'No, I won't,' muttered Harry, struggling to free himself. His arms were held as in a vice.
'Are you going to apologise for having hit a lady?' reiterated Marjorie.
'No,' replied Harry, trying desperately to free himself, and becoming aware that the other boys were nearing the door of the hut.
The struggle was prolonged for a minute or two, and then, just as the boys, to Harry's unspeakable confusion, were on the point of coming in, Marjorie slowly relaxed her hold and let him go.
Harry left the cottage, followed by Gerald, and seated himself on the turf dyke with his chin resting on his hands. For a long time he gazed blankly in front of him, and neither boy spoke.
At last Harry began, 'I say, Gerald, do you think they saw?'
'Yes,' answered Gerald; 'I'm afraid they did.'
Harry dropped his chin on his hands again and reflected.
'Do you think it was because of that that they didn't come in at first?' he queried after awhile.
'I think so,' said Gerald; 'they didn't want to have to interfere.'