clockwork nessie

Kibitzer

Clockwork Nessie, Part 9

Wait a minute. I jumped into their banter. “A monster in Loch Ness? Near Dog Island? Who saw this creature, Thomas?”

“’Twere Mrs. Fairfax, the baker’s sister. She said she were out early on her way to the bakery, and as she passed by Dog Island, she saw the monster lift its terrible head. It stopped and looked right through her, then slipped back under. Never made a sound, almost like it were a shade.”

“Don’t believe him, Miss, he’s full of fables, this one.” Sarah gave Thomas a friendly nudge in the arm that elicited a sly smile from the man.

Had I overheard their conversation on the way to the shore, I’d have dismissed it as the idle chatter of a man trying to impress his girl. The note had mentioned Dog Island, one of two small islands in Loch Ness. Had Papa made more than one creature?

“I think I’d like to visit Dog Island. Do you think you could arrange it for me, Thomas?”

He regarded me with new interest. “Aye, I can row you over today if you like, but why would you want to go there, Miss? It’s naught but an old hunting lodge, only used in early Fall.”

“And don’t forget the monster lying in wait to eat you if you get too close.” Sarah lifted a coquettish brow.

(To Be Continued)

Clockwork Nessie, Part 8

Near the mouth of the cave, Sarah and Thomas stood in an embrace, kissing. I backed out of sight and coughed loudly before I emerged the second time.

“We were about to come fetch you, Miss, what with the tide coming in,” Thomas said. He did sport some evidence of concern on his face, but Sarah’s blush told a different tale.

“I appreciate your concern. I’m ready to bid this place farewell. Thank you both for your indulgence.”

On the trip home, I pondered the amazement that was the sea monster automaton. Why did Papa build it? Who was Robert? Who or what was Rankine? Why was the aquatic automaton in the caverns?

Sarah and Thomas flirted and teased each other, but I barely heard them. I needed to search Papa’s study again. Surely I would find some sort of clue in his effects, something I had missed before.

“… she saw it herself, she did, that monster in Loch Ness.” Thomas shook his head as he sought to convince Sarah of a tall tale. “Said it were just off the western shore of Dog Island.”

“That’s crazy talk. T’ain’t no such thing, Thomas. You’ve a mind to hoodwink me, I can tell from that dimple in your cheek, right there.” She touched the betraying tic.