“Perhaps I should call the militia?” Mina asked as she forced the writhing body of her small opponent down against the floor.
“I don’t advise it,” said the woman. “You’ll be sorry.”
Astounded by her insolence, Mina gazed tearfully at the Rector, expecting him to give vent to his wrath and put their common enemy to shame, but he surprised her.
“Mina, go out please,” the Rector said in a low voice. “And take the children with you.”
The woman nodded in satisfaction, apparently approving of his rational behaviour.
“Boys, go with the lady,” she said. “The lady will give you a chocolate.”
Either the boys had a very sweet tooth, or when their mother really wanted, they became perfectly obedient, but Mina had no trouble at all in getting them out of the room.
“Well, I’m listening,” the Rect
