“Don Starr! what are you chewing?” demanded Vene, in a disgusted tone.
“Nawthin’!”
“Yes, you are, too! Ned, see what he’s chewing! I just know it’s gum!” from shocked Vene.
“Don, are you chewing gum?” asked Ned.
“I’m not chewing a thing—can’t you see my jaws are as quiet as yours—quieter, cuz you’re talking!”
“Were you chewing gum?” now came severely from Mete.
“Not that you noticed it!” said Don, saucily.
“Open that mouth of yours!” demanded Mete.
“Can’t—my tooth is hooked!” replied Don, a faint twinkle beginning to wrinkle his eyes.
“I’ll yank the tooth out—open your mouth!” and Mete caught hold of his younger brother’s shoulders and shook him.