“I will not return to the Castle,” said the boy stubbornly, “I will come with you.”
Peregrine fell grave on the instant. He saw not a child travelling by the road he was like to follow.
“Nay,” he responded firmly.
“I must,” choked Pippo.
“Thou wilt return to the Castle,” said Peregrine very levelly.
“Why?” demanded Pippo.
Peregrine smiled. “Firstly, not being my property I cannot carry thee away with me; secondly, my road is not like to be one for a child; thirdly, I wish thee to return, Pippo.”
Pippo’s mouth trembled. “For thirdly I will do your bidding,” he said in a very small voice. “I would not for firstly nor secondly.”
“Good lad,” said Peregrine.
For some moments there was silence. Pippo’s face was quivering; Peregrine’s very set and stern.