Head down, he was lost in thought. Fitz, the ugly little Fitz, had proved himself caring and brave. But what of Will himself? What was he? A liar and a thief, no good to anyone. He could do nothing for Samuel and the Duchess. Couldn't save Nell. When Grace was menaced by the young louts, he stood aside and apart. He wished to do so no longer and thought and thought about what he could do now. Will returned at last to the wagon. "So, Sparrow, you have flown back to the nest. I should flog you away from here—it would be just as you deserve,” said Master Tidball, watching the boy come, but he did not raise a hand. Will stood and scratched his nose and waited. "I cannot rely on even one of you,” Tidball went on. "Why, fairgoers have been in and out of the booth with no one watching. Any of them could have walked off with my treasures.” Aye, anyone who wanted a one-eyed pig or a pickled lizard, thought Will. Not likely. "I was distracted by the fair,” he said, "and the hours passed.
