Henry said sharply: ‘One thing we’re waiting for is to find that torch you have dropped.’ He swung his head from side to side, scanning the cave floor with the light. ‘One match may make the difference between getting out or being trapped.’

Heather said: ‘It might be under that loose rock.’

‘You two can hunt for it,’ Henry said. ‘I’ve got a spare torch over the other side that you can use. But from now on, we’re practising absolute economy. Turn your pockets out for anything that might be useful.’

They all responded to the command in his voice. Cynthia, rummaging in the pockets of her slacks, reflected that this was a Henry she had never known before; except, by unconfirmed inference, in the photograph of the severe young captain which had stood by her bedside during the war’s latter years.

She said: ‘Handkerchief and compact. Nothing else.’

Albrecht produced a silver cigarette case. ‘With thirteen cigarettes. A lighter. And some money. I suppose the money is useless.’

‘Packet of ten,’ Peter said. ‘And a box of Swan Vestas.’

‘Good,’ Henry said. ‘Heather?’

‘I don’t need to look,’ she said cheerfully. ‘l know I haven’t got anything.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Do you want to search me? I have a husband to give me cigarettes and light them.’