band; while
the thought of having a dog along with them seemed almost too good to
be true. It would be much more interesting, having a dog with them.
He could not know, of course, what exciting events lay in wait for him,
and it seemed to him that having the dog might be the most wonderful
part of the entire journey.

He was just thinking that the band was now large enough, even if no
other children appeared to go with them, when something occurred to mar
his perfect happiness.

Tom had been walking ahead, because he knew the path better; and all of
a sudden some one caught step with him and began to talk to him.

It was Mr. Literal; and the little old man was smiling in a very
hypocritical manner and rubbing his hands together.

"Just a word of caution," said Mr. Literal, by way of beginning.

Everychild knew it was going to be something disagreeable, but he only
said, "What is it?"

"That fellow who calls himself your friend----"

"You mean the giant," said Everychild.

"He's a bad lot. Better keep an eye on him."

Everychild stared at the path before him.

"I'll tell you a little something about him--then you'll know whether
I'm right or not. Did he ever tell you where his home is?"

"No," said Everychild, very uncomfortably.

"Of course not. Well, he was driven away from his home, years ago.
He'd not dare to go back."

"Why?" asked Everychild.

"For telling lies. Every word he speaks is false. He doesn't know how
to tell the truth. His own mother doesn't know him any more. That's
how bad he is."

"He seems a very pleasant boy," said Everychild.

"There you are! Of course. It's easy to have a name for being
pleasant if you're willing to say the first thing that comes to hand."

"But wouldn't you find people out if they did that?" asked Everychild.

"Of course!"

"Well, when I find the giant out I'll remember what you've said."

He was glad that the path broadened into a road just then. He ran
forward a few steps and walked by the side of Tom. He didn't want to
hear anything more against the giant. In truth, it had begun to seem
to him the best thing of all, having the giant as a companion. He even
hoped that after a time the Masked Lady would take some other road and
leave them. It was rather uncomfortable, her happening to be places
when you were not thinking about her. And if she were to go away there
would be an end to Mr. Literal too. They both might be all right in
thei