his cap, coat and muffler and place them behind the counter.

‘You’re late,’ Livesey snapped.

‘Parish church clock says I’m on time,’ came the surly reply, accompanied with a demonstrative yawn to the accompaniment of the dying notes of the church bell.

‘We’ll have none of your cheek today, my lad. We’ve an hour to get ready.’

‘For what?’

Livesey sighed. Why was it the little devil couldn’t share his excitement? Or had he simply not been listening yesterday when he shared the great news with him?

‘Never mind for what. Take those old saddles out back. We need to make room.’

Young Andrew sniffed and shivered, muttering, Bloody freezin’ out yonder! under his breath. Still, he did as he was told, lifted one of the saddles from the stand by the counter and shuffled his way through the back room where he unlocked the door that led to the small yard. Then he made his way outside, the saddle held high in front of his face.

A few seconds later, William Livesey heard an unholy crash, followed quickly by the sound of his young assistant uttering a foul curse.

The young fool’s dropped the saddle! If he’s damaged it in any way I’ll damage his head.

But before he could move to the back of the shop to discover what damage had in fact been done, he was met with his young helper, who had suddenly transformed into a trembling child.

‘Tha’d best come!’ he said, breathless and scared.

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