Instantly the place became a scene of wild confusion. There was a scramble as boys and girls dived headlong for the piece of silver. Loud cries filled the air.
A little girl raised up with the piece of money clutched tightly in her hand and started to run. But the others were upon her in an instant, and threw her to the ground, striking and clawing as they tried to take the quarter away from her.
Shirley looked at the disorder she had caused in amazement.
“My goodness!” she exclaimed. “I had no idea they were so savage.”
She watched the struggle.
Now a boy had secured the quarter and tried to escape with it. But he fared no better than had the girl, and soon was beneath the pile of struggling bodies. The children fought savagely, biting, screaming, kicking and scratching.
The party from the steamship watched with interest.
“See what you did, Shirley,” cried Mabel. “Just watch them fight.”
“I won’t do it again,” declared Shirley. “Some of them will be badly hurt.”
At this moment a newcomer appeared upon the scene. He walked slowly, and plainly was in no particular hurry. Shirley glanced at him curiously.