and so she ignored the catcalls of the children ( henry dean and his little brother eddie often among them ) and went on her way , head down , arm outstretched for balance , sturdy black old lady 's purse curled to her midsection , determined that if she did go whoopsymy-daisy she would protect her purse and its contents at all costs , would fall on it like joe namath falling on the football after a sack .