It was with some difficulty that the new hole in the strap was made,
and to secure the buckle more firmly Don gave it several sharp raps
with the handle of his riding whip. At the last one the silver knob
flew from the handle and rolled to the roadside.
In an instant the small boys were after it, the older having deserted
his post without compunction, when a question of booty was involved.
They grappled together in the dust of the road, long before they
reached the prize, and with arms and legs entwined rolled toward it.
Chick was underneath when they arrived, but he loosened his clutch of
Skeeter's throat, and darted forth a small, grimy hand that closed
upon the treasure. In an instant Skeeter seized upon the clenched
fist, and was wrenching it open, when a third party entered the fray.
"The little one got it!" cried Miss Lady indignantly; "he got it
first! Give it to him this minute!"
"I be damned if I do!" shouted Skeeter, roused to fury by the combat.
"I'll be damned if you don't," said Miss Lady, equally determined.
The skirmish was fierce but short, and by the time Don got to them,
Miss Lady had restored the spoils to the lawful victor, and was
assisting the vanquished foe to wipe the dust from his eyes.
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