“Oh, it’s Cousin Ronald or Max, and we needn’t be a bit afraid,” they said.
But at that the voice spoke again:
“I a relation of yours? Think I’d own any o’ you for relations o’ mine?”
“Yes, I do think so,” replied Ned stoutly. “I know you’re either Cousin Ronald or Brother Max, and whichever you are I’m not a bit afraid of you, because you’re both as good and kind as ever you can be.”
“That’s the way to talk,” replied the voice. “You are a pretty good boy, I perceive. So go on with your play, and if you don’t make a racket here and hurt my head I’ll not interfere with you.”
“Where is your head, cousin or brother, whichever you are?” asked Ned.
“On my shoulders, saucebox,” was the reply.
At that all the children laughed.
“That’s funny,” said Ned. “Mine is at the top of my neck.”