And then we got posted to Hong Kong. And Hong Kong was really short of... well, actually, it was short of British to run the place and so, for a brief while, possibly for not more than a month, I became head of the Hong Kong Telephone Exchange, which was not as enjoyable as it had been when I had been running the barn in Sumatra. But, it was something, and on at least two occasions, we drove out in trucks with staves to beat up crooks who were trying to cut the telephone lines to Stanley at the other side of the island, because they could get a lot of money for the cable. So, yes – we found them one night and gave them a few bashes, and off they went. So…

But also, we were more peaceful. We went swimming in Big Wave Bay it was called... beautiful.

These days, of course, Hong Kong and Singapore have become so much bigger and so much over-built. I wouldn't think they're quite as nice as they were then. They were lovely then; Hong Kong was delightful. And, yes, we drove all over the place – no-one shot at us. I can't think of anything against the place, really, except that we were stuck there and by this time, I think we thought it was time we went home.

And so, eventually, a ship called... what was it called? I can't remember what it was called at the moment, but I think I will remember it. It came near the docks, and we were taken by rowing boat or motor boat out to the ship. And I knew this meant that I had to cease to be a kind of brigand, I would have to cultivate myself. And so I bought... what did I buy? The great sea-faring epic from Greek times. What am I talking about?

[Q] The Odyssey.

The Odyssey! Yes, I bought a copy of The Odyssey to read. And so there I sat on the deck as the waves foamed by, reading The Odyssey. And, eventually, we got back to England, with the results that I have already given you.