Gertrude gasped.
"Did you climb up that pole and put our flag on the beam?"
"Answer her, please," commanded Ethel.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Why?"
"Because—because—Ach, leave me go!"
The great low-ceiled locker-room was growing dim. Sarah tried to jerk away. This time it was not embarrassment but terror which gave her strength.
"You haven't any business to talk to me like this. I did it because I didn't want to see you drill under that other flag. I hate that other flag. And I hate—" Sarah took a deep breath. Her heart felt like a hard lump in her breast. There was a red flaming light before her eyes,—"I hate you!"