bawled Tommy from the wall on which he was perched , for Nan was a kindred spirit , and he foresaw `` larks '' in the future . `` I can bat ; let me play , '' said Nan , who could turn her hand to any thing , and did not mind hard knocks . `` We ai n't playing now , and our side beat without you . '' `` I can beat you in running , any way , '' returned Nan , falling back on her strong point . `` Can she ? '' 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 , XXXXX 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 .
Jack Nan Pooh Stuffy Tommy girl minutes nettle nettles sex