Joey looked up shyly. “You won’t tell?”
“Not if it’s a secret.”
The child opened his palm and disclosed a bright half-crown piece.
“Where on earth did you get that?”
“The soldier gave it to me.”
“The soldier? nonsense! What tale are you making up?”
“Well, he had a red coat, so he must be a soldier. He gave it to me, and told me to be a good boy and run off and play.”
Taffy came to a halt. “Is he here—up at the cottages?”
“How funnily you say that! No, he’s just rode away. I watched him from the light-house windows. He can’t be gone far yet.”
“Look here, Joey—can you run?”