51�Թ�

In a flash Basil had lugged a haversack from the undergrowth and was spreading a repast on the grass between them.

Nettle slid the bottle back into his haversack.

Accoutrements included blankets, canteens, haversacks and “possibles” bags.

“I thought we’d use the microscope today,” he said, securing it in its case and nestling it in his haversack.

All it ever did was take up space, dangling uselessly over my shoulder in its haversack like a wingless khaki albatross for the past four years.