Page:The book of Betty Barber (IA bookofbettybarbe00andr).pdf/64

 together and look for that book, which has brought you into all this trouble.”

“We will,” said the Major. “We will tear it up. Come along.” And he jumped up quite briskly.

“We will go quickly too,” said Minora, “we will prevent any other children reading the rubbish.”

“But we must not let Lucy know that we have torn it up,” said the Major.

The crowd in the road was busy shouting, each one trying to shout louder than every one else.

In order to punish the Major and Minora they were all determined to pull the house to pieces; but were too much occupied to notice the departure of the owner, though the Major saw them.

“I should like to speak to them,” he said, “to tell them they must not touch my house.”

“If we waste time,” said Minora, anxious to get him away, “some other child will read the book. Besides, look, I believe I see Father Time with his wand. He will quiet them.”

“Then come,” said the Major, “we will go and look for the book, I know exactly where to find it.” 46 46