and many similar queries kept the excited scholars buzzing about Dorothy
like bees about a hive.

"I do not know how it happened," she insisted, "I wish I did. We found
her under the tree, and helped her home. That is all I know about it."

The class took its place. Miss Ellis began to speak but was surprised at
that moment to see old Squire Sanders enter the room.

"Oh, oh, he's after Tavia!" whispered May Egner to Dorothy. "I'm glad
she is not here."

"Take your seats, young ladies," Miss Ellis directed the class, and then
the squire assuming his business attitude, that of holding his black-
thorn cane well out in front of his left foot, which member in turn was
in advance of its mate, and planting the cane down firmly twice, he
began:

"I've come here to investigate a complaint" and he rapped his stick
noisily on the floor. "Where's the girl who threw Sarah Ford from the
swing, and broke her ankle?"

"Why," stammered Miss Ellis, "I have not heard of any such occurrence.
Does any young lady here know anything of it?"

Dorothy was on her feet instantly. Her flushed face betrayed the emotion
she tried bravely to hide, but when she spoke her voice rang with truth
and confidence.

"Sarah Ford was not thrown from the swing," she began. "We found her