How can it be that a visit to the cinema leads to Ellen Tebbits' pigtails being cut off? Well, here's how!

Otis Spofford is bored by the class reader, which is called With Luke and Letty on the Oregon Trail. Otis thinks that Luke and Letty are "dopes" and that they never have any proper adventures.

     "But, Mrs. Gitler," objected Otis, "I thought the Indians went on the warpath and burned the pioneers' wagons and stuff. They do in the movies."
      All the other boys nodded in agreement. George spoke up. "I went to the show Saturday and there was this Indian that -"
     "Never mind, George," said Mrs. Gitler sharply.

But a few minutes later, Mrs. Gitler is called out of the room for a few moments. Immediately Otis is on his feet and begins war-dancing around the classroom. Gradually others begin to join in, and a mock fight breaks out, with erasers being used as ammunition. One of the few people who doesn't join in, however, is Ellen Tebbits.

     "Me heap big chief," Otis said. "Me chase 'um paleface!"
      "Big Chief Pink Underwear," Ellen scoffed as Otis passed her desk. Then she and Austine began to giggle.
      Otis held up the scissors threateningly. "Take it back!" he demanded. He felt his face grow hot and he quickly grabbed a handful of Ellen's hair.
      Otis opened the blades of the scissors. He knew the class waited breathlessly. They thought he wouldn't dare ... or would he?

What do you think?