Page:Rewards and Fairies (Kipling, 1910).djvu/39

Rh "but I do think you might look after the Boy more closely."

‘"I’ve kept him away from Cold Iron these sixteen years," I said. "You know as well as I do, the first time he touches Cold Iron, he’ll find his own fortune, in spite of everything you intend for him. You owe me something for that."

‘Sir Huon, having been a man, was going to allow me the right of it; but the Lady Esclairmonde, being the Mother of all Mothers, overpersuaded him.

‘"We’re very grateful," Sir Huon said, "but we think that just for the present, you are about too much with him on the Hill."

‘"Though you have said it," I said, "I will give you a second chance." I did not like being called to account for my doings on my own Hill. I wouldn’t have stood it even that far except I loved the Boy.

‘"No! No!" says the Lady Esclairmonde. "He’s never any trouble when he’s left to me and himself. It’s your fault."

‘"You have said it," I answered. "Hear me! From now on till the Boy has found his fortune, whatever that may be, I vow to you all on my Hill, by Oak, and Ash, and Thorn, and by the Hammer of Asa Thor"’ — again Puck made that curious double-cut in the air — ‘"that you may leave me out of all your counts and reckonings." Then I went out,’ — he snapped his fingers — ‘like the puff of a candle, and though they called and cried, they made nothing by