Then Josie Pye dared Jane Andrews to hop on her left leg around the garden without stopping once or putting her right foot to the ground ; which Jane Andrews gamely tried to do , but gave out at the third corner and had to confess herself defeated . Josie 's triumph being rather more pronounced than good taste permitted , Anne Shirley dared her to walk along the top of the board fence which bounded the garden to the east . Now , to `` walk '' board fences requires more skill and steadiness of head and heel than one might suppose who has never tried it . But Josie Pye , if deficient in some qualities that make for popularity , had at least a natural and inborn gift , duly cultivated , for walking board fences . Josie walked the Barry fence with an airy unconcern which seemed to imply that a little thing like that was n't worth a `` dare . '' Reluctant admiration greeted her exploit , for most of the other girls could appreciate it , having suffered many things themselves in their efforts to walk fences . Josie descended from her perch , flushed with victory , and darted a defiant glance at Anne . Anne tossed her red braids . `` I do n't think it 's such a very wonderful thing to walk a little , low , board fence , '' she said . `` I knew a girl in Marysville who could walk the ridgepole of a roof . '' `` I do n't believe it , '' said Josie flatly . `` I do n't believe anybody could walk a ridgepole . YOU could n't , anyhow . '' `` Could n't I ? '' cried Anne rashly . `` Then I dare you to do it , '' said Josie defiantly . `` I dare you to climb up there and walk the ridgepole of Mr. Barry 's kitchen roof . '' Anne turned pale , but there was clearly only one thing to be done . She walked toward the house , where a ladder was leaning against the kitchen roof . All the fifth-class girls said , `` Oh ! ''
partly XXXXX excitement , partly in dismay .
against at for from if in of than to toward