“Father’s orders were that you should use the glass and I was to take the messages.”

“Yes, I know,” cried Ned irritably, “but who’s to use a glass with a fly in his eye?”

“Lie down and turn over. I’ll take it out with a bit of grass,” said Chris gruffly.

“No, no, catch hold of the glass and don’t waste time. I shall be able to rub it out directly.”

“Better let me wipe it out gently with the strand of grass. I shan’t hurt you.”

“Yes, you will. Eye’s such a tender part. I know; I’ll pull the lid up and look at the sun. Then it’ll water horribly, and wash the fly away.”

“No, it won’t,” said Chris.

“What!—How do you know?”

“Because it isn’t a fly.”

“What!” cried Ned, whose cheeks were scarlet, as much as could be seen for one hand held over the closed eye.