I let Daphne and Bronwen explain as I sipped some tea.
Mister Brown had listened attentively, yet seemed not to grasp the serious nature of the situation.
'The only things taken were some recipes, which were returned almost as soon as the break in was discovered?'
'They are very special recipes.'
'And you drew a knife on me. I could have been hurt.' he said, turning to me.
'No, Mister Brown, you could have been killed. It is many years now since I learned Human anatomy, but I have not forgotten it.'
'But why do you carry a knife here?'
'Do you imagine that we allow our students to work on meats from who knows where?' Daphne said sternly. 'All the poultry, rabbits, fresh water fish are from our own resources, and the larger animals are farmed locally.'
'And you?' he enquired, doubtfully.
'And I.' I nodded. 'Then I know it is done properly.'
Bronwen sighed and put down her cup. 'It was my fault for dozing off - I am getting rather doddery now. It will soon be time to find someone younger.'
'Oh don't say that, we had enough trouble when Lizzy decided to retire. Finding someone suitable is so difficult.'
I could see that Mister Brown was not up to speed yet.
'Its the effect of the foods which we teach the gels how to make.' I declared.
'Oh?'
'You see - powerful men have their pick of women, they are notoriously fickle, so we give our gels what could be thought of as an unfair advantage. The dishes they learn to prepare here contain herbs and spices, and particular ingredients, which keep the men coming back to them for more.'
'They are addictive.'
'Not exactly. They are aphrodisiac.'
To our surprise Mister Brown burst out laughing.
Bronwen sighed.
'Still so young.' she said, and smiled at the thought.

'But surely - it isn't - well - I'm sorry but it isn't very important - surely?'
'It is a matter of national security. Well - not just for us, for our alies too. We are a very cosmopolitan organisation. Thank goodness the recipe for the Strawberry Wobbler was not taken.'
Mister Brown snorted, and then quivered with bairly controlled mirth.
'This is serious, Mister Brown!' I snapped.

Bronwen looked up with a furrowed brow.
'Some people, you know, are alergic to strawberries. I had a friend who was. It was rather startling - anything with the least bit of strawberry in would make her turn bright pink, all over.'