All Henry's friends are busy today doing other things...so he thought he would take Humphrey for a walk. He took Ollie with him as well, as he wanted to tell Ollie all about their new guest who was going to be arriving soon to have a holiday with them.
Ollie listens intently while Henry explains that he must be polite and well behaved when the guest arrives. He tells Ollie that her name is Pinny, and at first Ollie is disappointed, hoping for a boy to play with, he thinks girls don't do 'boy' things. Henry explains that he understands that Pinny might in fact be quite adventurous, and that it is up to them to encourage her to try new things.
As they are walking along, they come across a stranger.
Ollie is a bit unsure at first as he has never met anyone quite like this boy before. He thinks to himself that Rory has similar hair, but well just not same as this lad.
The new boy holds out his hand to shake Henry's.
How do you do? He says to Henry.
Hi, replies Henry. I'm Henry and this is Ollie my little brother. My dog's name is Humphrey. Who are you and where have you come from?
The new boy points vaguely in the direction of all the noisy traffic....I THINK I came along that big motorway road...but I can't be certain as I had to travel incognito in a box!
In a box? Henry exclaims...Wow that must have been some journey. Who are you anyway, and what are you doing here? I'm expecting a guest, but I'm pretty certain you aren't her as I have seen a photo of my guest and you don't look a bit like her!
Oh I am not a guest, the boy replies....I am the new boy!
The new boy? I didn't know we were getting any new family members, we have just had to say goodbye to a whole lot. This is QUITE unexpected for sure. Henry is quite startled and confused.
Well apparently your Mum was able to allow a new member of the family to move in, and well she saw me and how could she deny me a new home? After all I am quite posh! The boy tells Henry quite smugly.
Henry looks a bit uncertain....
But being the kind hearted boy he is, he welcomes him warmly and suggests that they go for a walk together to get to know each other better.
So what is your name? Henry asks as they are walking along.
I'm Francis Fearless, the boy replies...
Francis FEARLESS? Henry asks with a slight raise of his eyebrows....
Yes that is correct replies Francis...I'm FEARLESS because I had to wait patiently for nearly a year for a home, and then I bravely hopped in the box without a second thought...so I must be FEARLESS! The boy tells Henry and Ollie, with only the logic a young boy can have...
Well I think we will just call you Francis, Henry replies.
