He spoke with a brevity that might have denoted some sternness but for the close grip of his arm.
"Have you been sulking all this time ?" Toby started at his voice and burrowed a little deeper.

"No, sir." "Well, why didn't you come before ?" said Saltash.
"I was--afraid," whispered Toby piteously.
"Afraid! Why on earth ?" Saltash's hand suddenly found and fondled the fair head.

His speech was no longer curt, but gentle, with a half-quizzical tenderness.

"Aren't you rather an ass, boy?
What was there to be afraid of ?" Toby could not tell him.

He only, after a moment, slipped down in a sitting position by Saltash's side and rested with more assurance against the encircling arm.
"Come! I didn't hurt you much," said Saltash.
"No, sir.