Shadowed Gold by Alice Fox Parry

The team fought valiantly against this new and disturbing factor in their existence. Since their coming to Rockwood circumstances seemed to have combined to upset the even tenor of their way, and it would have taken people of a far more sober and sedate turn of mind than they to carry on methodically with the routine of farm life. And so it happened the day after Valerie's great discovery. Katherine discovered that her household stores were considerably depleted, and she promptly commandeered Allan to take her on a shopping expedition, leaving Valerie and Gerald in charge, a proceeding which Valerie announced she intended to celebrate by bathing Augustus. This was rather a difficult undertaking for such a small person.

Augustus had an unconquerable aversion from water at any time, and was apt heartily to resent the cleansing process, so Valerie, wise from experience, arrayed herself in the oldest of garments before she braced herself for battle, and by dint of blandishments lured the unsuspecting animal to the tank-stand, where she chained him. She produced a large tub, and induced him to consent, with some meekness, to the administration of a preliminary lather of soap. Unfortunately some of it found its way to his eyes, and, becoming justly incensed, he made a dash for freedom. The contents of the tub went in all directions, but a large proportion found its way in Valerie's direction.