"There, go along with you," he said, laughing and rumpling the boy's golden curls; "and don't you make yourself such a little nuisance."
The little beggar brightened up as he noted the altered tone, and Granny appeared perceptibly relieved.
"Uncle Godfrey, do you know what?" he asked with a loud sniff and half a sob. "What do you think?"
"What?" asked his uncle with some amusement.
"I'm going to be a soldier like you very soon," he said, nodding his head.
"Well, you'll have to learn to be a little more obedient," his uncle remarked with a laugh. "I'd soon find myself in a pretty position if I disobeyed orders as you do. Be off, you young rascal, and look smart. There is Briggs waiting for you by the door.
"What made him think of that jingle?" he continued, still laughing, to Granny when Chris had gone. "It was a funny thing for a little chap of his age."
"The darling has quite a turn for poetry; he has indeed," explained Granny with pride. "He takes the greatest delight in repeating his little poems, such as: 'I love little Pussy, her coat is so warm,' and 'Mary had a little lamb'. And the child says them so sweetly, so prettily too!"