“This is the sack!” she cried. “Now where are the contents?”
“I didn’t mean to mix up the bags,” Vevi apologized. “I thought—”
“Never mind what you thought,” Mrs. Gabriel broke in angrily. “Just tell me what you did with the tulip bulbs.”
“I don’t see why you’re so excited about it,” Jane said before Vevi could answer. “You threw all your other bulbs away.”
“In a culvert,” added Connie accusingly.
“Why, you insolent, stupid children!” Mrs. Gabriel cried. “Such arrogance! I want my tulip bulbs. Do you understand?”
The Brownies never had seen anyone more angry. Mrs. Gabriel seized Vevi by the arm, squeezing it so hard that the muscle hurt.
“What have you done with my bulbs?” she demanded.
“Let me go and I’ll tell you,” Vevi answered, trying to pull away. “I never will when you act so cross.”
Mrs. Gabriel dropped her arm. She even forced a stiff sort of smile.