Amy clapped her hands together softly at this bit of philosophy. Jessie stood up so that the girls from the hotel could see her.
"Oh! Here's Jess Norwood now," cried Sally. "You might know!"
Little Henrietta was backing away from the two newcomers, but eyeing them with great disfavor. She suddenly demanded of Jessie:
"Is this spring on a part of my land, Miss Jessie?"
"It may be," said Amy, quickly answering before Jessie could do so. "Like enough all this grove is yours, Hen."
"Why," gasped Belle Ringold, "my father is just about to take possession of this place. He is going to have surveyors come on the island and survey it."
"This is my woods!" cried Henrietta. "It's my spring! You sha'n't even have a drink out of it—neither of you girls!"
"What nonsense!" drawled Belle. "Who will stop us, please?" and she came on down the path toward the spring.
The other girls had now got up. Jessie tried to reach out and seize Henrietta; but the latter was so angry that she jerked away. She stood before Belle and Sally with flashing eyes and her hands clenched tight.