"'Girls, you shouldn't be talking to a stranger,' I say. This is one thing I do know about children ...

"The man spreads his arms defencelessly. 'Sorry. You're quite right.'

"'I know,' I say. I take the girls by the hand, tuck Rosie's coat under my elbow and march them to the door.

"'Kitty,' wails Emily. 'He was nice.'

"'You don't know that,' I say. Just before going through the door, I look back and he is standing watching us, not annoyed, a pleasant smile on his face. It's true, he does look nice. But you can't take chances on people. It's safer to assume they're hostile." - Clare Morrall, Astonishing Splashes of Colour