“Please don’t!” begged Beantoe. But no heed was paid to their protests, and into the ditch at the end of the garden they were thrown, from whence they clambered, dripping with slime, and very much chastened in spirit.
“But they certainly did put one over us,” admitted Bill, a little later, as he and his brothers and chums were cleaning themselves off as best they could.
“Yes, and even though we got back at them, it won’t take the molasses out of our clothes,” said Pete ruefully.
“Maybe Mrs. Murdock won’t make a fuss!” observed Bill uneasily, and the housekeeper did, even to the extent of complaining to Mr. Smith.
“Now, boys, this practical joke business has got to stop,” said their father, when he heard the story next morning. “Spoiling your clothes is too much.”
“But, dad,” objected Cap, “it was Beantoe and Spider who worked it on us. We didn’t do it!”
“Well, they wouldn’t have done it if you hadn’t done something to them first.”
“No,” protested Bill, “they were mad because the boat trick didn’t work.”
“And they tried that scheme on you because of what you did to them at the fire,” remarked Mr. Smith. “No, boys, it must stop; and to make sure of it, I’m going to send you away.”
“Send us away?” faltered Cap.