It was a near thing, I tell you.

Suddenly I got a shake; and then a little fist gave me a stunning thump on the back, that made the cherry bounce out against my palate.

I gasped and coughed like a grampus: the stalk was down my throat still.
Then the little hand grabbed my throat and made me open my mouth wide; and the cherry was pulled out, stalk and all.

It was Lalage who did this while the rest were gaping helplessly.

I dont remember what followed.