Then he got to his toys.
That afternoon Sir Tancred made a search, and discovered a staircase
leading up to the roof. It was somewhat besprent with blacks; but
there the child could take an airing, unterrified, in a solitude _a
trois_, and in a very fresh air, when a south or west wind blew.
By the afternoon of the next day he had grown used to Sir Tancred, and,
when he was tired of his silent play with his toys, would sit on his
knee in perfect content. The skin of his face was almost white; now
only his knees were really grimy.
On the evening of the fourth day, as he was having his supper, eating
it with much less of the ravenous fervour of a wolf in winter-time, Sir
Tancred distinctly saw him smile; it was very faint, but it was an
undoubted smile.
Three mornings later Sir Tancred was lying awake, when his door was
pushed wider open, and Tinker stole in:
"Hallo, Tinker! Come here! You'll catch cold! What are you looking
for?" said Sir Tancred.
"Gee-gee," said Tinker.
"Come here, and get warm."
After a little thought Tinker accepted the invitation, and Sir Tancred
lifted him into bed. He huddled up to Sir Tancred, and presently found
that his unshaven chin was rough, and stroked it with some wonder.
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