John had got used to living in his little cottage down the lane. He had taken on the look of a country recluse: long hair and a bushy beard, cord trousers and an old tweed jacket. In the seven years since he had lost his job and most of his money he had had time to reflect on his bad behaviour. It was one thing to take risks with his own investments, and he had made a lot of money by what was in effect gambling. But it was another matter, as a financial adviser, to advise his clients to…