Murder at Hallgarth Mill

mill

Narrator The year is 1830, the eighth of August to be exact. The place is Hallgarth Mill, a cornmill owned by Stephen Oliver and his wife. The other occupants of the mill are two young servants, Mary Ann Westerhope and Thomas Clarke.
When they got up this morning, it seemed like just another ‘run of the mill’ day for the people who live here but believe me when I say that this is a day that will go down in history. 
THOMAS CLARKE enters. 
Narrator Here comes one of the key players now. (THOMAS stops beside the NARRATOR, unaware of his or her presence.) This is Thomas Clarke. He’s nineteen years old. Some describe him as hard working. Others would disagree. You decide for yourself. 
The NARRATOR leaves. MRS OLIVER enters. 
Mrs O Thomas, what are you doing? 
Thomas Nothing.
Mrs O Same as usual. Where’s Mary Ann got to? 
Thomas She's out delivering milk.
Mrs O Still? Well, she’d better hurry back soon. We can’t set off until she’s back. I need to talk to you both.
Thomas What about?
Mrs O About what you should do while we’re away. I don’t want you two thinking you can just muck around.
Thomas Can’t you tell me without her? I am the eldest after all. 
Mrs O No, I can’t. You may be the eldest but you’ve no sense, Thomas Clarke. I need to speak to Mary Ann. Well then? 
Thomas What?
Mrs O Get on with some work. I don't pay you to stand around you know.
Thomas (to himself) You don't pay me much anyway.
Mrs O I heard that. (She leaves.)

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