“I’m coming,” he announced.
“No, no,” cried Joel crossly; “this is Dave’s place.”
“I’m coming,” announced Ezekiel pleasantly, as he picked his way along.
“You aren’t going to get on,” declared Joel, spreading his small legs apart defiantly.
“I’m the minister’s son,” said Ezekiel, “and you must let me get on.”
“No, I sha’n’t,” said Joel. Yet he had an awful feeling down deep in his heart that he ought to; but he stood his ground sturdily.
“And that stone is mine as much as it is yours,” said Ezekiel, drawing near and balancing his pole with great care.
“No, it’s mine, I got it first.” Joel squared his shoulders, and gave a swish to his line that sent his worm away off among the shining ripples.
Just then came a cry from David. “I’ve got a fish—I’ve got a fish!” in a jubilant little voice.
Joel deserted his big stone and flew past Ezekiel on the stepping-stones, who immediately in great satisfaction stepped on to the coveted place.