The evening's work was not yet done. The master suggested that Mdm. Zehpyrine's place of business should be searched for incriminating evidence before any of her other confederates learn that she has been arrested. The master, the wild child, Miss Namaste, Miss Sinclair, Miss Whitnell, Dr. Wilson, Mr. Caine, and Lt. Wooster all set out for the Borough to do just that.

They returned home some time later with two prisoners, a rather large collection of books and other items confiscated from the shop, and two new associates. It seems that Mr. Spencer Cuthbert and his niece, Mrs. Elethea Cuthbert, have been investigating yet another murder which seems to be tied into the cases the household has become engaged to try to solve. And it was a lucky thing their investigate brought them to Mdm. Zephyrine's shop. For a group of armed bandits ambushed the master and the others. They demanded the surrender of Edward, because he had witnessed one of their crimes. There was considerable gun-fire, and I was assured by the master that were it not for the shooting prowess of both Mr. Cuthbert and Dr. Wilson, things would have gone very badly indeed for our side.

Edward was quite excited about how one of the miscreants had attempted to kill the master with the very gun which had been used to murder Mr. Milford earlier. Thanks to a lightning-rod-device Edward had sewn into his coat, and lucky shot from one of the master's special guns, a fatality was avoided and Milford's murderer was captured.

Miss Sinclair and Miss Whitnell have persuaded the master to let them question our two captives, a Captain Hartley, who is already a fugitive of the gallows for murdering his superior officer in the army, and a thuggee who had been trying to break into Mdm. Zephyrine's. I have been instructed to get some rest. Tired as I am, my curiosity is quite piqued at what may be learned.

Wednesday, 6 April 1870

It appears to have been a very productive night. Miss Whitnell and Miss Sinclair's methods, with some help from Edward, have yielded a wealth of information, which the master sent off to Sir Anthony's office first thing.

As the household had been up quite late, most came to breakfast quite late. Some, I noticed, seemed to have diminished appetites, although Edward, as usual, ate enough for two. Miss Whitnell and Mrs. Cuthbert spent the day going through Mdm. Zephyrines books, some of which I gather are in code. The master, Miss Sinclair, and I chose a room on the third floor to convert to a classroom for Edward. Miss Sinclair gave me a list of necessary furnishings. The attics contain some items which will allow her to set up rather quickly. I will order the rest.

A doctor came to see to our four wounded guests. Dr. Wilson, whose wound is quite serious, shows astounding resilience. Lt. Wooster, on the other hand, whose wound is less severe, seems to be completely invalided by it. The one blessing in this affair is that Mr. Caine has been available all day to assist around the house.

Poor Miss Namaste has been having one of her bad days. The prisoner called Salmalin said something to her in their native tongue last night which has had her quite upset ever since. She tried to pretend that it was just clumsiness on her part, but I can tell she was disturbed by whatever the rogue said.

Mrs. Cuthbert held one of her seances, and was able to learn some information which helped Miss Whitnell decypher one of the codes. Edward and the master spent some time analyzing the design of the lightning gun. Dr. Wilson spent the day reading the newspapers. And other members of the household examined evidence, took turns questioning the prisoners, and examining the confiscated books.

In addition to laying in additional supplies for the kitchen, I spent the day airing out more rooms as the house becomes populated once more. As instructed by the master, I sent a letter to my niece, inquiring if her daughter is still looking for a place of employment as a maid. I have also asked if any other bright and discrete members of the family are available, particularly if they have cooking experience. I almost forgot to make the appointment with the haberdasher's for Edward and Miss Namaste. Since the master wants it to be a surprise, I had to be particularly careful.

But later afternoon, a plan had crystalized. One of the Nautilus survivors is hiding somewhere in London. Agents of two continental governments are trying to capture or kill him. The criminal organization for which our two prisoners work is also interested in finding this man. Mrs. Cuthbert believes she knows the neighborhood in which he is hiding. Unfortunately, it is a very unsavoury neighborhood, and it would be extremely conspicuous for most members of the household to be seen there. However, Lady Ottoline regularly ventures into the most noisome corners of the city to rescue girls from exploitive employment. If Lady Ottoline would agree to help, a party could venture into that area without raising suspicion.

Therefore, the master will don his old coachman's disguise. Lady Ottoline and her assistant, Miss Vicky, along with Miss Namaste and Mrs. Cuthbert, will attempt to find and contact this missing man, before he becomes the victim of foul play.

Edward is very disappointed that he won't be allowed to go on the reconnaissance. When he wandered into the kitchen, taking a break from the repairs of the barouche, I encouraged him to take more marmalade for his bread. It seemed to improve his spirits.

Proceed to '3. Two Perilous Rescues.'

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