She was followed by a tall, gaunt woman, who seized the child in her bony grasp.
"You're a very naughty girl," she said. "Your papa sent you to stay with me."
"No, he didn't. My papa doesn't know you."
"If you talk like that I'll give you a whipping. I am your aunt—your father's sister."
"No, you're not. I wouldn't have such an ugly aunt."
"Of all the perverse imps, this 'ere one is the most cantankerous I ever see," said the woman.
"I should think you'd ought to be able to manage a little girl," said Joe, roughly.
"So I be. There's only one way of managin' one like her. I've got a strap in the other room, and she'll feel of it if she keeps on."
Clip followed Minton up the steep, narrow staircase, and the two paused before the door of the chamber occupied by Bob Burton.
"He is in here," said Minton, briefly.