"It is war to the knife.

Alan, I hate the idea of it, but perhaps you had better go away.

While you are here they will harass the life out of you." Meanwhile with the aid of a big jack-knife and the dining-room poker, Jeekie had prized off the lid of the box.

Chancing to look round Barbara saw him on his knees muttering something in a strange tongue, and bowing his white head until it touched an object that lay within the box.
"What are you doing, Jeekie ?" she asked.
"Make bow to Little Bonsa, Miss Barbara, tell her how glad I am see her come back from town.

She like feel welcome.