“Have you gone crazy?” demanded Mrs. Badger behind the door.
“Not that I know of,” muttered the tramp.
“Perhaps you think you can manage me as well as Mr. Badger?” she continued.
“I should smile if I couldn’t,” commented Tom Tapley. “That woman must think she’s extra strong to be a match for me!”
“I’m coming in to whip you till you cry for mercy!”
“Really, she’s a pretty spunky old woman!” thought the tramp. “If I can’t hold my own against her, I’ll sell myself for old rags!”
Mrs. Badger pushed open the door, saw dimly the outline of the tramp and struck at it with the stick.
But alas! the stick was wrenched from her hand, a pistol, loaded only with powder, was discharged, and the intrepid lady, in a panic, flew out of the room and downstairs, tumbling into her husband’s arms.
Nathan Badger was delighted at his wife’s discomfiture. She couldn’t taunt him any longer.
“I told you so!” he chuckled. “How do you like tacklin’ him yourself, my dear? Wouldn’t you like to try it again? Ho! ho!”