About this story
His will leaves you the estate and one instruction: burn that portrait and a mouldy manuscript before either is read. Old Biddy Brannigan tells you what she knows of the Traveller's legend while you open the drawer instead. At midnight the manuscript names him, and the next page has been torn away.
How it opens
Your uncle's summons drew you from Trinity College to the decaying house on which your prospects depended.
Barefoot BoyThe gate has one hinge, sir, and needs two people whenever pride will not lift it.
You entered through mud, nettles, and the visible results of a lifetime spent refusing repairs.
HousekeeperMaster John, he has asked for you twice and cursed everyone who answered instead.
HousekeeperHalf this kitchen calls him recovering and the other half has begun mourning.
Village DoctorHis body fails naturally; the terror troubling him has no medicine I can prescribe.