`` Say that again and I 'll duck you till you ca n't see ! '' cried Dan , looking like a modern Colossus of Rhodes as he stood , with a foot on either side of the narrow stream , glaring down at the discomfited youth in the water . `` I was only in fun , '' said Ned . `` You are a sneak yourself to badger Nat round the corner . Let me catch you at it again , and I 'll souse you in the river next time . Get up , and clear out ! '' thundered Dan , in a rage . Ned fled , dripping , and his impromptu sitz-bath evidently did him good , for he was very respectful to both the boys after that , and seemed to have left his curiosity in the brook . As he vanished Dan jumped over the wall , and found Nat lying , as if quite worn out and bowed down with his troubles . `` He wo n't pester you again , I guess . If he does , just tell me , and I 'll see to him , '' said Dan , trying to cool down . `` I do n't mind what he says about me so much , I 've got used to it , '' answered Nat sadly ; `` but I hate to have him pitch into you . '' `` How do you know he is n't right ? '' asked Dan , turning his face away . `` What , about the money ? '' cried Nat , looking up with a startled air . `` Yes . '' `` But I do n't believe it ! You do n't care for money ; all you want is your old bugs and things , '' and Nat laughed , incredulously . `` I want a butterfly net as much as you want a fiddle ; why should n't I steal the money for it as much as you ? ''
said XXXXX , still turning away , and busily punching holes in the turf with his stick .
Dan Nat Ned Rhodes air corner left right sneak troubles