Curious as Fatima , Betty went to look ; but all she saw was a group of excited boys peeping between the bars of another gate further down . `` What 's the matter ? '' she asked of two small girls , who stood close by her , longing but not daring to approach the scene of action . `` Boys chasing a great black cat , I believe , '' answered one child . `` Want to come and see ? '' added the other , politely extending the invitation to the stranger . The thought of a cat in trouble would have nerved Betty to face a dozen boys ; so she followed at once , meeting several lads hurrying away on some important errand , to judge from their anxious countenances . `` Hold tight , Jimmy , and let 'em peek , if they want to . He ca n't hurt anybody now , '' said one of the dusty huntsmen , who sat on the wide coping of the wall , while two others held the gate , as if a cat could only escape that way . `` You peek first , Susy , and see if it looks nice , '' said one little girl , boosting her friend so that she could look through the bars in the upper part of the gate . `` No ; it 's only an ugly old dog ! '' responded Susy , losing all interest at once , and descending with a bounce . `` He 's mad ! and Jud 's gone to get his gun , so we can shoot him ! '' called out one mischievous boy , resenting the contempt expressed for their capture . `` Ai n't , neither ! '' howled another lad from his perch . `` Mad dogs wo n't drink ; and this one is lapping out of a tub of water . '' `` Well , he may be , and we do n't know him , and he has n't got any muzzle on , and the police will kill him if Jud do n't , '' answered the sanguinary youth who had first started the chase after the poor animal , which had come limping into town , so evidently a lost dog that no one felt any hesitation in stoning him . `` We must go right home ; my mother is dreadful ` fraid of mad dogs , and so is yours , '' said Susy ; and , having satisfied their curiosity , the young ladies prudently retired .
But XXXXX had not had her `` peep , '' and could not resist one look ; for she had heard of these unhappy animals , and thought Bab would like to know how they looked .
Betty Fatima Jimmy Jud Susy countenances escape fraid huntsmen peek