He took the outraged damsel by the hand, and led her, howling lustily, in to the horrified Ann.
"My word," said she, gasping.

"Look at your gloves! Look at your frock!" But Miss Nugent was looking at her knees.

There was only a slight redness about the left, but from the right a piece of skin was indubitably missing.

This knee she gave Ann instructions to foment with fair water of a comfortable temperature, indulging in satisfied prognostications as to the fate of Master Hardy when her father should see the damage.
The news, when the captain came home, was broken to him by degrees.
He was first shown the flower-beds by Ann, then Mrs.Kingdom brought in various soiled garments, and at the psychological moment his daughter bared her knees.
"What will you do to him, father ?" she inquired.
The captain ignored the question in favour of a few remarks on the subject of his daughter's behaviour, coupled with stern inquiries as to where she learnt such tricks.

In reply Miss Nugent sheltered herself behind a list which contained the names of all the young gentlemen who attended her kindergarten class and many of the young ladies, and again inquired as to the fate of her assailant.
Jack came in soon after, and the indefatigable Miss Nugent produced her knees again.