`` It 's a shame ! He shall have something good ! The scamp ! '' And with this somewhat confused exclamation Miss Hetty threw down her work , ran to the closet , then darted to the front door , embracing the tin box , as if the house was on fire and that contained her dearest treasures . `` Sakes alive , what is the matter with sister ? '' ejaculated Miss Jerusha , going to the window just in time to see the fat boy tumble off the post as the tall lad came to the rescue , while the cripple went hopping across the street in answer to a kindly quavering voice that called out to him , -- `` Come here , boy , and get a cookie , -- a dozen if you want 'em . '' `` Sister 's done it at last ! '' And , inspired by this heroic example , Miss Jerusha threw up the window , saying , as she beckoned to the avenger , -- `` You too , because you stood by that poor little boy . Come right over and help yourself . '' Charley Howe laughed at the indignant old ladies , but , being a gentleman , took off his hat and ran across to thank them for their interest in the fray . Several other lads followed as irresistibly as flies to a honey-pot , for the tin box was suggestive of cake , and they waited for no invitation . Miss Hetty was truly a noble yet a droll sight , as she stood there , a trim little old lady , with her cap-strings flying in the wind , her rosy old face shining with good-will , as she dealt out cookies with a lavish hand , and a kind word to all . `` Here 's a nice big one for you , my dear . I do n't know your name , but I do your face , and I like to see a big boy stand up for the little ones , '' she said , beaming at Charley as he came up . `` Thank you , ma'am . That 's a splendid one . We do n't get anything so nice over there . '' And Charley gratefully bolted the cake in three mouthfuls , having given away his own lunch . `` No , indeed ! One of these is worth a dozen of those nasty pies .
I hate to see you eating them , and I do n't believe your mothers know how bad they are , '' said XXXXX Hetty , diving for another handful into the depths of the box , which was half empty already .
Miss boy cake cripple flies interest ladies lads one pies