`` They disappear , '' said Mr. Baxter , with a significant nod . `` When the plums are anything like ripe Mrs. Charley discovers some day that there is n't one left on the tree . She has never been able to get a scrap of proof as to who took them , or she 'd make it hot for them . But nobody in Maitland has any doubt in his own mind that Isaac Cropper knows where those plums go . '' `` I do n't think Mr. Cropper would steal , '' protested Esther . `` Well , he does n't consider it stealing , you know . He claims the land and says the plums are his . I do n't doubt that he is quite clear in his own mind that they are . And he does hate Mrs. Charley . I 'd give considerable to see the old sinner fairly caught , but he is too deep . '' `` I think Mr. Baxter is too hard on Mr. Cropper , '' said Esther to herself later on . `` He has probably some private prejudice against him . '' * * * * * But a month later she had changed her opinion . During that time the Cropper boys had come to school . At first Esther had been inclined to like them . They were handsome lads , with the same smooth way that characterized their father , and seemed bright and intelligent . For a few days all went well , and Esther felt decidedly relieved . But before long a subtle spirit of insubordination began to make itself felt in the school . Esther found herself powerless to cope with it . The Croppers never openly defied her , but they did precisely as they pleased .
The other pupils thought themselves at liberty to follow this example , and in a month 's XXXXX poor Esther had completely lost control of her little kingdom .
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