"At least," said the girl from the Red Mill,

"We don't want to do anything mean to them just because they were
mean to us."

"Why not?" demanded Belle, in wonder.

"That wouldn't be nice--nor any fun," declared Ruth, firmly. "A joke--yes."

"Do you call it a joke on us--spoiling our taffy and stealing the
nutmeats?" wailed Heavy.

"What else was it? It was a joke to them. There was a sting to it
for us. We must pay them back in like manner, but without being mean
bout it."

"Well now!" cried Helen. "I'd like to see you do it, Ruth."

"Perhaps we can think of a plan," said Ruth, gaily. "I for one shall
not lose any sleep over it. But if you want to pay them off by
showing how much we disapprove of their actions, and have nothing to
do with their schemes to-morrow, I will agree."

"We'll begin that way," said Madge Steele, promptly. "Treat them in
a dignified manner and refuse to join in any games with them. That is
what we _can_ do."

"Oh, well," sighed the irrepressible Heavy. "We're bound to have a
dreadfully slow day, then. Good-night!"