asked Nat of Jack . `` She runs very well for a girl , '' answered Jack , who looked down upon Nan with condescending approval . `` Will you try ? '' said Nan , longing to display her powers . `` It 's too hot , '' and Tommy languished against the wall as if quite exhausted . `` What 's the matter with Stuffy ? '' asked Nan , whose quick eyes were roving from face to face . `` Ball hurt his hand ; he howls at every thing , '' answered Jack scornfully . `` I do n't , I never cry , no matter how I 'm hurt ; it 's babyish , '' said Nan , loftily . `` Pooh ! I could make you cry in two minutes , '' returned Stuffy , rousing up . `` See if you can . '' `` Go and pick that bunch of nettles , then , '' and Stuffy pointed to a sturdy specimen of that prickly plant growing by the wall . Nan instantly `` grasped the nettle , '' pulled it up , and held it with a defiant gesture , in spite of the almost unbearable sting . `` Good for you , '' cried the boys , quick to acknowledge courage even in one of the weaker sex . More nettled than she was , Stuffy determined to get a cry out of her somehow , and he said tauntingly , `` You are used to poking your hands into every thing , so that is n't fair . Now go and bump your head real hard against the barn , and see if you do n't howl then . '' `` Do n't do it , '' said Nat , who hated cruelty . But Nan was off , and running straight at the barn , she gave her head a blow that knocked her flat , and sounded like a battering-ram . Dizzy , but undaunted , she staggered up , saying stoutly , though her face was drawn with pain , `` That hurt , but I do n't cry . ''
`` Do it again , '' said XXXXX angrily ; and Nan would have done it , but Nat held her ; and Tommy , forgetting the heat , flew at Stuffy like a little game-cock , roaring out , `` Stop it , or I 'll throw you over the barn ! ''
Jack Nan Nat Pooh Stuffy Tommy battering-ram minutes nettle nettles