Harry had laughed, but now he was looking worried. ‘Well, you can’t stay here after tonight,’ he went on. ‘So what plans do you have for the holiday, eh? Because if you’ve none, I’ve got a suggestion to make. I’ve a friend what’s a major in the Sally Army. If I have a word with him, he’ll see you right for a couple of nights and you’ll get a grand Christmas dinner, ’cos they do that for everyone. What do you say I give him a shout?’

Mo gave a happy little squeak, and looked hopefully to her brother for his approval. ‘Can we, Jimmy?’ she asked wistfully. ‘I feel safe as houses when I’s cuddled up in our box under Mr Theaker’s stall, but I won’t go back to number four, ’cos that Cyril means to kill us, and Aunt Huxtable wants to hang me from the yard arm.’

Jimmy turned to Mr Theaker. ‘It’s hard to explain, Mr Theaker, ’cos we don’t really know ourselves why Cyril keeps threatenin’ to strangle the pair of us. But he’s awful big and awful cruel, so we’re keepin’ clear until his ship sails.’

Harry nodded his understanding, but then had to get up from his perch on the row of orange boxes which marked the back of his stall to serve a customer. Before he returned Jimmy took Mo’s small hand in his and squeezed it encouragingly. ‘I know Mr Theaker’s our pal and wouldn’t do nothin’ to hurt us,’ he whispered. ‘But we don’t know this ’ere major, and he might not understand that there’s evil men – and women too – who hurt kids. He might want to take us back to number four and tell Cyril and Aunt Huxtable off for the way they behave. Even if he keeps us by him until after the holiday, we have to face the fact that no one ain’t goin’ to stick with us for ever. So just you keep your gob shut, young Mo, and mebbe we’ll stay safe until Cyril’s ship sails.’

He had barely finished his warning when Harry wrapped the garment the customer had chosen, took the money and returned to their side. ‘Well?’ he said. ‘Have you made up your mind to trust Major Williams? I swear you’ll never regret it. He’s a good man – your mam thought he was one of the best, and you know me; I wouldn’t let harm come to Grace’s kids, not if it were ever so. So when trading’s over for the day you can come with me and take a look at him. The army band and choir will be holding a service in the Salvation Hall. No charge, just donations in the box. Will you give it a go?’

Jimmy grinned. ‘Tell you what, Mr Theaker, that major of yours ain’t the only good man around here,’ he said. ‘And if we goes to this concert and feels we’ll be safe with the major, then we’ll pay our way; or we will if you’ll keep an eye on Mo for me while I go cuttin’ holly to sell round the streets.’