roaming along the edge of a stream, they had suddenly come face to face
with one another.

'You're to let me come over first,' she asserted very emphatically,
'because I'm a girl.'

[Illustration: 'YOU'RE TO LET ME COME OVER FIRST,' SHE ASSERTED.]

'Boys never go back. A soldier's son never! I'm not going to turn my back
before the enemy--I would disgrace my button if I did.'

'That old button!' The tone was that of utmost scorn.

Teddy's cheeks grew rosy red at once, but he said nothing.

'I got to this bridge before you did,' she continued.

'I began to cross it first. And _you_, who are you? No one knows anything
about you. I have been crossing this bridge for _years_.'

'More reason you shouldn't cross it now. My name is Nancy Wright, that's
who I am.'

A princess could not have revealed her name more royally. She added,
after a pause, 'And I mean to come over first, so go back.'

'Never! I never go back!'

'Then I shall push you over in the water.'