They read tomorrow’s news in today’s paper. Mrs Pike saw it before anyone else, of course. She rushed down the back alley, still in her apron, and into the Davidson’s at number 20.

“Look!” she cried, breathless, “this evening! Best make ready.”

Mrs Davidson snatched the paper. “BLITZ GOES ON ALL NIGHT” proclaimed the headline. She scanned rapidly below until she came upon it. So it was true.

“Goodness!” she said with alacrity, then called upstairs, “Tommy! Best find you father – it’s tonight. The whole row!”

A clatter of feet, and Tommy appeared. “Smashing!” he told his mother eagerly.

“Oh, what will become of us?” wailed Mrs Pike, as ever enjoying the melodrama.

“Smashed – like beetles! Neeeoooowww, boom!” Tommy yelled with delight.

“Tut tut, Tommy” reproved Mrs Davidson, “I’d thank you to mind your manners.”

Mr Pike appeared in the doorway. “Now, now – what’s all this Maud?” he asked his wife briskly. Mrs Pike showed him the paper.

“Well I never!” he said. “Tonight it is. Shall it be during ITMA?”