worst, and his button isn't worth a farthing!'

There was a yell from all three boys at this.

'That's it!' cried Carrots excitedly. 'It's the button she's so cheeky
about. We ain't going to have Teddy's button laughed at. We won't stand
it, Sol--we won't!'

'It shows she don't know nothing, or she wouldn't talk so. She's just a
baby, that's what she is.'

'Why, she doesn't believe father's story is true, Sol! You know it is,
don't you?'

'She isn't as old as the button itself.'

'Ha! ha! she wasn't born when it was in battle. Much she knows about it!'

Sol had difficulty in quieting the indignant voices.

'Lookee here, you boys, go home and leave my little lass to me; she knows
nothing about the button. I'll tell her the story, and then she won't
laugh at it any more. Ay, I remember seeing your father, youngster. He
was a brave man, he was, but he would never have made war against little
maids like this. Shame on you; get you home! Get you gone, I say, or I'll
bring my stick out.'

'She's been told the story. She listened, and she laughed. She ought to
say she's sorry.'