When he got back to his apartment, he set the bag on the table and examined it. It really was in a dreadful state. The leather had hardened, and here and there it had cracked. He daren't try to open it in case he made it even worse. Giving it a reassuring pat, he went across to the wardrobe and got out the dubbin he used for his walking boots. He spent the next two hours patiently rubbing it into the bag, paying particular attention to the damaged areas.

It looked better, he ...