‘Yester night I think you are the prettiest girl I ever saw, but you tell me you’re a boy. Today I discover you can’t read, but you have the memory of a great scholar. I like people that surprise me. Too many people prove to be exactly what I think they are.’ Black Jack’s voice lowers with the last words and a darkness flitters into his eyes.

It's an expression John hasn’t yet seen on the redhead’s face. He wishes he’d lived a life which had taught him what to do when a happy friend suddenly doesn’t look happy any more.

‘I don’t know what is surprising about me, but I’ll try my best to find out so I can always surprise you and you always like me.’ The words rush out before John knows what he’s saying. His cheeks warm at speaking such foolishness aloud.

But Black Jack is grinning again. He links his arms through John and speaks in his merry voice. ‘What were we speaking of?

John considers reciting more of the magical words he overheard on his journey. Magic must be used extremely carefully though. Instead, he simply says, ‘I need to get a trade. It was you who said my coin wasn’t enough, so I need to earn money.’

‘Aye. That’s correct. I am helping you. I’m taking you to St Paul’s. If we can’t find something for you there, we’ll find nothing for you nowhere. And if that happens to be the case, which I am sure it won’t, but if by some chance of Fortune 'tis like that, do not fret, there are other options for you to earn plenty of coin.’

Even as he allows Black Jack to lead him on, John looks back over his shoulder.

The hobgoblin bobs up and down in the same place for a moment, stamping its foot, before shaking its head, back flipping through the air, and landing weightless on top of John’s cap.

John murmurs a very soft thank you, not sure whether he’s thanking the hobgoblin or Jack, or even what he’s thanking them for.

Then he squares his shoulders and tries to walk with the confidence of his companion; tries to look like someone capable and employable.

He would have been fine on his own. Probably. But it can’t be a bad thing to have someone who knows London so well by his side. Hopefully.