Search for the Sunlight
Chapter 13

Tea was finished now. The Constable stood up and put his helmet on, taking great care to line the badge up with the end of his nose, then, adjusting his braces for comfort, he cleared his throat and began to speak.

“Look, I’ll get straight to the point,” he said, addressing Basil. “In view of the information you have given me, concerning the missing sunlight and the mystery surrounding your grandfather, I have decided to overlook a few misdemeanours if, in turn, you will allow me to join you on your journey?” With that, he stood to attention and looked down from under his helmet at each of the travellers, eagerly awaiting their response. The officer was surely psychic, for only moments ago this very option had crossed Basil’s mind as well.

“It would be a pleasure!” He blurted out, before properly consulting the brothers on their opinion. Suffice to say, neither took offence. The wood policeman’s offer was beyond their wildest expectations and it was agreed, unanimously, that the benefits of his expertise in the art of ordinance survey and outward bound survival techniques, would be of great benefit to them on their quest.

Chuffed to bits with his new appointment, Sherlock saluted then, turning military style on his right heel, he vanished into thin air.

As he disappeared from view, out the corner of his eye, Harry caught a glimpse of something shiny. He turned towards his brother.

“Did you see that?” he enthused, but before Herbert had time to answer, in a clattering of chrome buckles, handcuffs and other miscellaneous wood police regalia, the officer reappeared clutching a large grey lapsack. This time he made certain that all three witnessed his illusion.

“Howzat?” he said, sporting the cheekiest of grins whilst winking casually at his bamboozled audience. Constable Sherlock B. Treewood was ready for business…