It was unusual for him to do so , but Peter spent a restless night , even though he was tired from the heavy work of the day before. Nothing like the letter business had ever happened to him before and he was at a loss as to how to deal with it . He hoped that between them , Jane and Helen could offer some practical advice .

They'll probably either chiack me mercilessly , or just tell me to forget the whole thing , he thought to himself , but there was still a titillating element of conjecture as to who was sending them . He was quite convinced that there were two individuals involved , and if that were the case it could be the start of an elaborate hoax.

Reluctantly he dragged himself out of bed , did his morning ablutions , and taking the tape measure and the rolls of plastic , he set off to get his breakfast at The Wishing Well . The rolls were slippery , and awkward to carry , so he finally finished up clutching them lengthways and vertical against his chest .

He had almost got to Jane's shop , when he saw her hurrying down the street towards him , so he paused outside her door , and waited while she unlocked it, opened it and turned to speak to him .

-- Well , he asked a trifle impatiently , what did you ......

-- Look out ! cried Jane . Behind you!

But her warning came too late . Peter felt a blow behind his knees and went down sprawling , clutching the plastic to himself to break his fall . Standing over him now he could see the bulk of Big Jim , stepping back in order to get a good swing of his foot towards Peter's stomach.

-- See if you can kick me from there , snarled the big man , and dodged easily as Peter did his best to do just that .

Again Big Jim positioned himself to deliver a kick to the stomach or the head , and Peter pulled up the bulk of the rolled plastic to protect himself.

But Jim never got to deliver the kick . Instead , Peter heard a solid thwack , the sound of something smashing , and Big Jim fell across him , almost winding him .

Extricating himself from the big man's bulk and leaping to his feet , Peter was confronted by the sight of Jane looking , as if surprised , at the neck of a clay jug that she was holding , the remainder of which lay in shattered pieces around the prone form of the big man .

-- Oh God , said Jane . I've killed him !

-- Lady , said Peter , you swing a mean jug , but I don't think you could kill this ox with a cricket bat . He's still breathing and he's not even bleeding .

Jane dropped the rest of the jug at her feet .

-- What'll we do now , then ? she quavered .

-- First I am going to give you a big thank you hug ! Then if you get me a bucket of water while I keep an eye on him I'll slosh him awake . I think he's more drunk than harmed .

He hugged Jane with fervour , then as she went to get the water , he rolled the floppy body of the big man , already stirring , onto his back . Moments later Jane appeared with a bucket of water , and Peter slowly and deliberately poured it over the man's head and upper body.

Slowly, Big Jim got to his feet , shook his head like a drenched dog , and staggered away , muttering to himself as he rubbed the back of his head .

-- You want to report this ? asked Peter . Might not be a bad idea . Best get in with the story for the constabulary first . They are going to have to do something about the oaf , even if I don't press charges . If you'll take care of this plastic , I'll do it now before I get my breakfast . I'll bet evens that the constable will be near The Wishing Well anyway.

Still slightly shaken with her own instinctive reaction , Jane agreed . With another quick hug of thanks , Peter headed for the police station.

He found Robert as he thought he might , not far from the cafe , and told him the story . The policeman promised he would get Jane's confirmation , then deal with Big Jim . So Peter hurried back to get his goods , again effusively thanking a now smiling Jane before going off to get his breakfast and to set off for the manor .

-- By the way , he called back as he left , more choc . biscuits for you -- just to keep up your strength -- and let me know the cost of that jug !