Finikin was so hungry after his day’s work that he was glad enough to sit down and eat his supper.
When their meal was over Brownlocks said: “Now, Finikin, we will play some games.”
But Finikin begged leave to go, as it was already late and he was afraid he could not reach home till the night was half spent.
“If you are afraid of being out in the night,” said one of the little friends, “you may stay and sleep in the empty bed of one of our comrades who is absent; and to-morrow, at sunrise, we will go with you a part of the way, and play together as we go along.”
“I must not stay,” said Finikin. “My father is very ill, dear friends, and I hope to reach home before it is too late.”
“You shall do as you like,” said the boys. Then one of them took down from the wall a stick with a nag’s head.
“Take this toy with you,” he said.
It was a very simple toy, but Finikin was delighted with the gift.
“It will carry you six times as fast as a horse, wherever you wish to go,” cried the little boys.
Finikin clapped his hands for joy and said, “May I have a toy for Winikin, my brother?”