After a quick glance towards Peter , the young policeman angled awkwardly across toward the counter. The young girl had looked up as the bell sounded , and a slightly apprehensive expression had flitted across her face . Apparently not realising that Peter was fully aware of her movements now that he was finishing his breakfast , she motioned to the policemen with a flick of her right hand towards the table , and shook her head slightly.

The policeman nodded as if in full agreement , and then , after a moment's pause , walked slowly over to Peter's table . Standing looking down at the somewhat surprised customer , he leaned slightly forward and said

-- You're not from round here .

Slightly taken aback , Peter indicated his rucksack and said

-- That's fairly obvious. I 'm passing through the area , though I might hang around for a while.

-- Hang around ? There was a slight touch of animosity in the voice .

Not wishing for a confrontation so early in his sojourn , Peter summoned up a smile .

-- Well , I'm hoping to find a place to stay for a while , and I'll be looking for a job around here .

The young man's tense posture relaxed a little .

-- Got anything particular in mind ?

-- Nope , Anything will do . The milkman told me there was a sweets factory that had a few jobs perhaps . Oh , and some of the farmers might hire hands , I'm not fussy . Er , you wouldn't have any idea of a place to stay , would you ? Other than the nick , of course.

He laughed , but the policeman did not join in.

-- Oh, aye , he said . We could accommodate you well enough there , if needs be .

Then he turned suddenly to the girl.

Your Ma and Pa have a spare room , don't they , Jenny ? If this fellow has good credentials , he might be an extra earner for them.

He spoke as if the thought of extra cash might appeal , and indeed as if it would be a good gesture on his part to check Peter out and provide reassurance about that source of income.

-- Well , said Jenny ( ah , thought Peter , Jenny's the name ) , Mum will be in pretty soon and he can ask her .

She smiled a little smile and asked

-- Will I tell her you suggested it ?

-- Er , no . No . You'd best not . I just came in to ....

He paused and looked a bit embarrassed .

-- I think I'd best be getting on .

Then, looking at Peter , he took on an official demeanour .

-- If you'd be so good as to drop by the station if you intend to stay , sir . It isn't compulsory mind you , but we like to know who's intending to stay and who's intending to just hang around.

His voice suggested that it would be a good thing if Peter did so , and Peter obliged cheerily with an acceptance .

-- Righto, he said . Meanwhile -- he let the policeman see the note that he had taken from his wallet -- I'll pay for this , and have another cup of tea while I wait for Jenny's mother . Mrs ...... ? he paused inquiringly .

-- George , replied Jenny . She won't be long .

And with that , the policeman left the cafe with a firm

-- Good morning to you , then ,

while Jenny brought over another cup.

-- He's not really always so grumpy , said Jenny .

-- I think he didn't expect anyone to be here , said Peter , and the girl flushed , turned back to the counter and began rattling dishes .