About to attempt another joke, I saw sense in time. I wanted to ask Alexander about witches. I thought it best not to. 'I'm sorry, Alexander. I meant no offence.'
'Oh, it's all right.' Although Alexander attempted to bounce back immediately, his smile was crooked. 'You didn't offend me. You never offend me.'
'Not by intent, anyway,' I said. Alexander was like a puppy, I thought, all bright eyes and wagging tail, always wishing to be friendly.
'You can talk about witches if it pleases you,' Alexander said.
It did please me, of course. 'Only if you are sure.' I wanted to see why the subject vexed Alexander. 'If you don't wish to, then, why, we shall not.'
Alexander was silent for a long time. The only sound in that cave was our breathing.
'Who did you know that was a witch?' I asked th
