Peril on the Royal Train Read Online Free PDF Page B

ability, he allowed himself a knowing grin.
    ‘I’ll spread the word, sir,’ he said. ‘That kind of money will loosen a few tongues. We’ll find the bastards who caused all this chaos. You have my word.’
     
     
    It was beautiful countryside and even Victor Leeming was struck by it. After leaving the train at Wamphray station, he and Colbeck had watched the other passengers climbing into a variety of vehicles before setting off on a long curve that would take them past the site of the crash. The detectives, by contrast, were driven directly towards it, travelling through a verdant dale that was ringed with hills. It was a far cry from the narrow streets and abiding stink of London. Shaken out of his apathy, the sergeant forgot all about the discomfort of the long journey.
    ‘I’d love Estelle and the children to see this,’ he declared. ‘The air is so clean and we can see for miles. It’s … well, it’s wonderful.’
    ‘You must bring them here on holiday,’ said Colbeck.
    ‘Ha!’ Leeming’s face crumpled. ‘There’s fat chance of that ever happening.’
    ‘Don’t be too sure, Victor. Railway companies can be very grateful if we solve heinous crimes for them. Look what happened after our success at that other crash. You finished up with tickets to take the family to Brighton.’
    Leeming beamed. ‘That’s true, sir – and we had a grand day at the seaside. The children keep asking when we can go again. Do you really think I’d be able to bring them here one day?’
    ‘It’s not impossible. But,’ said Colbeck, adding a rider, ‘it would, of course, be conditional upon our finding and arresting the culprits behind the disaster. Put any thought of reward out of your mind until then and simply enjoy the scenery.’
    After travelling to Scotland in a first-class carriage, they were now being taken along a winding track in an ancient cart. Seated beside the taciturn driver, they had to hold on tight as the vehicle swayed violently and explored every bump and hollow. In the back of the cart, their luggage bounced all over the place. Colbeck tried to prise some information out of the old man at the reins.
    ‘Have you seen where the accident happened?’ he asked.
    ‘Aye, sir.’
    ‘Is it as bad as everyone says?’
    ‘Aye, sir.’
    ‘Do you live nearby?’
    ‘Aye, sir.’
    ‘And where would that be?’
    ‘Dinwoodie.’
    ‘We came past there in the train,’ recalled Leeming.
    ‘Aye, sir, ye would.’
    ‘What can you tell us about the crash?’ wondered Colbeck.
    ‘Ah’ll no’ speak of it, sir.’
    ‘Why is that?’
    There was no reply. The driver lapsed back into a hurt silence. Colbeck understood. Shocked by what he’d seen, the man was unable to put it into words that would rekindle ugly memories. He was being paid to transport two people to a site further up the line and that’s all he was prepared to do. Conversation was too painful for him. If they wanted a description of the wreckage ahead, his passengers would have to wait until they reached their destination.
    Wamphray had been over thirty miles from Carlisle and it had been reached at a good speed. The pace had now slowed dramatically. It gave Colbeck time to reflect on what might lie in wait for them and it offered Leeming the opportunity to indulge his fantasies about an extended holiday in Annandale with his family. The railway line was never far away from them on the right and, in normal circumstances, it would be singing under the wheels of trains going in both directions. It was deserted now, useless until the track ahead was cleared. They heard the noise of the rescue operation long before they caught sight of it. Smoke from burning debris rose up into the sky and helped to pinpoint the exact spot. As they got closer, raised voices were audible amid the banging and bumping and clang of metal.
    When they finally came round the bend, the driver pulled his horse to a halt.
    ‘Ye’ll have to walk now,’ he said,