“She’s been stealing walnuts,” the boy repeated.
His companions took up the hateful chant: “Stealing walnuts—stealing walnuts.”
“You’re just saying that to be mean!” Jane accused. “We know very well that you’re the ones who mixed up the tree signs and broke into our playhouse.”
“You ought to be reported to the police!” Eileen added.
“Please be reasonable and put down Mrs. Myles’ sack,” requested Miss Gordon.
“Like fun!” retorted the eldest boy in the group. “I just guess I’ll take these nuts home!”
Slinging the sack over his shoulder again, he started away.
Now the Brownies could not know whether he was merely trying to goad them or whether he meant to take the walnuts.
At any rate, with one accord they started down the slope in pursuit. But the other three boys blocked off the trail.
“If they want a fight, let’s give it to ’em!” shouted Jane.