I'm surprised at you." "You won't tell on me, will you ?" said Sam, irresolutely.
"I'll see about it," said the old lady, in a politic tone.
She felt her powerlessness, and that concession must precede victory.
"Then, give me the umbrella," said Sam, who evidently distrusted her.
"You'll run off with it," said Mrs.Payson suspiciously.
"No, I won't." "Well, there 'tis." "Come here, Pomp, and help me," said Sam.
Pomp held aloof.
"She'll whip me," he said, shaking his head.

"She's an old debble." "Oh, you--you sarpint!" ejaculated the old lady, almost speechless with indignation.
"You can run away as soon as she gets out," suggested Sam.
Pomp advanced slowly and warily, rolling his eyes in indecision.
"Jest catch hold of my hands, both on ye," said Mrs.Payson, "an' I'll give a jump." These directions were followed, and the old lady rose to the surface, when, in an evil hour, intent upon avenging herself upon Pomp, she made a clutch for his collar.

In doing so she lost her footing and fell back into the pit from which she had just emerged.

Her spectacles dropped off and, falling beneath her, were broken.
She rose, half-provoked and half-ashamed of her futile attempt.

It was natural that neither of these circumstances should effect an improvement in her temper.
"You did it a purpose," she said, shaking her fist at Pomp, who stood about a rod off, grinning at her discomfiture.