Witta called it the Wise Iron , because it showed him his way across the unknowable seas . ' Again Sir Richard looked keenly at the children . ` How think ye ? Was it sorcery ? ' ` Was it anything like this ? ' Dan fished out his old brass pocket-compass , that generally lived with his knife and key-ring . ` The glass has got cracked , but the needle waggles all right , sir . ' The knight drew a long breath of wonder . ` Yes , yes ! The Wise Iron shook and swung in just this fashion . Now it is still . Now it points to the South . ' ` North , ' said Dan . ` Nay , South ! There is the South , ' said Sir Richard . Then they both laughed , for naturally when one end of a straight compass-needle points to the North , the other must point to the South . ` Té , ' said Sir Richard , clicking his tongue . ` There can be no sorcery if a child carries it . Wherefore does it point South -- or North ? ' ` Father says that nobody knows , ' said Una .
Sir XXXXX looked relieved .
Dan Father Richard South Té Una Witta key-ring pocket-compass right