[Nurumaiel]

As Cami began to cry, Bowman rolled his eyes. Just like a girl! Well, he wouldn't say anything, or Mr. Bilbo wouldn't let him help out with the party. Best do something brave, he thought.

Mr. Bilbo was about to say something when Bowman stepped forward. "There's been some great misunderstanding," he said airily. "Mr. Bilbo will tell you that. But Ted Sandyman should know it is very rude to beat up on a poor, little, weak - " he was looking straight at Cami as those three words passed his lips " - girl who can't take care of herself. A gentleman would never do that. But, of course, Ted is no gentleman."

Bowman strode across the floor, right past Ted and over to Cami. "Stop crying like a baby," he hissed, pulling her to her feet. "Just like a girl!" Then he led her over to Mr. Bilbo, a very heroic expression on his face. Cami fell into her father's arms, still crying, and Bowman stepped back to glare at Ted Sandyman.

"Hey, wait!" Ted shouted. "That girl - " But Mr. Bilbo interrupted.

"There has been a great misunderstanding," he said, and went on to explain everything, and then the two girls told their side of the story.

Having finished, Mr. Bilbo looked squarely at the shiriff, while Bowman continued to stand there, arms crossed, glaring at Ted and rolling his eyes at the same time. Girls always got into trouble, didn't they? Girls always needed the men to help them, didn't they? They were always crying, always screaming, always... He sighed. Girls!