“Much were bent over in laughter. I pushed him, and he rolled to the floor without my intended insult. “Come off it!” I stamped my foot.“What’s so funny?” John asked, coming over in the middle of eating an apple. He tossed me an apple and I threw it at Much. He only laughed harder. “K-k-kissed Scar!” he hooted.“Someone kissed you?” John asked, turning to me. He didn’t look like it were too funny. “Who is he?”This made Much laugh more.“None of your business, John Little,” I told him.He stepped closer to me with a flat face that, if I could ape it, I’d never be kissed by a stupid girl when I didn’t want to be. “Who, Scar?”“Jenny Percy!” Much roared.John’s face broke open, like a smile could split a blackmood. “Wait till Rob hears this.”

“I picked up the mop and started washing again as Rob struggled to his feet, red faced. John laughed, and Much covered a smile."You lot think this is funny?" I asked. "I'll unman you too if you wish it."They jumped back, and Rob grunted. "You haven't unmanned me, and I resent the implication of it.""It were a warning blow," I told him, shoving the mop 'cross the floor. "Next time I'll try harder.”

“When shall we break into the jail, then?" John asked."Midnight. The guard changes then, and you'll fair certain look less conspicuous in that crowd.""So you think I look like a guard? I'll take that nicely." He took a drink of his beer, his eyes shining at me over the brim.I flicked my eyes over him. "Brutish and stupid? Yes, you look quite like a guard.”

“You are my whole heart, Scarlet. And this is breaking it.'My heart cracked open and clear dropped out of me. My mouth opened, and I looked round me and stamped my foot. 'Does this look like a good time to tell me that, you damn stupid boy?' I meant to sound mean but my voice wobbled. 'Now?'He gave a little smile. 'My foul-mouthed warrior.”

“Rob looked a little shocked. "Don't you look at me like that," I snapped at him. "Just because I can't trim a beard don't mean I can't swear.""Like a sailor," he added. "I've never heard so many curses in my whole life. All combined.”

“He takes the guilt and responsibility that others can't. John takes the punches. I just take the hunger, and most times it feels like awful little.”

“John laughed. “You know, I’ve heard all the sayings about the wrath of women, but whew, Scar, you have a temper.”The others chuckled.“Keep it in mind, John Little,” I warned him. I didn’t feel much like chuckling.He laughed. “I’ll be sure to inform Jenny Percy,” he said.I rolled my eyes, but this time I heard a small laugh come from Rob’s distant corner. “So she really kissedScar?”“Should have seen it, Rob! Scar’s right in the middle of giving her a talking-to, and Jenny lays one on her,” Muchcrowed.“So that’s how we shut her up,” John said.I knew he were fair close to me so I tried to kick him. It took a few attempts, but one finally hit something and I heard him whine, “Ow, Scar!”“And none of you jumped in to defend—her—her honor?” Rob asked, but it got broken up with laughs.“The lot of you are stupid blighters,” I snapped. “It ain’t for laughing.”This made them crack apart with howls.”