The Case Of The Bog Bodies, Robert F. Clifton [best novels of all time txt] 📗

me.”

“I shall.”

When Alistar arrived at the Rose Bog dig site he noticed Inspector Godwin standing and talking with two uniformed police officers. Godwin turned and when seeing the Criminologist said, “Ah, Doctor Basham. Your wife said that I might expect you.”

“Good afternoon Inspector. I trust that you have observed the new findings.”

“Yes I have. Also photographs have been taken.”

“Would you mind if I took a look at them before you remove them?,” Alistair asked.

“Not at all sir. They are over there under a canvas,” said Godwin.

Basham walked to where a white, canvas tarpaulin lay covering approximately one square yard of green grass. He knelt down and lifted the cover. As e did he began to see the orange-brown remains of what appeared to be the bog bodies of two infants. They appeared as flat objects having no skeletal frame.

He carefully examined the throat area of the bodies. On one he found the remains of a blue ribbon. The other body was found without anything around it's throat. Alistair slowly got up from the kneeling position and once steady on his feet said to Godwin.

“As like before one body is without a throat ribbon and one has a ribbon. Fortunately this ribbon found today is almost intact.

I suggest you send it in as evidence and attempt to find a manufacturer once it is identified.”

“I will of course,” said Godwin.

“While we are at it. The results of carbon dating shows that the infants were placed in this bog between nineteen forty and nineteen forty five. That of course means that you now have a rather old cold case homicide on your hands Inspector,” said Basham.

“Just what I needed. What I need is more information on the carbon dating for my report,” said Godwin.

“In that case I suggest that you speak with my wife. Carbon dating is in her realm, not mine. Joyce Dear, Inspector Godwin needs some information,” said Alistair.

Joyce Basham removed the rubber gloves she had been wearing and slowly walked to where the two men stood. “You have questions Inspector?”, she asked.

“Yes. I need a brief explanation on how carbon dating allowed you to determine when the bodies were placed here in the bog,” said Godwin.

“I see. Well to answer your question a sample of the peat that was found surrounding the infant bodies was sent to our university laboratory. There using carbon dating three major components of peat were examined. These components consist of

humic acid, humins and fulvic acid. Of these humins give the most reliable date.”

“Excuse me, but what is a humin?” the Inspector asked.

“A humin is a class of organic compounds that are insoluble in water in all pH's.” They are insoluble in alkali and are less likely to contain contaminants from the samples environment,” Actually, Radiocarbon dating is a method used to determine the age of an object containing organic material by using the properties of radiocarbon fourteen C, a radioactive isotope of carbon,” Joyce explained.

“If you say so,” said Godwin with a smile.

“I suggest that you request a copy of the university's carbon dating report,” said Basham.”

“I agree,” Godwin replied.

“Especially since we are shutting down this dig,” Joyce added.

“Why?, asked the Inspector.

“Finances. The constant interruptions are cost effective. We are running out of money. The university has to pay salaries, room and board for the student project workers and other things. There is a possibility that we may return next year or two and take up where we leave off,” Joyce explained.

“And that means that you are leaving,” said Godwin to

Alistair.

“ I'm afraid so old boy. However. Here is my card and home telephone number. I'll also give you my mobile number. Call me if you need anything or have questions. At the same time feel free to contact me with any new results,” said Basham.

“I don't know where to continue sir.”

“Start with the small, little things. They often lead one to large pieces of information or evidence. You have the sample of the silk ribbon. Start there.”

“I will sir. Thank you for your help. I appreciate it,” said Godwin.

“Don't mention it. Think positive and you'll be fine,” Alistair answered as he shook the Inspectors hand.

Turning to Joyce he said, “Well my dear it appears our time here is over. I'll meet you back at the hotel. There we'll pack up, check out and start the drive back to Harrow.”

“Not quite love. I'm still part of this project. I will pack and check out but will travel with the university group. That way I get paid for the day you see,” she replied.

“Of course, of course,” he responded.

“And make sure that you pay the hotel bill. I can't expect the university to pay for your stay,” said Joyce.

“What the bloody hell? You ask me to come up here merely to answer a few questions which I did. This trip took me away from my garden chores where in all probability a lack of rain or water has terminated the growth of many of my vegetable plants. Now. I'm supposed to pay for my inconvenience.”

“Yes and there was no inconvenience. I saw the look in your eye and the happy expression on your face as you spoke with Inspector Godwin. You were involved, involved in a mystery, a crime, one you have a deep seated desire to solve. I know you Alistair Basham and there will be no rest in you until this case of the bog babies is concluded to your satisfaction,” Joyce retorted.

One half hour later Basham began the seventy five mile drive back to Harrow. As he drove the Bentley his thoughts went back to the discoveries at Rose Bog. “ Babies, dead babies placed in the bog during the nineteen forties. Those were the war years.

Is it possible that I'm wrong? Did these infants die during the blitz? Were the bodies placed in the bog as a necessity to dispose of the dead killed in the bombings? Were the ribbons used to distinguish the sex of the child, a blue ribbon for males red or pink for females? Yet, no red or pink ribbons have been found. Questions, many questions.”

As Alistair approached the outskirts of Colchester he once again concentrated on the road and his driving. Once again he saw the farm fields, hedges, trees, cows and sheep. “Bloody boring if you ask me,” he thought.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Four

Blue Ribbon

 

By ten thirty AM on the morning of Wednesday,

July 8, 1959 the fog was almost gone, dissipating as the sun cast it's heat warming the air. Alistair stood by the front room window looking at the sky and hoping against a rainy day.

Turning to Joyce he said, “ If this incessant rain continues the garden will go all to pot. The root vegetables will be nothing but root rot.”

“You act like you're a visitor to England Alistair. Actually it has only rained in the past two days. Personally, I find the weather ideal. It has been seventy two degrees during the day and in the fifties at night. Mind you a bit chilly, but no need to light the furnace. I get by with a blanket while in bed,”

Joyce replied.

“A blanket and the warmth from my body I'd say,” Basham added.

“Not too much heat comes from a bag of bones love,” Joyce retorted.

Their conversation was interrupted by the ringing telephone. Alistair lifted the receiver from the living room extension. “Hello?”, he said.

“Doctor Basham? This is Inspector Alfred Godwin.

How are you sir?”

“Ah, Inspector what a surprise. As to how I am I was just complaining about the weather to my wife. Now, I know you're not interested in my complaints so what can I do for you?”

“ Actually as I recall you told me to call if there was anything new on the bog babies matter,” said Godwin.

“Yes, of course. Do you have news?”

“Yes, with reference to the blue silk ribbon found on the bodies,” the Inspector related.

“Ah. And?”

“That particular ribbon was manufactured at the Osaka Spinning Factory in Japan in 1938. It was then exported to England in the same year. After reviewing a list of British stores and shops that purchased the ribbon for sale I found one store in close proximity to Hesterton. It's called Ashtons located on Lever Street in Manchester.”

“Excellent old chap. I assume you went there,” said Basham.

“Yes. It was my hope that Ashton kept records of sales and in particular who their customers were. They do. However, when I asked for information for the years 1938 to 1939 I was told that those customer journals were destroyed during a bombing of Manchester on December 23-24, 1940.”

“Ah, a pity. Nonetheless you tried.” said Alistair.

“Wait. I'm not finished. I was told that a former employee who worked at the store as the shipping clerk might have information if he can remember who he shipped fabric to in the surrounding area.”

“And have you located him?”

“No sir not yet. I did contact the Manchester Police and asked for their assistance in attempting to locate the man. He is known as Charles Henry Fields,” said Godwin.

“Anything else Inspector?”

“No sir. Not at the moment.”

“I see. Please keep in touch.”

“I will sir. I will.”

“Who was on the telephone dear,” asked Joyce.

“Inspector Godwin. He was updating me on his investigation.”

“I found him to be a nice chap,” Joyce replied.

“Yes, I agree. Unfortunately he is facing a difficult case without any actual experience in investigating homicides. In a way I feel sorry for him,” said Basham.

“ He did ask for your help Alistair.”

“Yes and I intend to give it to him. Just beware that it means maybe many trips back to Hesterton. That means you being alone here,” Basham advised.

“Actually if and when you are there I shall take the opportunity to revisit Rose Bog,” Joyce replied.

“What on earth for may I ask?”

“ I still believe that there are relic remains from at least the iron age. Hopefully one might salvage something from there that might offset the university's expenses occurred while we were there originally.”

“I don't know love. That would mean that you would be out on the bog alone.”

“I'll be fine.”

“You're sure?”

“Positively.”

“Good. Actually I can't get this matter out of my mind. The mere presence of the bog babies is enough to create questions. The evidence of deliberate infanticide raises not only questions but concern,” said Alistair.

“Concern?”, she asked.

“Yes dear. Concern that whoever killed those babies might still be doing it. They have to be stopped and or punished.”

“Punishment is not your forte.”

“True but I must admit there are times when I wish

I could play the part of the executioner. However, I shall do my part and attempt to create a portrait of the killer or killers. After that I'll leave it up to the lads in the police departments to make an arrest. Then, punishment will be handed out by the courts,” Alistair related.

“As it should be. As it should be dear,” Joyce replied.

*************************************

During the last week of July Alistair drove himself and his wife the seventy five miles from Harrow to Hesterton. For the most part the weather was ideal with only occasional brief showers now and then. Arriving in town they checked into the Bridgeport Inn and were welcomed as returning guests.

“Welcome back sir. You would be glad to know that the same room you were in during your last stay is available.

Nothing has changed,” said the desk clerk.

“One thing has changed my good man, the price,” said Basham.

“ You are now being charged summer rates. Your last visit was in the Spring,” replied the clerk.

“It appears then that I'd be better off staying here in the winter,” Alistair retorted.

“Come dear. I want to go to the room and freshen up.

While I do take a look at the menu in the room. You might find something that suits your fancy,” said Joyce.

“If you say so love. Bloody blighter should be arrested as a highwayman taking advantage of guests raising the room rates according to season,” Basham complained as they walked towards the staircase.

“It not that much of an increase,”