crying bitterly.

"I've a good mind to tell Father," continued Jimmie, who, of the
three older boys, was less inclined to leniency with the
performances of Brother and Sister. "Next time you might be badly
hurt, and then it would be too late to punish you. Come here,
Sister."

Sister came reluctantly.

"What were you trying to do?" said Jimmie grimly.

"Trying to use the swinging rings," answered Sister meekly.

"There's nothing to do," wailed Brother forlornly. "Everybody's
busy and no one wants to play. And you don't own this barn, Jimmie
Morrison--so there!"

"Perhaps I don't," retorted Jimmie. "But Dad happens to have given
me the use of it. And you're going to stay out if I have to put a
padlock on the door. You've got all outdoors to play in--can't you
find something pleasant to do?"

"Betty! Roddy!" called Nellie Yarrow from her side of the hedge.
"Betty! Come on out, I want to tell you something."

Brother and Sister ran toward the door.

"Wait a second!" shouted Jimmie. "Turn around."