Page 123 of Strangers in Time

Benedict warily looked him up and down. “Why, is the lad in trouble?”

“No, nothing like that. It’s just that his mother got back into town and we can’t locate him. We do know that he’s a telegram boy, but that’s all we know.”

“I don’t understand. Wasn’t he at home?”

“That’s just the thing. He is not at home and his mother is terribly worried about him.”

“Name?”

“Charlie Matters?”

“No, got no lad with that name here.”

Oliver edged forward a bit and started speaking in a confidential tone. “The thing is, the boy might be using an alias.”

Benedict blanched. “An alias! What, is he some sort of criminal?”

“No, things were not exactly happy at home, you see. His mother had to leave for the country to take care of her sick sister and…”

“And the lad didn’t like that?”

“That’s right. It was actually a terrible fiasco. But she wants him home now and is desperate to find him.”

Benedict pulled a paper from a drawer. “Well, here’s a list of all my boys.”

Oliver ran his eye down the page until it came to rest on Ignatius Oliver.

“See anyone you recognize?”

“I do indeed. That’s him.” Oliver indicated the name.

“Ignatius? He’s a right good lad. One of my best. Works hard and has a way about him.”

“Yes, yes he does.”

“He probably won’t be back for several hours.”

“I tell you what, let’s have a bit of a surprise for youngIgnatius. When he returns, can you send him out with a telegram?”

“Well, sir, thatisthe business we’re in.”

“Of course.” Oliver filled out the telegram form and paid over the requisite amount.

“It’ll be sometime this afternoon, sir. Say around four or so.”

“Splendid.” He handed Benedict a crown. “Make that one Charlie’s last message of the day, can you? So his mum can spend time with him. Fix things up?”

Benedict took the coin and put it in his pocket. “Surely, sir, surely.”

“His mum will be thrilled. But not a word, eh?”

“As you say, sir.Mum’sthe word.”

“Molly, dear, are you all right?” asked Matron Tweedy.

“What?” said a distracted Molly breathlessly.

“Those are dirty bandages you’re rolling up. The clean ones are in that bin.”

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