“You didn’t. You were fast asleep and snoring all the time, ’cos I prodded you——”
“I weren’t asleep any more’n you were, Chick Nobody. I was just a-making believe to see what would be done.”
“You lie, Ruddy from Nowhere,” replied Chick. “And if you don’t take back that name you called me I’ll lick you.”
“You can’t, nobody’s chicken, and you know it. I downed you only yesterday in the garden, and——”
“I’ll show you how you downed me!” cried the redoubtable Chick, catching hold of Ruddy.
“Stop, boys!” said Joe. “There is nothing to quarrel over. I wouldn’t be so foolish.”
“He don’t sass me,” muttered Chick, giving Ruddy a push that sent him reeling backward.
By this time the latter’s anger was raised, and springing to his feet he rushed upon the other, when the twain closed in a furious struggle for the mastery. In vain the older members of the group tried to part them.
“Oh, dearie me!” cried Aunt Vinnie, “them boys will be the death and destruction of me. Here, Chick! here, Ruddy! do stop that fighting. Oh, luddy! they’ll pull their lights and livers right out’n their bodies. I’m thankful thet I was never a boy!”
Joe was about to interpose again, when she discovered some one coming up the road at a run.