“You’ll see.”
Hereupon he turned his attention to Tom, and tried to snatch her books, but was rather astounded when his intended victim struck him a sounding blow in the face with her fist.
“Take my books, Fanny,” she said, and, dropping them on the sidewalk, squared off scientifically.
“Come on, if you want to!” said Tom, her eyes sparkling with excitement at the prospect of a fight.
“I don’t want to fight with a girl,” he said, considerably astonished at vigorous resistance where he had expected timid submission.
“You’re afraid!” said Tom, triumphantly.
“No, I’m not,” said George, backing out all the while; “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You can’t do it,” said Tom; “I can lick you any day.”
“How could you do it?” asked Fanny, as the dreaded bully slunk away. “How brave you are, Jenny! I’m awful afraid of him.”
“You needn’t be,” said Tom, taking her books. “I’ve licked boys bigger’n him. I can lick him, and he knows it.”