They had been standing in the narrow corridor which went from back to front of the terraced house, but now the woman gave a squeak and broke into a trot. ‘Follow me,’ she called over her shoulder. ‘My soup! Oh, lor’, if it boils over I’ll be in the soup.’ She gave what seemed to Jimmy a most uncharacteristic giggle. ‘My story isn’t as exciting as yours – if your story is exciting, that is – but I’m sure it’s every bit as peculiar. My landlady, having been invited this morning to go away for Christmas, locked the kitchen door to prevent my using her precious “amenities”, as she calls them, and left me two buckets of water which she said should last me until she returns. I suppose I could go next door if I need more than she’s left me, but it has rather complicated my life . . .’

As she uttered the last words she pushed open her door and with a cry snatched a small saucepan off the Primus stove which was standing in the hearth, then fanned her face in mock relief, for despite her fears the soup had only just begun to come to the boil. ‘Pass me a couple of mugs, and then sit down,’ she ordered him. You’re a wretched nuisance, but since I saved you from those men I suppose we might as well share the soup while you tell me what it’s all about.’

Jimmy opened his mouth to begin, realising suddenly how very hungry he was and how very good the soup smelled, but even as she handed him a mug an awful thought struck him. ‘Oh, miss, you saved me bacon right enough, but I’m in awful trouble and I don’t know as anyone can help me. You’re right about one thing: I were out scrumpin’ holly. I left me little sister with – with a sort of military person from the Salvation Army, someone she didn’t mind staying with whilst I cut the holly. She’s in their spare room, but oh, miss, I never saw the house or heard what number it was. In fact I can’t even remember the name of the road. And if I don’t join her by ten o’clock she’ll be that worried she might do somethin’ silly. She’s only six, and the man that were chasin’ me is after her as well.’ He jumped to his feet and the soup swirled dangerously in the mug. ‘I’ve gorra go, gorra find her. Where is we now?’

The woman shook her finger reprovingly and pinched the bridge of her nose. ‘Calm down and drink your soup,’ she said. ‘It’s already half past ten, so she’s probably asleep, and I’m sure your pursuer will soon get tired of whatever game he’s playing. If I’m to help you, you must tell me your story right from the beginning. I was going to offer you a bed for the night; in fact I can offer both you and your sister a bed until after the holiday, because the house is empty apart from myself. Mrs Stockyard – she’s my landlady – only has three lodgers, and she didn’t want any of us to stay over Christmas, only I had nowhere else to go, which is why she locked the kitchen door.’ She pulled a face. ‘It’s made my life more difficult, which I imagine was her intention, but I’ll manage.’ She raised her eyebrows at her unexpected guest. ‘And now tell me why that uncouth creature was chasing you. I’m sure if you stop worrying you’ll remember the address of the people who have taken your sister in.’