“I don’t care! Get me down, for Pete’s sake!” retorted Patricia wildly.
With their united efforts, the two girls succeeded in dragging Patricia safely to the ground, minus the moss, and with several long scratches on her arms.
“Where’s the moss?” demanded Ruth in surprise.
“All over Professor Yates!” gasped Patricia, hysterically.
“What?” cried Ruth, while Jane looked as if she feared Patricia had lost her mind.
“He’s in that shed!”
“You’re crazy!” retorted Jane, feeling her pulse.
“Honest to goodness! Cross my heart!”
At that moment, the object of their discussion strolled around the corner of the shed. He had brushed himself off, and now looked as calm and neat as if he were in his classroom. His gaze traveled coldly from one to another, then, looking directly at Patricia, he drawled: “To what am I indebted for this most unconventional call?”
“To your demand for specimens of moss today ‘without fail,’” quoted Jane glibly.