"As if I thought he was playin' hop-scotch," scoffed the tantalizing one. "Keep movin', we will give his legs a treat, even if he intends to beat us out."
And they did walk very briskly indeed—all the more reason why the officer should follow them!
"Makes me think of tryin' to get away from a strange dog," Tessie had the temerity to interject. "The faster we ran the surer he is to keep snappin'."
"He is sure to catch us," Dagmar said. "Why don't you stop and ask him where we can go?"
"You poor simp. Want him to tell you?" and she almost laughed outright.
"Wait—a minute—wait—a minute!" came the summons. "What's your big hurry?"
They both stopped. Each knew enough for that. The man of the law, shaking that treacherous stick on its red cord, was now beside them. He pushed his cap back to make sure nothing interfered with his gaze. This he fixed scrutinizingly on the two girls. Dagmar flinched, but Tessie smiled in a foolish attempt to gain his good will.
"Where are you two trottin' off to all alone?" he asked finally.
"We're goin' to grandma's," said Tessie, so ridiculously that she almost burst out laughing. She had no idea the answer would sound so silly.
"Oh! you be," he returned, his voice thick with irony. "Is the old lady expectin' you?"