I think that is what they call it when you visit more than one pub in a day! Yesterday (Saturday) I decided I needed to walk. It was not a very nice day, but I’m heartily sick of sitting in an office and walking has always helped me to think so I didn’t let the rain put me off.

I wanted to see whether I could hear any of the rumours Susan had said were going around about the witch at the Harbour, and I thought perhaps the pub might be a useful start.

I went to the Cock and Hen first. It was full of men and I felt a bit uncomfortable on my own, but I found a stool at the bar and got myself a half of bitter shandy. It was Daniel who taught me to ask for that all those years ago and I really think of it as a summer drink, but I don’t much like beer undiluted.

At first I thought I was wasting my time, but then I did overhear a conversation that might have been referring to the Harbour and some kind of action to be taken against us.

I didn’t stay very long. It was still raining when I left but I decided not to take the bus. I wanted to walk and think about what I had heard. Then, when I reached the Wheatsheaf, I decided to go in there too. It would be my local if I had one.

Everyone seemed to stare at me when I went in, I suppose because most of the people knew each other. It was a bit embarrassing really, but I found a corner to hide in. It had a very different feel to the Cock and Hen, people were playing darts and couples and mixed groups were enjoying the warmth – much more of a neighbourhood pub I suppose.

I went to the toilet before leaving and a woman I had met before was in there. She remembered me and that I came from the Harbour. One thing she told me was quite disturbing. Apparently a neighbour of hers has a bedroom that overlooks the grounds and she has seen people appearing and disappearing. She easily could have and if she didn’t understand it would be very confusing. No wonder people are afraid of us.