"Hello," answered a strange voice. "Take this message, please. Miss
Wright has a severe cold and will not be in to-day. Have Miss Garrett
take charge of the assembly. That's all, thank you. Good-by."

Bobby blinked. Whoever had telephoned had spoken so quickly that he
had had no chance to say a word.




CHAPTER VI

THE ORANGE AND THE BLACK

Bobby put the receiver back, and at that moment the door opened and Mr.
Carter walked into the office.

Mr. Carter was the principal of the primary and grammar schools, but
usually spent most of his time at the grammar school. Bobby had been
afraid of him once, but that was before he had learned to know him.

"Good morning, Bobby," said Mr. Carter pleasantly. "Has Miss Wright
come in yet?"

"No, Mr. Carter. Some one telephoned," answered Bobby slowly, anxious
to get the message delivered correctly. "She said Miss Wright had a
solemn cold and wouldn't be in this morning."

"What kind of cold did you say?" asked Mr. Carter curiously. "Solemn?