had just lifted his hand with a flourish, after putting a period after
something he had written. It was he who was speaking.

"It's all very well," said Mr. Literal to the Masked Lady, "for him to
be making friends with that giant," and he nodded his head toward
Everychild and his companion, "but just the same, I could wish to see
him in better company. Look at the giant's eyes. Visionary eyes.
Very little precise thinking going on back of a pair of eyes like that!"

The Masked Lady replied quietly: "It's only little creatures who
consider precision the first of all merits. Let them alone."

Everychild's attention was attracted then by Jack, whose manner had
suddenly changed and who now approached the giant with a mysterious
smile on his lips.

"You know," said Jack, "I was only joking awhile ago when I spoke
roughly to you."

"Ah, it's all right then," replied the giant in a tone of relief.

"Yes, I was only joking. Just my way of getting acquainted." And he
continued to smile.

Presently he added meditatively. "A big chap like you--it must be
wonderful to be as strong as you are. The way you ought to be able to
handle a sword--I suppose you carry a sword, of course?"

"Nothing like it!" replied the giant.