When she passed up the court, some of them called out to her, and asked her where she was going with all that candy.

She took no notice of them, for they spoke very rudely, and were no friends of hers.

Among them was Johnny Grippen, whose acquaintance the reader made on the pier of South Boston bridge.

This young ruffian led half a dozen others down the court in pursuit of her, for possibly they were not satisfied with the cavalier manner in which Katy had treated them.
"Where are you going with all that candy ?" repeated the juvenile bully, when he overtook her in Essex Street.
"I am going to sell it," replied Katy, finding she could not escape.
"Give us a junk, will you ?" said Johnny.
"I can't give it away; I am going to sell it, to get money for my mother." "Won't you give a feller a piece ?" "I can't now; perhaps I'll give you some another time." Katy's heart beat violently, for she was very much alarmed, knowing that Johnny had not followed her for nothing.

As she made her firm but conciliatory reply, she moved on, hoping they would not attempt to annoy her.