Abby Ch. 07

Abby was happy to let him have the Journal, if he could decipher the codes and oblique references, then he would be doing her a favour. "Of course, I'll let you have a complete list of the code names."

Abby interrupted him. "Just tell me one for the moment, what was a Siphon?"

He smiled. "It was a ventilated truck for milk churns."

Abby pushed her luck a little. "I understand that the Drivers used two types of whistle, a Pop and a Crow. I know they used the Pop when starting a train, but what was a Crow?"

Mr. Brasher nodded. "A Crow was a long whistle, at least three seconds. It was used to alert Signalmen usually, that they should set the road for a siding, or that a locomotive was coming off-shed. Sometimes if there were more than one siding that could be used, multiple Crows would be sounded to indicate which siding the train was to enter. There was a strict code for the number of course; otherwise all sorts of confusion could be had." He smiled as he remembered something. "At Weston Super Mare there were three sidings a train could enter. One was called Rookery siding, and there was a sign up for enginemen before they reached the signal box. 'Three Crows for Rookery! They were always amused by that." Abby thanked him for his help.

Mr Brasher had more to say. "If it would be convenient for you I shall be happy to meet you here again next Monday, I'll let you have the Journal back, and will probably be able to set out the daily working of the station. It will give you more ideas about your grandfather's daily routine." Abby didn't want to hang around in London for a week, with little to do, and explained that she would be going down to Combe Lyney within the next two days.

Mr. Brasher was unconcerned. "That will be no problem; I will send the Journal and my summary to you down there, if you would give me the address. Don't worry; it will be safe with me. I shall keep it very securely, I promise." That settled her mind, she would phone Mary today, and see if she had a room for her.

Mary was delighted to hear from Abby. "Abby, we will be so happy to see you back here, Sam has been most miserable, without you to talk with. Don't worry about anything; your room is ready for you." Abby was surprised and comforted that the news of her impending return could cheer Mary up so much.

"I shall be down tomorrow afternoon."

With that settled, the business of packing now occupied her mind. She had not bothered to take too many clothes when she went down before, as she knew that it would be for a few days only. Now it could be for a few months. She would have to return to London, now and again, but hopefully not often, until she had decided on the future for herself. Abby was thankful that she lived in a Flat, she had an efficient security system installed as a consequence of her irregular working hours, so that now all she needed to do was turn off the electricity and water. Her post was delivered to a box downstairs in the Lobby, and a note to the porter would ensure that it was forwarded. That done, she could set off with an untroubled conscience.

To be continued