The Argo Goes West

123, A Visit to Miskatonic University

"Would you like to land there?" asked Clifford Kent, pointing to the green hills west of town. 

"Good," Dorothy nodded, whispering to Pegasus, "Whoa."

The Pegasus slowly began its descent and landed quietly among the thin branches of the trees.

Dorothy found a row of thin slabs of tombstones in a bleak landscape.

"Is this a cemetery?"

"Exactly," Clifford Kent nodded. "It's called Hangman's Hill."

The trees rustled around them and gave Dorothy chills.

"It's a spooky name and a haunted atmosphere," said Dorothy.

"It's really haunted,'' said Clifford Kent with a straight face.

"Don't be joking," Dorothy protested, tearing up.

"I'm sorry, but that's the kind of place people don't go near. It's the perfect place to hide Pegasus."

Pegasus snorted and agreed with him.

They headed west on Church Street. Before long, a majestic group of buildings came into view in the gaps between the rows of trees on the right side.

"Miskatonic University," Clifford Kent told Dorothy.

They entered the university campus. Miskatonic University has a long history, and its buildings vary from Venetian Gothic to Richardsonian Romanesque.

A man in his thirties came out of one of these buildings. Clifford Kent called him out.

"Excuse me, where is the theology department?"

The man was suddenly spoken to, and while blinking his eyes, he pointed to a certain building.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," said the man, and left. He was Nathaniel Wingate Peasley. Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and Economics, Miskatonic University. That year he and his wife Alice had just given birth to their second son, Wingate, and he hurried home.

Building of high Victorian Gothic style which piled up square stone, and roofed with red tile. It was the Miskatonic University School of Theology, where Roderick Jarrod was a professor.

"Clifford Kent and Dorothy Abbott from the Evening Post." They requested an interview with Professor Jarrod at the reception.

"Have you been promised Professor Jarrod?"

"I have not."

"Could you tell me what the interview was about?"

When Clifford Kent saw Dorothy, Dorothy answered on her own.

"As a theologian, I would like to ask Professor Jarrod what he thinks about the recent temperance movement. In particular, I would like to hear his candid opinion about the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. "

"Please wait for a little while."

They were kept waiting for about ten minutes. But the answer was "no".

They left the school in disappointment.

"I'm sorry. It's my fault," Dorothy apologized to Clifford Kent. "I wish I could have come up with a better excuse."

"That was a good excuse," said Clifford Kent to her. "I couldn't think of anything. But you thought and acted quickly. You are wonderful. I don't think that's why I was turned down. Professor Jarrod didn't want to see a newspaper reporter. No, he didn't want to meet anyone. Because he kidnapped Giles, an important person, from a military facility. "

Dorothy felt a little better. She smiled and asked, "What shall we do now?"

"How about we do what Professor Jarrod did to Giles?"

"What do you mean?"

"We're going to sneak into Professor Jarrod's room, and if Giles is there, take him away."

"I wish I could, but can I?"

"Rather than whether we can do it, we have to do it."

Clifford Kent grinned, showing his white teeth.

It was at that time. A pale, bony-faced man with glasses walked briskly toward them.

"Miss Dorothy Abbott?" asked the man.

"Yes," answered Dorothy, puzzled.

"Nice to meet you," the man said, grabbing Dorothy's wrist.

Dorothy was startled and screamed.

"Quiet," the man commanded Dorothy in a hushed voice.

"What are you going to do with her?" asked Clifford Kent.

"I am told to guide you to a certain place."

"Professor Jarrod's orders?"

"No. It's an order from someone higher than him."

"Who is it?"

"You will find out sooner or later. Come on, let's go."