vine, clambered up the wall, and, clinging to the outside of the iron
railing, informed Scott that he would punch his head when a pleasing
opportunity presented itself.

"All right," retorted Scott; "come in and do it now."

"That's all very well for you to say when you know I can't climb over
this railing!"

"I'll tell you what I'll do," said Scott, thrilled at the chance of
another boy on the grounds even if he had to fight him; "I'll tell you
what!" sinking his voice to an eager whisper; "You run away from your
nurse as soon as you get into the Park and I'll be at the front door and
I'll let you in. Will you?"

"Oh, _please_!" whispered Geraldine; "and bring your sister, too!"

The boy stared at her knickerbockers. "Do _you_ want to fight my
sister?" he asked.

"I? Oh, no, no, no. You can fight Scott if you like, and your sister and
I will have such fun watching you. Will you?"

His nurse was calling him to descend, in tones agitated and peremptory;
the boy hesitated, scowled at Scott, looked uncertainly at Geraldine,
then shot a hasty and hostile glance at the interior of the mysterious
Seagrave estate. Curiosity overcame him; also, perhaps, a natural desire
for battle.

"Yes," he said to Scott, "I'll come back and punch your head for you."