tha' do anythin' extra to make thysel' so strong?'
An' he says 'Well, yes, lad, I did. A strong man
in a show that came to Thwaite once showed me
how to exercise my arms an' legs an' every muscle
in my body.' An' I says, 'Could a delicate chap
make himself stronger with 'em, Bob?' an' he
laughed an' says, 'Art tha' th' delicate chap?' an'
I says, 'No, but I knows a young gentleman that's
gettin' well of a long illness an' I wish I knowed
some o' them tricks to tell him about.' I didn't
say no names an' he didn't ask none. He's
friendly same as I said an' he stood up an' showed
me good-natured like, an' I imitated what he did
till I knowed it by heart."

Colin had been listening excitedly.

"Can you show me?" he cried. "Will you?"

"Aye, to be sure," Dickon answered, getting
up. "But he says tha' mun do 'em gentle at first
an' be careful not to tire thysel'. Rest in between
times an' take deep breaths an' don't overdo."

"I'll be careful," said Colin. "Show me!
Show me! Dickon, you are the most Magic boy
in the world!"

Dickon stood up on the grass and slowly went
through a carefully practical but simple series of
muscle exercises. Colin watched them with widening
eyes. He could do a few while he was sitting
down. Presently he did a few gently while

[[323]]

p322 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p323w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p324

v?