Stubby nodded. And then the oddest thing happened. From a brown paper bag he produced what I thought at first was a home-made scrapbook. And then, as he held it up, I realised that it was my book, The Ugly Dragon.

‘Do you recognise this?’

I wanted to grab it from his grubby hands. ‘Please give it back. It’s private, and very precious. They’re stories I wrote for my brother.’

‘That much is obvious. But I am intrigued. Why this obsession with a crocodile and a lake?’

‘It’s just a local legend. A bit of fun. That’s all.’ I sounded defensive, despite my best efforts to speak in a neutral tone.

‘But this notion of evil that the dragon goes on about . . .? The, erm, black serpent?’ He opened the book and began to read. ‘Men who feel weak or inadequate feel they have to prove themselves somehow, trying to get power over others and bullying people who can’t fight back. And then there is a reference to Mr Eli Chadwick. That doesn’t sound like a “bit of fun”, Miss Goddard. Would you like to tell me about Eli Chadwick? He lives in a shepherd’s hut in the woods, I understand?’

‘Not any more. He’s been evicted. And the hut’s been burned down.’

He looked up. ‘Are you suggesting he burned it?’

‘No, he’d never destroy his own hut. It was his home. It might have been lightning, but that seems a bit unlikely, since it’s surrounded by tall trees.’

‘I sense, from your tone, that you are concerned for Mr Chadwick, Miss Goddard?’

‘I am. He’s a lovely old man who wouldn’t hurt a fly, but some people seem determined to force him out.’

‘Some people?’ He fixed me with a piercing look.

‘That is a private book, and a private matter,’ I said, annoyed now. What on earth did any of this have to do with finding Jimmy? ‘Now can I have it back, please? It is very precious to me and my brother.’

‘Of course you may,’ he said, putting it back into the paper bag. ‘I will return it just as soon as we are finished with it.’

When they’d finally gone, Pa and I compared notes.

‘They made me feel like a criminal.’

‘Me too. People have been talking about me, Molly. Saying I’ve been acting oddly, saying they’ve seen me out at all times of the day and night. It’s horrible.’

‘But the police have to ask questions. They’re only doing their job,’ I said. ‘What are they going to do next?’

‘More search parties, interviewing other people – Mr Blackman, I understand. I hope to God he doesn’t tell them about the money. And Eli, I think.’

‘If they can find him.’

‘They seemed particularly keen, so I expect they will.’

‘Keen? What on earth has Eli got to do with anything?’