Ettie was five years old, and Master Tom nine.
Ettie and Master Tom were at the far end of the kitchen-garden, going through the gate that led into a small paddock, when Ettie suddenly said—
"Pigs."
"Where?" exclaimed Master Tom.
"Poor pigs in pen all shut up," answered Ettie.
"What a shame!" said Master Tom. "I say, Mrs. Pig, wouldn't you like your little piggies to have a run this fine day?
"There's grass around in plenty
For the little ones to eat,
And in the kitchen-garden
There's cabbage for a treat.
Now, Ettie, get out of the way; I am going to open the door of the pigstye."
And Master Tom threw the door wide open, and out rushed not only the ten little pigs, but Mrs. Pig herself. They came with such a rush that Ettie, not getting out of the way quickly enough, was knocked down. But she did not cry; for she was used to falling in her expeditions with Tom.
Through the garden gate, into the garden, over the beds, went the pigs, and after them went Master Tom and Ettie, driving them until they went into the middle of the crisp early cabbages.