“Hail to ye, Benny,” she said softly.
Ben looked at her vaguely.
“Hail!” he said, and then after a moment added abruptly, “Whosh you?”
Pet shrieked with laughter, and settled herself down beside him.
“Who are you, old one?” she screamed.
Nan went nearer.
“Do you not remember Nan Swayle, Ben?” she said pleadingly.
“Ah, yesh! I remembers Nan Swayle,” said Ben cheerfully.
“That’s her, ducky,” said Pet, her face red with laughter.
Ben leant farther over the side to look at Nan, then he drew himself up and turned to Pet.