‘Ever so much nastier,’ Mr Darling said bravely, ‘and I would take it now as an example to you, Michael, if I hadn’t lost the bottle.’

He had not exactly lost it; he had climbed in the dead of night to the top of the wardrobe and hidden it there. What he did not know was that the faithful Liza had found it, and put it back on his wash-stand.

‘I know where it is, father,’ Wendy cried, always glad to be of service. ‘I’ll bring it,’ and she was off before he could stop her. Immediately his spirits sank in the strangest way.

‘John,’ he said, shuddering, ‘it’s most beastly stuff. It’s that nasty, sticky, sweet kind.’

‘It will soon be over, father,’ John said cheerily, and then in rushed Wendy with the medicine in a glass.

‘I have been as quick as I could,’ she panted.

‘You have been wonderfully quick,’ her father retorted, with a vindictive politeness that was quite thrown away upon her. ‘Michael first,’ he said doggedly.

‘Father first,’ said Michael, who was of a suspicious nature.

‘I shall be sick, you know,’ Mr Darling said threateningly.

‘Come on, father,’ said John.

‘Hold your tongue, John,’ his father rapped out.

Wendy was quite puzzled. ‘I thought you took it quite easily, father.’

‘That is not the point,’ he retorted. ‘The point is, that there is more in my glass than in Michael’s spoon.’ His proud heart was nearly bursting. ‘And it isn’t fair; I would say it though it were with my last breath; it isn’t fair.’

‘Father, I am waiting,’ said Michael coldly.

‘It’s all very well to say you are waiting; so am I waiting.’

‘Father’s a cowardy custard.’

‘So are you a cowardy custard.’

‘I’m not frightened.’

‘Neither am I frightened.’

‘Well, then, take it.’

‘Well, then, you take it.’

Wendy had a splendid idea. ‘Why not both take it at the same time?’

‘Certainly,’ said Mr Darling. ‘Are you ready, Michael?’

Wendy gave the words, one, two, three, and Michael took his medicine, but Mr Darling slipped his behind his back.

There was a yell of rage from Michael, and ‘O father!’ Wendy exclaimed.