But in the same instant Bertie sprang in and caught her firmly round the knees.

He proceeded with much presence of mind to seat her on his shoulder.
"That's all right.

I've got you," he said cheerily.

"None the worse, eh?
What are you trying to do?
May as well finish before you come down." Dot seemed for a moment inclined to resent the support thus jauntily given, but against her will her sense of humour prevailed.
She uttered a muffled laugh.

"I'm getting apples for dessert." "All in your Sunday clothes!" commented Bertie.