He was always uncomfortably reminded of how hazardous his own job was. Andrews had courted disaster on more than one occasion but always escaped it. There was a camaraderie among railwaymen that meant a tragedy on one line was mourned by every rival company. There was no gloating. With regard to the LB amp;SCR, Caleb Andrews had even more reason for alarm. He had many friends who worked for the company and feared that one or more of them had been involved.

When they reached the house, they let themselves in. Having met his daughter at the end of his day's shift, Andrews was still in his working clothes. He removed his cap and slumped into a chair.

'I'll make some supper,' offered Madeleine.

'Not for me.'

'You have to eat something, Father. You must be starving.'

'I couldn't touch a thing, Maddy,' he said with a grimace. 'I don't think I'd be able to keep it down. Just leave me be, there's a good girl. I have too many things on my mind.'

It was late evening when Robert Colbeck arrived at the house and he was pleased to see a light in the living room. After paying the cab driver and sending him on his way, he knocked on the door. When it was opened by Madeleine, she let out a spontaneous cry of delight.

'Robert! What are you doing here?'

'At the moment,' he said with a warm smile, 'I'm enjoying that look of surprise on your face.' He gave her a token kiss. 'I'm sorry to turn up on your doorstep so late, Madeleine.'

'You're welcome whatever time you come,' she said, standing back so that he could step into the house. She closed the front door behind him. 'It's lovely to see you so unexpectedly.'

'Good evening, Mr Andrews,' he said, doffing his top hat.

Deep in thought, the engine driver did not even hear him.

'You must excuse Father,' said Madeleine in a whisper. 'He's been upset by news of an accident on the Brighton line. Let's go on through to the kitchen, shall we?'