"I don't know. I don't like girls."
"I like them at times, in their places. You must wrestle bravely, you're so strong in the shoulder and long in the arm!"
"You're not so big, but you look strong yourself."
Each measured the other with his eyes. Friendship was already here. It was as though hand had fitted into glove.
"What is your dog named?"
"Hector."
"Mine's Bran. You come to Glenfernie to-morrow and I'll show you a place that's all mine. It's the room in the old keep. I've books there and apples and nuts and curiosities. There's a big fireplace, and my father's let me build a furnace besides, and I've kettles and crucibles and pans and vials—"
"What for?"
Alexander paused and gazed at Ian, then gave into his keeping the great secret. "Alchemy. I'm trying to change lead into gold."
Ian thrilled. "I'll come! I'll ride over. I've a beautiful mare."