The sight was too much for Micky’s sense of chivalry.
‘I’ll teach you to cheek my sister!’ he shouted, flinging down his bag of nuts and rushing at Diamond Jubilee with doubled fists. ‘You little beast, you!’
Now Diamond Jubilee, though older and a trifle taller than Micky, was in nothing like as good form. Moreover, his recent visit to the apple-orchard had been a bad preparation for a stand-up fight; so in another minute he was lying on his back in the dusty road, while Micky was seated firmly aside his prostrate body.
‘No, I shan’t get up till you’ve apologised,’ said Micky sternly.
‘Ow! You’re hurting me!’ squealed Diamond Jubilee.
‘Micky, do get up,’ said Emmeline. ‘You may really hurt him.’
‘Don’t care if I do. Shan’t get up till he’s apologised,’ said Micky.
‘I’m sure he’s very sorry, aren’t you, Diamond Jubilee!’ said Emmeline.
‘Ow!’ squealed Diamond Jubilee again.