“She got her geography and history mixed,” said Ruth, smiling.
“That was Sadie Goronofsky’s half-sister, Becky,” explained Dot. “She isn’t very bright.”
“You bet she isn’t bright!” snorted Sammy Pinkney. “Her pop’s got a little tailor shop with another man down on Meadow Street, and they are always fighting.”
“Who are always fighting?” asked Neale quizzically. “Becky and her father or Becky and her father’s partner?”
“Smartie! Becky’s pop and the other man,” answered Sammy. “And their landlord was putting in a new store-front, and Becky’s father put out a sign telling folks they were still working—you know. Becky said it read: ‘Business going on during altercations,’ instead of ‘alterations.’ And ‘altercations’ means fights,” concluded the wise Sammy.
“Just see,” remarked Ruth quietly, “how satisfied you children should be that you know so much more than your little mates. You so frequently bring home tales about them.”
“Aw, now, Ruth,” mumbled Sammy, who was bright enough to note her characteristic criticism.
“I would try,” the oldest Kenway said admonishingly, “to bring home only the pleasant stories about my little school friends.”
“Oh! I know a nice story about Allie Newman’s little brother,” declared Dot eagerly.
“That little terror!” murmured Agnes.