`` Sister 's done it at last ! '' And , inspired by this heroic example , Miss Jerusha threw up the window , saying , as she beckoned to the avenger , -- `` You too , because you stood by that poor little boy . Come right over and help yourself . '' Charley Howe laughed at the indignant old ladies , but , being a gentleman , took off his hat and ran across to thank them for their interest in the fray . Several other lads followed as irresistibly as flies to a honey-pot , for the tin box was suggestive of cake , and they waited for no invitation . Miss Hetty was truly a noble yet a droll sight , as she stood there , a trim little old lady , with her cap-strings flying in the wind , her rosy old face shining with good-will , as she dealt out cookies with a lavish hand , and a kind word to all . `` Here 's a nice big one for you , my dear . I do n't know your name , but I do your face , and I like to see a big boy stand up for the little ones , '' she said , beaming at Charley as he came up . `` Thank you , ma'am . That 's a splendid one . We do n't get anything so nice over there . '' And Charley gratefully bolted the cake in three mouthfuls , having given away his own lunch . `` No , indeed ! One of these is worth a dozen of those nasty pies . I hate to see you eating them , and I do n't believe your mothers know how bad they are , '' said Miss Hetty , diving for another handful into the depths of the box , which was half empty already . `` Wish you 'd teach old Peck how you make 'em . We 'd be glad enough to buy these and let the cockroach pies alone , '' said Charley , accepting another and enjoying the fun , for half the fellows were watching the scene from over the way . `` Cockroach pies ! You do n't mean to say ? '' cried Miss Hetty , nearly dropping her load in her horror at the idea , for she had heard of fricasseed frogs and roasted locusts , and thought a new delicacy had been found .
`` We find 'em in the apple-sauce sometimes , and nails and bits of barrel in the cake , so some of us do n't patronize XXXXX , '' replied Charley ; and little Briggs the cripple added eagerly , -- `` I never do ; my mother wo n't let me . ''
Charley Hetty Jerusha Peck avenger cap-strings cockroach honey-pot locusts mouthfuls