The total grimness of Halfway House stood deep gripped in its own solitude that cold winters night, for the only company it had was the ancient post-mill half a mile away whose top sails were always visible,and the deep set wooded area at its back.
To its front the cobbled courtyard with its double gate of cruel metal spikes had been left wide open and fixed solid now as if welded to that very spot just short of the rustic looking high wall.The deep running groves that lay below the snow that had fallen fresh upon that day were of two black iced half circles perfectly made by that forced iron swing of those heavy gates.The snow had wrapped eiderdown tight snug everywhere that night , and as the horse drawn cab turned into this sugary sight that sparkled like a millions stars,Mr Glad Grind,disgruntled paid the Cabby while a muttering ice cold words."I suppose a tip,you`ll be wanting then upon this feastive night?"__ " Well it`s near enough the season of goodwill Sir,so a little gratuity would be extremely most welcome." ___" It would would it? Here`s Half a Crown,and you may keep the change."___ " Thank you kindly Sir every little helps and Twopence is no mean thing to be sniffed at especially on such a cold night as this." Glad Grind raised his silver handled walking cane up in salute of good bye,as he climbed the slippery five front steps leading to his most impressive front door. " Good Night Sir." the Cabby said as the reactivated horse turned to trot out of such a sad looking icey place.Glad Grind,said nothing more,but raised his walking cane once more.
A LITTLE LATER
"It was good." He thought as he sat beside the cold open fireplace that sure sucked up every single piece of draft there was as if it were a real black hole,for not a single ember glowed of heat and such ashes as these were,they were the end result of the day be-fores roaring fire.
It was nearing 10.30pm and with well spent money laying in others pockets he was sure the key of success was well assured and that he would have that certain something in his breast pocket soon.He smiled at the sight of remembering how Charley Spotit looked so tall a sitting sat on that iron legged chair in The White Rabbit ,Public House. Was Glad Grinds, plans put forward to two bully boys to gain the Journal Mr Spotit was sitting on? Or was it perhaps something else? But What?
