David felt a start of surprise as he bent towards the fire and stirred the ashes with a stick. Surely it could only have been lit a short while ago with the embers still warm, a spark of red glowing suddenly and then going out. The fire would not be noticeable from the mainland as it was hidden down in the well of the courtyard.
He knew he couldn't stop to investigate any further but had to go back to his companions. Hastily he tried to find a way out of the courtyard. There was a small door behind him. To his surprise it opened with ease and he entered the dark, dank house beyond. It was one of the simpler types of houses, just one room with a raised dais for a bed at the far end and on the bed a fresh pile of straw. Someone was living here, perhaps still on the island now and watching
