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left.
    On his way out, Captain Russell stopped and asked Alf, ‘Is there anything I can do for you?’
    ‘You’ve already given me news of my son, and that’s all I needed. Just look after him for me.’
    ‘It will be my pleasure.’ The captain turned to Steve Cooper. ‘May I have a word with you outside?’
    Steve nodded and followed him out.
    ‘Do you agree with the idea of your daughter training to become a nurse when she’s old enough?’
    ‘She’s ideally suited to the profession, but as she said, she’s not sure that’s what she wants to do.’
    ‘Hmm.’ The captain looked thoughtful. ‘I’d like to help her. Would you object if I tried to find her a suitable position somewhere? But it would almost certainly mean she would have to leave home.’
    ‘We only want what’s best for our children, Captain Russell, and we’d be grateful if you could do something for her. She hasn’t got much chance around here.’
    He nodded. ‘Leave it with me and I’ll see what I can do. No promises, though.’
    ‘Understood. It was good of you to come and let us know Bob’s all right. It will help his father.’
    ‘I wish his son could see him now, but I fear that if he ever finds out I’ve been here he will never forgive me. If there is anything I can ever do for Mr Hunter will you let me know?’
    ‘He’s doing well now. But thanks. We keep an eye on him.’
    ‘Of course.’ The captain watched as a man walked by on crutches, and then he looked at Steve. ‘There’s still so much suffering from that bloody war. It makes a man feel helpless. What on earth can those of us who escaped relatively unscathed do?’
    ‘If we can help just one man – one family – then we are doing something,’ Steve said quietly.
    ‘You’re right, of course. It’s been a pleasure meeting you and your family, Mr Cooper.’ Captain Russell shook hands with him, and then walked up the road.
    ‘What did he want to talk to you about?’ Daisy asked as soon as her husband came in the scullery.
    ‘He was asking about Ruth.’ Steve smiled at his daughter. ‘He said he’d try to get you a good position somewhere. It would be worth considering, Ruthie, because he’s a wealthy man with good connections. He said he’d try – no promises though.’
    Ruth smiled and nodded. ‘I expect he’ll forget all about it when he gets home, but I like him, he’s a real gent.’
    ‘I pegged him for an officer as soon as saw him,’ Alf said. ‘Bob’s done well to get in with him. It’s taken a load off my mind, I can tell you.’
    They all agreed with that, and the kettle went on again to make a celebratory cup of tea.

Nine
    ‘Are you and Midnight friends yet?’
    Bob glanced round, and then winked at Lilly who was standing next to her father. ‘We tolerate each other.’
    ‘Good enough. Saddle him up and come with us this morning.’
    After standing the broom against the stable wall and dusting off his hands, Bob gave a soft whistle. Midnight answered and stamped his feet impatiently. ‘He gets excited when he thinks he might have a chance to throw me off.’
    Captain Russell’s laugh was infectious. ‘Better not keep him waiting then. Sounds as if he’s about to break down the door.’
    ‘Sir.’ Bob strode over to the stall and disappeared inside.
    ‘Does he need any help?’ the captain asked Jim.
    ‘No, they’ll fight and struggle with each other, but Bob usually wins.’
    ‘Usually?’ he asked as a commotion broke out in the stall. ‘I’d put my money on Midnight.’
    Jim grinned and nodded. ‘I think that animal actually likes him, but can’t resist trying to make things difficult for him. No wonder we got that animal at a reasonable price; no one else wanted him.’
    ‘Pack it up!’ Bob’s voice rose above the racket. ‘We’re going for a ride whether you like it or not. It’s no good you complaining.’
    Then there was another sound, and Lilly tipped her head to one side, listening. ‘What’s he