“I saw some little fish, like klinkents of rainbow, and wanted to catch them; then I slipped and soused.” 

 “Well,” I said, “where are you going now?” 

 “With you,” she answered. 

 I offered no resistance. I gave no thought to results, or to what my father would say when this grotesque young figure should break into his presence. Mechanically I started for home and she walked by my side, chatting. Jason strode in our rear, whistling. 

 “What a brute he must be!” she said once, jerking her head backward. 

 “Leave him alone,” I said, “or we shall quarrel. What’s a girl like you to him?” 

 I think she hardly heard me, for the whistle had dropped to a very mellow note. To my surprise I noticed that she was crying. 

 “I thought changelings couldn’t cry?” I said. 

 “I tell you water does not affect me,” she answered, sharply. “What a mean spy you are—for a boy.” 

 I was very angry at that and strode on with black looks, whereupon she edged up to me and said, softly: “Don’t be sore with me, don’t.” 

 I shrugged my shoulders. 

 “Let’s kiss and be friends,” she whispered. 

 For the first time in my life I blushed furiously. 

 “You beast,” I said, “to think that men would kiss!” 

 She gave me a sounding smack on the shoulder and I turned on her furiously. 

 “Oh, yes!” she cried, “hit out at me, do! It’s like you.” 

 “I won’t touch you!” I said. “But I won’t have anything more to do with you,” and I strode on, fuming. She followed after me and presently I heard her crying again. At this my anger evaporated and I turned round once more. 

 “Come on,” I said, “if you want to, and keep a civil tongue in your head.” 

 Presently we were walking together again. 

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