I spotted it in a junk shop in Bridport a roll-top desk. The man said was early nineteenth century and oak. I had wanted one but they were far too expensive. This one was in a bad condition the roll-top in down one side. It was going for very little money. I thought I could restore it. I paid the man and brought it back to my workroom at the back of the garage. I began work on it in Christmas Eve. I removed the roll-top completely and pulled out the drawers. The veneer had lifted almost everywhere - it looked like water damage to me. Both fire and water had clearly token their toll this desk. The last drawer was end I used brute force. I struck it sharply with the side of my fist and the drawer flew open torevel a shallow space underneath a secret drawer. There was something in there. I reched in and and took out a small black tin box and written on it in shaky handwriting Jim's last letter received January 25 1915 To be be buried with me when the time comes. I knew as I did it that it was wrong open the box but curiosity got the better of my scruples. It usually does. Inside the box there was an envelope. The address dread "Mrs Jim Macpherson, 12 Copper Beeches Bridport Dorset. I took out the letter and unfolded ot. It was written in pencil and dated at the top Dearest Connie, I write to you in a mucjh happier frame of mind because something wonderful has hust happened that I must tell you about at once. We were all standing to in our treches yesterday morning, Christmas morning. It was crisp and quiet all about, as beautiful a morning as I've ever seen, as cold and frosty as a Christmas morning should be.