A piece of raw beef on a tin pan, some bits of ice, and a kid glove stuffed with ice and sawdust, lay scattered about. They told the tale of the initiation.
"Three cheers for Barbara Frietchie!" shouted Budd, as he came right side up. The barn rang with them.
"Now we 'll give the right hand of true fellowship," said Chi, rapping with the butt of his musket for order.
Rose gave Hazel's hand a squeeze. "I 'm so glad you 're to be one of us," she said heartily; and Hazel squeezed back.
March came forward, bowed low, and said, "I apologize for my distrust of your pluck," and held out his hand with a look in the flashing gray eyes that was not one of mockery; indeed, he looked glad, but never a word of welcome did he speak.
"I could flog that proud feller," muttered Chi to himself.
Hazel hesitated a moment, then put out her hand a little reluctantly. March caught the gesture and her look.
"Oh, you 're not obliged to," he said haughtily, and turned on his heel. But Hazel put her hand on his arm.
"I 'm afraid we are both breaking some of the by-laws, March. I do want to shake hands, but I was thinking just then that you did n't mean the apology--not really and truly; and if you did mean it, there was something else you needed to apologize for more than that!"
March flushed to the roots of his hair. Then his boy's honor came to the rescue.