Others soon joined the little group at the door of Mrs. Dainty’s chamber; for the cry of Madeline had reached every ear in the dwelling. Among the first to arrive was Uncle John.
“She did it!” cried George, pointing to Mrs. Jeckyl. “She did it!”
“Did what?” asked Uncle John.
“Frightened Maddy! She’s got a snake in her bosom! Take care!”
“A snake!” Uncle John looked puzzled.
“I saw it in her room; and she’s got it in her bosom now,” persisted the little fellow, quite delighted in observing the storm he had raised, and more delighted at the discomfiture of the enemy.
“You wicked little wretch!” exclaimed Mrs. Jeckyl, advancing toward the boy.
George glided behind Uncle John, and, peering out from his place of refuge, made a new attack.
“They’re in her eyes now! Don’t let her come near you, sister Aggy! Take care, papa! Old snake! She’s the mother of snakes! See! They’re crawling all over her!”
A tiger about to spring upon his victim could not have glared with two more cruel eyes than those that sought the form of little George.