“Mother said you kids were to keep out of my room and you can just go get that book for me or I’ll tell her when she comes home.”
He made a grab for his sister’s arm, but she eluded him skilfully and darted after Katy, chanting maliciously: “Get it yourself—get it yourself—old cross patch!”
An exciting chase followed. Ernest tearing out the front door almost knocked over Gertie who was just coming in. He quickly righted her with a smile—he was fond of little Gertie who never bothered. The momentary delay gave the girls a start and Ernest saw Katy’s flying skirts disappearing round the kitchen ell, with Chicken Little close behind her, as he turned the corner of the house.
Once at the back he found Chicken Little had sought sanctuary with Alice, the maid, who was sitting under a tree peeling peaches, but Katy had vanished.
“Which way’d she go, Alice?” Alice shook her head teasingly, at the same time glancing toward the kitchen door.
Ernest bolted in, but a swift search of the house revealed no Katy. Jane still clung to Alice clapping her hands derisively.
“Has she gone home?” he demanded.
Chicken Little shook her head.
“Am I hot or cold?”
“Hot! My, you’re just burning!”