"Boys don't cry."
"When nobody sees them they does."
Edmund considered.
"I take care of myself," he said. "It's only babies who believe in angels taking care of them."
"You don't read your Bible," said Dreamikins. "Peter had a angel to get him out of prison, and heaps of grown-up people had them. If you don't say good-night to Er, I shan't ask you to tea and to come and see Fibo and me."
Edmund squared his shoulders.
"All right; I don't care," he said.
"Come along, Miss Emmeline," called Annette.
Then Dreamikins sidled up to him.
"Dear Robber Rogue, just whisper it very low. Er is close to your shoulder now. He does want you and me to be frens."