Golden Hand Log Book
Golden Hand Log Book
A small leather-bound notebook, wrapped in stained oilcloth. Its cover bears no title. Inside, cramped entries in Hendrick's hand alternate between abbreviated crew lists, supply tallies, and short instructions. A hand curved around a coiled serpent appears beside several authorizations.
Discovery: Recovered from the hidden compartment in Hendrick's office. This is the concealed notebook described in Hidden Compartment — Golden Hand Log Book, separate from his ordinary camp ledger.
Selected Entries
Restricted crews. “Lower Works rotation approved. Keep the names on the ordinary wage roll. Separate duty list retained here.”
Night detail. “Additional meals authorized for the late crew. No corresponding increase to the gate watch. Work to continue after the surface shifts finish.”
Special deliveries. “Lamp oil, picks, wedges, drainage materials, and short timber sets received. Carry the charges under stabilization and maintenance. Lower Works issues entered separately.”
Hauling equipment. “Chain fittings and pulley repairs approved. Check hoist maintenance against the restricted work tally before closing the account.”
Payment authorization. “Supplier names differ. Match the authorization marks and payment instructions before releasing funds.” Beside this entry is the hand-and-serpent mark.
Orders from the Hand. “Restricted assignments remain under my authorization. No visitors or ordinary crews below the bluff without clearance. Refer questions concerning special deliveries to me.”
What the Records Establish
- Hendrick's involvement: He knowingly directed the restricted crews, authorized their supplies, and disguised the operation's costs within the logging business.
- The Lower Works: A concealed operation associated with work below the river bluff was supported by regular shifts, specialized equipment, and structural timber.
- The Golden Hand: References to orders from the Hand and matching hand-and-serpent authorizations connect the private records to the financial network behind the unusual purchases.
- Corroborating evidence: The crew assignments and supply categories can be compared with the public ledger, cookhouse counts, storehouse stock, smithy repairs, and carpentry batches.
Unanswered questions: The entries do not identify the ultimate financier, explain the project's final objective, give directions to the surviving entrance, or describe how Hendrick became infected.
Value: Evidence rather than ordinary merchandise. The notebook can be carried back to Karland or compared with other records in Macridi. No sale price is assigned.