Again that sense of suppressed excitement was felt in the class room.
Something else was going to happen.

"Miss Ellis," began Alice in a firm voice, "Dorothy Dale is not to
blame--"

"That is not for you to decide."

"But we were all there, and know as much about it as she does."

"At least she knows enough to keep her place. Sit down at once," and the
teacher looked very much annoyed.

"Not until you have heard me," and Alice raised her voice a little.

"Go on! Go on!" murmured the girls about her. "Make her listen."

"Sarah Ford was never hurt in the school yard," declared Alice. "My
brother saw her running down the lane just as the bell rang, and she
could not stir when Dorothy and Tavia found her."

"Be silent this moment!" called Miss Ellis, rapping her ruler on the
desk. "Your brother's story is of no account in this matter."

Dorothy raised her head. The room was in a commotion. Miss Ellis seemed
too surprised at the girl's audacity to try to restore order. Perhaps no
one was more surprised than Alice herself, for when she spoke first she
had no idea of going so far,--it was that remark reflecting upon her
brother's veracity that angered her.