"And they might have taken us; I think 'twas real mean," declared Van, in a dudgeon.
"Oh, Van, if he went with Papa Fisher, how could he? Oh, I know." Polly clapped her hands. "They've gone down to see that boy that got his arm hurt on the pond. I verily believe they have."
"Well, they might have taken us," said Van again. "I'd like to have seen him awfully, and now Joel will have him all to himself. I'm going to get something, and I won't let Joel have any of it," he added vindictively.
"Oh, Vanny!" and Polly went close to him, and put her cheek to his. "Just think what a dreadful time Joel had out there on the pond," and she gave a little shiver.
"Hah, hah!" ejaculated Percy. "You'd been scared to death, Van, if those boys even winked at you."
"I wouldn't, either," declared Van, straightening up.
"Percy—Percy," said Polly warningly, turning around at him.
"Well, he would," said Percy uneasily, not looking at her; "you know he would, Polly."
"Well, don't say any such thing," said Polly firmly, "and perhaps he wouldn't, either."
"No, I wouldn't," protested Van stoutly, since Polly reinforced him, "and you're just as mean as you can be, Percy Whitney, to say so."