‘What about competition?’ ‘Competition?’ ‘From other foragers.’ He shook his red locks; his hair was long but well combed. ‘It’s a lonely part, this. I don’t get many visitors. Those that come are welcome to...

He pointed to the gun. ‘That thing loaded?’ ‘Both barrels.’ ‘All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Matthew 26: 52. You feel like some food, a drink maybe, before you go...

They climbed the long slope towards the dark barren horizon in the east. Where the cranes and chimneys of Portsmouth had been there was nothing but the same grey waste. From time to time there...

It was wiser, Matthew decided, not to risk the Southampton gangs. He thought of going north at first, until the better idea occurred to him of heading south-east, towards the coast. By following the line...

I had the insane idea that there might still be strength and goodness – in a man, between man and woman. It was my illusion, and not your fault.’ ‘I don’t think it is an...

‘No one is coming to save us. That’s something that has to be understood. No aeroplanes dropping out of the sky with cargo. No great ships steaming in with meat and grain and bananas and...

He told her briefly about the break-up of his marriage and how he had left London for the island. She listened, and said: ‘You’re very lucky, aren’t you?’ ‘Lucky?’ ‘You were already in retreat from...

‘So what does one do?’ Lawrence asked. He looked at April in helpless appeal. ‘What do you think?’ She did not answer him but went over to Charley. She put her hand out, and he...

The bullock had gone through into the next field, and by the time they reached the gap there was no sign of it. But the trail was not difficult to follow – great splashes of...

They found the bullock in the fourth field. It was grazing near a corner that was enclosed on either side by metal fencing with a wood beyond; as good a position, Matthew thought, as one...