266Jane called to him despite the restraining hand and her shortening breath: “Sherm, he’s choking me—”
“Choking nothing–it’s Katy who is choking me–just wait till I get hold of you, Miss Halford!”
Katy had both hands gripped fairly on his coat collar and was tugging Ernest backward with all her might, while Chicken Little struggled to get away.
“Come help,–Sherm, please!” Chicken Little loosened herself from the gagging hand enough to plead again.
“Keep out, Sherm. Three against one is no fair.”
Sherm watched the fray a moment, undecided.
“You may have bigger odds than that, Ernest,” laughed the Captain. “You might as well be getting your hand in.”
Sherm sauntered leisurely over and helped Chicken Little wrench loose, then, whispering something hastily, took her by the hand and they both made for the creek.
Ernest, relieved of his sister, swung quickly round, catching Katy by the shoulders before she could save herself.
“I’ve a mind to—” At this moment he detected Sherm’s game. “No, you don’t, smarties!”