Maria opened her mouth to its fullest extent and emitted a “hee-haw” that took William’s breath away.
The Outlaws withdrew and held a hasty conclave.
“I think he meant to promise, William,” said Joan.
“Well, I don’t,” said William, “I don’t. I think he meant he wun’t promise.”
“Well, let’s get him home, anyway,” said Douglas. “Someone’ll only be comin’ along and findin’ out all about it if we leave him here.”
Again William approached Maria and fixed her with a stern eye.
“You can come home an’ turn yourself back now,” he said magnanimously, “if you want to.”
For answer Maria turned her back on them, kicked her heels into the air, then leapt skittishly away.
It would take too long to describe in detail the struggle by which the Outlaws finally brought the recalcitrant Maria from the field into Mr. Simpkins’ garden and from Mr. Simpkins’ garden through the French window into Mr. Simpkins’ laboratory. Henry retired early from the contest after a kick on the shin.
“Now you know what he’s like,” said Ginger bitterly, still obsessed by memories of his gastric trouble.