Mr. Brooke chose Meg , Kate , and Fred . Laurie took Sallie , Jo , and Ned . The English played well , but the Americans played better , and contested every inch of the ground as strongly as if the spirit of '76 inspired them . Jo and Fred had several skirmishes and once narrowly escaped high words . Jo was through the last wicket and had missed the stroke , which failure ruffled her a good deal . Fred was close behind her and his turn came before hers . He gave a stroke , his ball hit the wicket , and stopped an inch on the wrong side . No one was very near , and running up to examine , he gave it a sly nudge with his toe , which put it just an inch on the right side . `` I 'm through ! Now , Miss Jo , I 'll settle you , and get in first , '' cried the young gentleman , swinging his mallet for another blow . `` You pushed it . I saw you . It 's my turn now , '' said Jo sharply . `` Upon my word , I did n't move it . It rolled a bit , perhaps , but that is allowed . So , stand off please , and let me have a go at the stake . '' `` We do n't cheat in America , but you can , if you choose , '' said Jo angrily . `` Yankees are a deal the most tricky , everybody knows . There you go ! '' returned Fred , croqueting her ball far away .
XXXXX opened her lips to say something rude , but checked herself in time , colored up to her forehead and stood a minute , hammering down a wicket with all her might , while Fred hit the stake and declared himself out with much exultation .
America Americans Jo Kate Meg Ned Sallie Yankees mallet right