The Devil's Garden

In a sleepy English village, the day begins with the familiar clatter of stamps and the steady rhythm of the post office. William Dale, the sturdy and respected postmaster, takes pride in his position, watching the mist‑shrouded fields and the bustle of the Roebuck Inn from his doorway. The quiet routine is shattered when a sealed envelope, addressed to himself, lands on his desk, its contents promising to upend his orderly world.

The letter informs Dale that he is being temporarily suspended, and that an inspector from London will arrive by train to take over. Suddenly his confidence wavers, and the once‑predictable streets feel charged with an uneasy anticipation. As Dale grapples with the sudden loss of authority, the story hints at hidden motives and the fragile balance between personal ambition and the expectations of a close‑knit community.