So, in the most independent manner be put on his hat, and was
marching off, when Miss Fosbrook stood in front of him, and ordered
him back.
He repeated, "I'm going to church." It was plain enough that he had
heard what those boys had said about not submitting.
"Church is not the place to go to in a fit of wilfulness, Johnnie,"
she said; and his sisters broke out, "O Johnnie!" but the naughty
boy, fancying, perhaps, that want of time would lead to his getting
his own way, marched on, sticking up his toes very high in the air.
Hal laughed.
"Johnnie, Johnnie dear," entreated Susan, "what would Mamma say?"
John would not hear, and walked on.
"John," said Miss Fosbrook, "if you do not come back directly, I must
carry you."
She had measured her strength with his: he was only eight years old,
and she believed that she could carry him; but he heard the church-
bells ringing, and thought he should have his way.
She laid hold of him, and he began fighting and kicking, in stout
shoes, whose thumps were no joke. She held fast, but she felt
frightened, and doubtful of the issue of the struggle; and again
there was Hal laughing.
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