‘Good morning, Harry,’ said Giles, appearing impressively unfazed by his young neighbour’s attire. ‘How can we help you?’ He put down the plastic crate of shoes he was holding and straightened up as much as was possible in the cramped interior of the van.

‘Your door is open,’ said Harry, pointing to his right.

‘Yes, that’s because Edie and I are moving all her belongings into the house today,’ said Giles. ‘You’ve met Edie before, haven’t you?’ he added, smiling. ‘She’s going to be your new neighbour.’

Harry looked at me and nodded shyly.

‘Hi,’ I said. ‘I like your costume. And your rope. Have you been exercising?’

Harry looked at the skipping rope. ‘It’s the Lasso of Truth. If I put it round you, you have to tell the truth.’

‘How absolutely marvellous,’ said Giles. ‘I think we should all have one of those and wear them constantly. It would remove so much daily confusion and uncertainty.’

Harry looked both confused and uncertain for a moment and then, clearly keen to spare himself any further philosophical ramblings from Giles, he cut to the chase.

‘Can I go in your house and get a biscuit from the jar with a fox on it?’

Giles laughed. ‘Of course. You know where it is; help yourself,’ he said, bending again towards the crate of shoes, before quickly looking up and adding, ‘Oh, but do ask your mother first. We don’t want to upset her.’

Harry looked down, shifting from foot to foot. ‘I’ve asked her,’ he murmured, ‘and she said I could have one. Or five.’

Giles rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ‘Is that right? Well, I suppose it must be, because I’m assuming that it would be impossible for you to tell a lie whilst holding the Lasso of Truth.’

Harry gazed at the skipping rope for a moment, and then reached through the open doors of the van, placing it carefully on the floor. ‘She did say that,’ he said softly.

‘Off you go and fetch a biscuit then,’ said Giles. ‘Just one for now, and then maybe have some more later. Don’t let Anthony out of the utility room though, will you?’

‘No,’ said Harry and, after grabbing his rope, was gone.

I looked at Giles and shook my head.

‘What can I say, Edie?’ he sighed. ‘He’s just too cunning for me.’

I smiled and then pointed at the crate. ‘I’m taking that. You bring the bag of jumpers. I’m worried about all the heavy lifting you’ve done this morning.’