"You're thorough," Larrikin observed, and gave her a smile that was almost a beam, but was somehow more genuine and appreciative than usual. "I like that. I bet your boy likes that too. Now, the French bow-line!"

He shook out the wool and showed her another knot. "This is a good one because it's got the extra loop, see? That stops the knot from tightening when it's pulled, so it'll keep your boy right where you want him without the knot doing some damage over time when you're both too busy having fun to watch 'em closely."