Hamelyn's Curse
Prologue
By the middle of the Nineteenth Century many new towns has sprung up along the Eastern seaboard of the United States of America. Consequently the was a steady stream of Immigrants from Europe.
Flooding across the ocean and spreading out into the vast open lands and plains of the New World.
A lot were Germans seeking new homes and space away from their over crowded Fatherland.
At first no one really noticed the hooded figure amidst the throng. But during the long voyage - many came to appreciate. The skill of the lonely piper. Often his sweet melodies kept them amused and set many dancing During the long evenings in the cramped hold.
But in the Flurry of excitement That accompanied their arrival at Ellis Island. He was quickly forgotten. They had other things to distract them. But the ocer-worked officials. registering everyone. Weren't really interested in a few lost children. It was assumed they had strayed. To explore a little and would soon re-unite themselves with their families.
Chapter Three
Two weeks had elapsed since Colby's fainting episode. Doctor Pearson - satisfied all was well, had signed him fit. To return to full duty. Don and David sighed with relief and the subject faded from importance. The J Edgar Building returned to normal.
A puzzling new case came in. That bought the event back into Colby's mind with startling clarity. Don called his main team together and handed round sheets of paper. Colby glanced down at the one passed to him and all the colour drained from his face.
The Mystery of the Pied Piper of Hamlyn
Twas in the year Twelve Eighty Four
through every casement hole and door the rats came pouring, squealing gnawing.
A council was called the best minds in Hamlyn. A solution was need. But one that was cheap.
Then forth stepped a Piper an odd looking chap. Crimson his hose and green was his cap
Honoured Alderman so noble and true. Your problem I alone have the answer too." They regarded him wary This stranger so airy . Then the Mayor snootily asked.
Who pray tell are you that entereth here without even a how do you do?
The Pied Piper I am named and I sir can rid Hamlyn of this dire plague of rats.
"Twaddle?" The butcher exclaimed "What can one man do That could not a hundred kits and cats?"
The jauntily clad man showed no malice at his derision but softly answered "I swear by the holy rood my word be true."
The council both Merchant and Burgher huddled together, conferred in a corner. Dare they trust this fifer so gaudily dressed. To pipe every last rat from its nest?
Again Spake the Mayor!
This council so sagacious so wise would ask of the piper for his service and time what is the price?
"My price it is cheap a mere forty gold marks but heed yea well to this warning and harken. Do not try to cheat me of payment with larks or deception. Else all Hamlyn will weep for a lost generation."
All cityfolk rejoice. Your price we think fair When the rats you've destroyed Not forty we'll pay but fifty be there."
The piper his flute to his lips did raise
the tune that he played was one full of praise It called to the rats with a promise of love Sang to those below and above.
Out they all tumbled. Squeaking excited. Their voices thundered and rumbled. From every cubby hole and nesting. Even the babies ceased their breast feeding.
The music was calling like the song of the fey They couldn't ignore it they had to obey. Follow the chorus thru' gate, lea and torus. Down to the river it's torrent a gushing
Onward! Ever onward. Into the rapids a rushing. Down to the depths the rats all went washing. Til narry a one was left in the town.
The piper his flute he did lower and back to Hamlyn. He strolled for his gold in a sack. There was much rejoicing and the people did cheer
All but the Alderman. They gathered in fear The piper his payment demanded. Fifty gold marks
The price agreed. But then all went quiet as the Stately old mayor now formally decreed."
Fifty gold marks? What rubbish indeed? Here's five phenings now be gone rascal Before I summon the town bede!"
My warning thou did not harken.
See now how the skies do darken
Behold the wrath of one deceived.
Forever now be Hamlyn grieved.
Once more his fife he did raise but this was no tune full of love or praise Out of every house they came
Children laughing. Children dancing.
Happy, singing all behind the piper prancing.
Mother's desperate. father's grabbing all trying to still their offspring. Make them stay, make them stop! Alas the despite their efforts they could not
Faster! Faster Ever onward behind the fifing Pied Piper skipped away all Hamlyn's young Out from the town in a cloud of dust. Entranced away without a backward glance.
Down the valley, thru the forest up the mountain. Hard pressed many sought to follow. But as night came down, of the children all sight was lost. As into the Koppernberg they crossed.
All but three were gone forever. One a cripple, one unsighted and one so deaf the music he never heard
And now despite the passing of the years.
Hamlyn's grief lingers still as often through the purple night. There comes from afar the tinkling sound of the Piper's fife."
Colby shook with fear. David glanced sideways at his partner. His heart skipped a beat. Colby was white and shaking. David jumped to one very obvious conclusion.
"Col are you okay?" Sinclair pushed Colby into a chair. "Do you feel faint or sick? Do your have a headache?" Colby patted his hand and smiled. "Relax Dave man I'm great." Colby pasted a bright grin across his own face. Then looked up at Don.
"The Pied Piper? Really? Come on! I know I am one hot shot investigator. But I think even I am too late for that one."
His soppy grin and jolly quip relieved the tension in the room. David set his worries aside. Colby was fine.
TBC