“Well, it’s a shame, anyhow,” cried Merritt indignantly.
He had just seen what the Hampton worthies and their friends were up to. They had amused themselves by plaguing the old woman till she was half beside herself, and then, while she was berating one of them, the others would steal some apples.
“Why, it’s downright thievery,” cried Rob.
“That’s just what it is. Just what I’d expect from such cads,” cried Merritt, fully as angry.
“They look like good apples, too,” commented Tubby, regarding the fruit with the eye of an expert in such matters.
“Well, if you aren’t the limit,” exclaimed Merritt, giving him a disgusted look.
“Haven’t I got a right to give my opinion?” asked the fat Scout demurely.
“Well, of all the mean skunks,” cried Rob indignantly, with a darkening brow. “See, the poor old woman is lame. She’s got a crutch there. She can’t get after them and that’s why they are so bold.”
“Come on, and stop it,” exclaimed Merritt impulsively, “I can’t stand for anything like that.”
“Better get a policeman,” suggested Tubby prudently.