The Long Walk continued . . .

A smile greeted me at Haven Green, dad was there with a seat in the shade. I told the full story in my simple way.

"Take care of this sixpence, dad."

"My son, I think I have found a place to sleep tonight. I have been checking some stables. Hay and straw are kept above the stables. It is Carter-Paterson Removals, near the theatre."

Most of the time that day was spent around Haven Green.

When we did make for the stables, dad was as bold as brass. I was a little frightened.

We had a good night's sleep buried in the hay and straw. Dad was awake first. With thoughtfulness he whispered

"Keep very quiet, the men are here fetching their horses."

It seemed a long time then there was silence. They had gone. We valeted each other as perfect as possible. Dad said it would not be safe to wash here, "but I know a place".

We left those stables as if we owned them.

As we walked down the mall, dad said, "There is a gents lavatory near Christ Church. We can both get a wash and brush up for one penny each. Make the fullest use of this place. Clean your boots and a good wash and don't hurry."

As we emerged from the lavatory no-one would have known we had slept out. We looked like ordinary folk.

"We will go to Haven Green and discuss our next move, son."

On the way we stopped at a coffee stall and had a good feed. I knew dad had my sixpence but I noticed he had some other silver and copper.

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