The Muddling Case of the Missed Meal (Part the First)
(Being the official report of Deputy-Shirriff Lancogard North-took, on assignment to the Hobbiton Watch, with his Notes attached)
THE SHIRRIFF-HOUSE, HOBBITON, Westfarthing in the Shire, on this the 23rd day of Wedmath:
CASE STATUS: Open
On the Twenty-third of Wedmath, being just after Second Breakfast but before Elevenses, Esilia Took of Tuckborough approached the Shirriff-house with a missing persons complaint regarding the whereabouts of one Gerebert Took, also of Tuckborough. Gerebert was last known to be at his place of residence in Tuckborough as of the morning of the twenty-second; Gerebert had an appointment for supper at Esilia’s home that day but failed to appear. Deputy-Shirriff North-took was detailed to call at the residence and determine the state of things.
Upon arrival, the house appeared deserted with no one answering the door despite repeated knocks, and the front door was discovered to be unlocked. Upon entry, it was plain the hole had been vacant for some time, with furniture covered in cobwebs and dust and mice infesting many of the rooms. Upon closer inspection, a journal was discovered in the parlor off the master bedroom, which was seized as evidence.
(NOTE: I returned with the journal to Esilia Took’s home in Tuckborough, where she verified it was indeed written in Gerebert’s hand, but the last dated entry was Wedmath 17, six days prior. That started the investigation as an official Missing Persons Report.)
The last entry in the journal spoke of being dared by one Peregrin Took of Great Smials, Tuckborough, to hide in the wagon of one Longo Burrow, which was bearing a consignment of pipe-weed via the Stock Road for deliveries to Woodhall and points east. An interview with the said Longo turned up no clues, despite being deceived into running errands for him.
(NOTE: recommendation for charges being brought against Longo Burrow for Impeding a Deputy-Shirriff in the Performance of Official Duties)
Upon returning to Tuckborough and calling on Esilia Took, she provided a possible interview source, namely her relations Alda and Rollo Boffin of Woodhall. Master Boffin deals with the transfer of dry goods through Woodhall, and if the pipe-weed consignment came to his possession, useful information may be forthcoming.
Deputy-Shirriff North-took returned to Hobbiton late on the 23rd to file this report; further intention is to set out at first light on the 24th for Woodhall to interview Master Boffin regarding the case.
