“All the same, you are trespassing on Mr. Hammond’s pasture. Come, clear out.”
“Mr. Hammond gave us leave to come here, and I don’t see what business it is of yours,” said Tommy.
“I don’t believe he gave you permission at all, and I’ll let you know what business it is of mine, you little rascal,” said Philip, in a bullying tone.
Luckily for Tommy and Rose, there was a friend near at hand, who was not disposed to see them abused. Harry Gilbert had reached the bars between the berry pasture and the next field in time to hear Philip’s attempt to bully the young brother and sister.
“Just like Philip,” he thought, with a feeling of disgust. “He is always trying to bully those younger than himself, especially if they are poor.”
Tommy and Rose were the children of a widow, no better off than Mrs. Gilbert, and Harry felt a greater sympathy for them on that account.
Meanwhile, Philip, not aware that there was help at hand, continued his persecutions.
“Well, are you going to clear out?” he demanded, in a threatening tone.
“No,” said Tommy. “Mr. Hammond said we might pick berries here, and you have no right to touch us.”
“I’ll show you whether I have or not,” said Philip, in his most dominating tone.