"You needn't believe it, son, if you don't want to," he said.

"But it's true all the same.

That's why I gave you that licking, see?
Just to emphasize the difference between us." "It isn't true!" Toby asserted again almost fiercely.

"I'd kill anyone else that said so." "Oh, you needn't do that!" said Saltash, with kindly derision.

"Thanks all the same, my turkey-cock! If I ever need your protection I'll be sure to ask for it." He flicked the young face with his finger.