She went to the door and opened it.
There was nobody there.
“I thought somebody knocked,” thought she, a little mystified. “Perhaps I was mistaken.”
She went back to her tub, and had no sooner got her hands in the suds than another knock was heard, this time on the back door.
“I declare!” said she, in increased vexation, “There's another knock. I shan't get through my washing to-day.”
Again Mrs. Mudge wiped her hands on her apron, and went to the door.
There was nobody there.
I need hardly say that it was Ben, who had knocked both times, and instantly dodged round the corner of the house.
“It's some plaguy boy,” said Mrs. Mudge, her eyes blazing with anger. “Oh, if I could only get hold of him!”
“Don't you wish you could?” chuckled Ben to himself, as he caught a sly glimpse of the indignant woman.