Lord Fauntleroy is missing Part 3

When he recovered, Arthur realised he had only one chance left to escape from this ridiculous nightmare. Traditionally he was entitled to make one ‘phone call.

The next day when the constable rolled into his cell bringing his breakfast, he made his demand. All modern ‘phones had a built in directory and Arthur chose a local firm of human solicitors to come and visit him.

The young chap who came in that evening was quite excited at the prospect of working on a murder case. But once Arthur had described the circumstances, he roared with laughter.

“The legal machines are normally very accurate,” he explained, “but in this case are obviously incapable of determining between fact and fiction. Don’t worry we can appeal to a human judge who has the authority to override the machinery and I’ll have you out of here in no time.”

As with all lawyers, there was a delay of several days before he obtained the necessary papers, but he turned up on 3rd Nov with some good news for Arthur.

“I’m sorry to have been so long, but the papers have just been emailed to the judge and your release should follow quickly. You’re down to be executed on the 5th Nov. Rather appropriate really, but no ‘probs’, you’ll be free to enjoy the fireworks!”

He was only partially correct. The judge had already left the building, when the papers arrived in his ‘In’ tray’ But he’d thought of everything and left a notice on his computer.

‘I’m off for a week’s holiday with my family. Any queries in the meantime can be sent to Mr Justice Pringle in whom I have every confidence.’