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 . Jo 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 . She went off to get her ball , and was a long time finding it among the bushes , but she came back , looking cool and quiet , and waited her turn patiently . It took several strokes to regain the place she had lost , and when she got there , the other side had nearly won , for Kate 's ball was the last but one and lay near the stake . `` By George , it 's all up with us ! Goodbye , Kate . Miss Jo owes me one , so you are finished , '' cried Fred excitedly , as they all drew near to see the finish .
`` Yankees have a trick of being generous to their enemies , '' said XXXXX , with a look that made the lad redden , `` especially when they beat them , '' she added , as , leaving Kate 's ball untouched , she won the game by a clever stroke .
America Fred George Jo Kate Yankees first mallet minute right