Mr Cornwell, As I mentioned in an earlier e-mail, I have been re-reading Gallows Thief and was reminded of another of those stories I’ve heard that explain phrases in the English language. The last one I mentioned about General Hooker you put me right on and again I’m not sure about this one though it sounds plausible. Back in the days when hangings took place at Tyburn, prisoners were transported from gaol (Newgate I presume) in two ways. Either a lone prisoner walked or by wagon if there was more than one. On the route was a tavern where the generous landlord would give a lone prisoner a last drink. ‘One for the road’. If however the cart stopped at the tavern the landlord would refuse because ‘They were on the wagon’. True or not it’s a good story and thought I’d share it. Regards as ever, Nigel James.

PS I assume that the riflemen, that saved Sandman’s foraging party in Spain, were Sharpe and Company although you never mentioned them by name. Nigel James