Part 4 (1/2)
”Not yet,” replied f.a.n.n.y, with more confidence than she actually felt.
The consciousness of being the leader in the enterprise led her to put on a bold face in order to inspire her friend with confidence, if for no other purpose.
”What shall we do?” demanded Kate, nervously.
”Keep still; don't you say a word.”
”What are you doing here, f.a.n.n.y, at this time of day?” asked Mr. Long, as he approached the girls.
”I'm not doing anything,” replied f.a.n.n.y, boldly.
”Why are you not at school?”
”The teacher sent us down to get some green branches to put over the clock. We are going to have some visitors in school this afternoon,”
replied f.a.n.n.y, promptly.
”Did she send the other girl, too?”
”Yes; she sent both of us.”
”I want to see you, f.a.n.n.y; come with me,” continued the terrible constable, beckoning her to follow him up the pier.
”What do you want of me?”
”I wish to speak with you a moment.”
”I can't stop long, for we must hurry back with the boughs,” added f.a.n.n.y, who had no relish for a confidential conversation with such a man, for she at once surmised its topic.
”Are you looking for green boughs out on the end of that pier?” said he.
”We only went out there for a moment,” pleaded f.a.n.n.y, as she followed Mr. Long, but it was with the intention of darting away from him at a favorable moment.
But the constable stopped before he reached the head of the pier, which effectually prevented her retreat unless she jumped into the water.
”What do you want of me, Mr. Long?” she asked, with increasing boldness.
”f.a.n.n.y, you have been very bad again,” began the tormentor.
”No, I haven't.”
”Yes, you have; and you needn't attempt to deny it.”
”What have _I_ done?”
”You know what you have done.”
”I haven't done anything,” protested she, speaking for the sake of speaking, rather than because she had any confidence in the impression her words would produce upon the mind of her tormentor, and all the while thinking how she could break away from the constable.
”'Thou shalt not steal,'” said Mr. Long, impressively.