A stranger at the door

A STRANGER AT THE DOOR
Sheila and Charles went into the small café . There was a young girl behind the counter. Sheila went up to her . “ Has a young man been in here this morning?” asked Sheila.
Asoldier? Asked the young girl.
NO, not a soldier – A student, replied Sheila. We see a lot of soldiers here, said the girl. But no students.
Charles asked for two coffees. He sat down with Sheilaat a table near the window.
“Paul´s forgotten about our visit “ he said. We´ll have a coffe. Then we´ll walk to Hilltop Cottage.
They sat at the table and looked out of the window. Somesoldiers were loading bags into the lorry. Other soldiers were standing on guard.
The girl brought the coffees.
“What´s in those bags? Charles asked her. “I don´t know “ said the girl. And she walkedaway.
They are probably banknotes” said Charles, after some years, the government destroys old banknotes and new money is printed. The money in those bags will not used anymore.
Charles and Sheilawaited in the café. Paul did not come. It was now after two o clock. They left the café and walked to a crossroads. Charles looked at Paul´s maps. Sheila pointed to a signpost . That´s the roadsto Barconney “ she said.
They pulled their rucksacks onto their shoulders and walked along the road. It was a very hot day. The son was shinning brightly and they walked slowly .
After an hourthey came to a telephone box. On the left , there was a narrow lane into the woods
The telephone box is on Paul´s map said, Charles, This is the way to the cottage.
They walked farther up the steep,, dark lane . I don´t like this place, said Charles. It´s too dark .
What a place for a holiday . Oh, come on, said Sheila.
Sheila and Charles arrived at the cottage . there were high trees allaround it.
There´s something wrong, said Charles. Look at the curtains’ . They are all closed. There is no one here .
Don´t be silly said Sheila.
She went up to the cottage and knocked loudly on...