They got so scared they just doubled theirselves up into a ball and let the other fellows bang 'em . They would n't put up a fight at all . Some of 'em are lazy and wo n't work . We watched 'em shirking . And there was one ant died of grief 'cause another ant got killed -- would n't work -- would n't eat -- just died -- it did , honest to Go -- oodness . '' A shocked silence prevailed . Every one knew that Mary had not started out to say `` goodness . '' Faith and Di exchanged glances that would have done credit to Miss Cornelia herself . Walter and Carl looked uncomfortable and Una 's lip trembled . Mary squirmed uncomfortably . `` That slipped out ` fore I thought -- it did , honest to -- I mean , true 's you live , and I swallowed half of it . You folks over here are mighty squeamish seems to me . Wish you could have heard the Wileys when they had a fight . '' `` Ladies do n't say such things , '' said Faith , very primly for her . `` It is n't right , '' whispered Una . `` I ai n't a lady , '' said Mary . `` What chance 've I ever had of being a lady ? But I wo n't say that again if I can help it . I promise you . '' `` Besides , '' said Una , `` you ca n't expect God to answer your prayers if you take His name in vain , Mary . ''
`` I do n't expect Him to answer 'em anyhow , '' said Mary XXXXX little faith .
Besides at for if in into of over that to