Never since the day when the two ships, which the people of this ancient town sent fully equipped to help in the siege of Calais in Edward III.’s reign, came safely back was there such rejoicing, so the old ‘granfer men’ said.
Every vessel in the harbour hoisted its flag in honour of the children’s return and the overcoming of that wicked old witch.
The boy, when Betty told how she had got her wings that enabled her to fly up the witch’s stairs, was made much of by the people of Padstow Town, and the friends of those seven little maids almost fought who should have him for their own.
How it was settled there is no need to tell, save only that he lived on Padstow quay, and that he and Betty were always friends and loved each other dearly; and when they grew up they married, and were as happy as the summer is long.
[1] Bread and cream sprinkled with treacle.
[2] Legs.
[3] A pasty made of herbs.
[4] Scratch.
[5] Weasel.