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Kempshall took huge gasps, filling his lungs with air. While the lieutenant was recovering, Clark helped the sergeant lift off the cumbersome metal helmet. They were shocked to find Kempshall's hair had turned white while he was underwater, acquiring exactly the same colourless quality as that seen on Ashe's corpse. Did that mean he would suffer the same fate?

What was down in the depths that could cause such a sudden change? What had Kempshall seen to turn his hair white?

Vollmer and the lance corporal exchanged a glance but said nothing for the moment, focusing on getting the naval officer out of his diving suit. When the lieutenant was able to talk, he beckoned Vollmer close to him. 'Not in front of the men, Sergeant. What I have to say is for your ears only, understood?' Vollmer nodded. He had Clark take the men back up to camp on the hillside. It had been a long day and they all needed a meal and some rest.

`How long was I down there?' Kempshall asked when alone with the sergeant.

`Difficult to say, sir. Regrettably, my watch seems to have packed up. But the sun is already setting, so several hours at least'

`Several hours?' The lieutenant was incredulous. He shook his head, not believing what he was hearing. 'Are you quite certain of that?'

`Yes, sir. To be honest, we thought you were probably dead and your body had become caught on a sunken tree branch'

Ì know it took some minutes to reach the bottom of the river, and just as long to haul me back up again but hours... I only visited them for a few moments'

Vollmer's brow furrowed. The lieutenant was not making much sense. 'Visiting them, sir? Who were you visiting?'

Kempshall smiled. 'My parents, I saw my parents. They were waiting for me there, waiting to welcome me'

`To welcome you?'

`Yes, to the Other Side. They were like angels, Vollmer. I don't mean they had wings or anything, but they had such a look of contentment and peace about them. They were just as I remembered them, my father so noble and upright, my mother - so beautiful. They reached out to me, said that they forgave me...' The lieutenant's eyes misted with tears. `You know something, I haven't cried since they died all those years ago.'

When the train reached its destination, Doulton was surprised to discover the Doctor and Lady Nyssa emerging from the goods carriage. 'My goodness, don't tell me you've spent that journey amongst all the cargo!' Doulton said, striding forward to shake the Doctor's hand.

`Not all of it, no. Nyssa and I just wanted to make sure my equipment had made the trip north safe and sound'

The general could not help noticing the new clothes into which the young woman had changed. 'What interesting garments, if you don't mind my saying so'

`Not at all, General - it's traditional clothing for a woman where I come from,' she replied. 'Crinolines and silk gowns may be fitting for the royal court, but I doubt they will be so compatible with our destination'

Doulton was taken aback. He grasped the Doctor by an elbow and led him to one side. 'Am I to understand you intend for the Lady Nyssa to accompany us all the way to where the contingent is camped? I would have thought it more proper for her to take lodgings with a family of good repute nearby, perhaps down river in New Lanark.'

The Doctor smiled benignly. 'Don't worry, General. I would never expose Nyssa to any harm or danger without seeking her approval first. Trust me when I say she is quite capable of taking care of herself in almost any situation. That young lady has a resilience that would do credit to any soldier serving the Empire' The Doctor guided Doulton back towards Nyssa.

`So, how long until we arrive at our destination?'

`Not tonight, I fear,' the General said. 'We should reach Lanark before midnight. My men and I will make camp, while lodgings will be secured at a nearby coaching house for yourself and Lady Nyssa. In the morning we shall press on to complete our journey and make contact with the rest of the troops'

`Your