glanced from side to side as he sat in his seat, wondering what would
come next. Many others had the same thought.

"I see no one wishes to take advantage of my offer," said Mr. Tetlow
slowly. "Very well. You may all go to your class-rooms, with the
exception of Bert Bobbsey. I wish to see him in my office at once. Do
you hear, Bert?"

There was a gasp of astonishment, and all eyes were turned on Bert. He
grew red in the face, and then pale. He could see Nan looking at him
curiously, as did other girls. Bert was glad Flossie and Freddie were
not in the room, for the kindergarten children did not assemble for
morning exercises with the larger boys and girls. Flossie and Freddie
might have been frightened at the solemn talk.

For a moment Bert could hardly believe what he had heard. He was
wanted in Mr. Tetlow's office! It did not seem possible. And there
was but one explanation of it. It must be in connection with the big
snowball. And Bert knew he had had no hand in putting it on the school
steps.

There was a buzz of talk, many whisperings, and some one spoke aloud.
It sounded like Danny Rugg, but poor Bert was so confused at his own
plight that he could not be sure.

"Silence!" commanded Mr. Tetlow, as the boys and girls marched to
their various rooms. "Bert, you will wait for me in my office," he
added. Poor Bert looked all around. He met many glances that were
kind, and others, from Danny Rugg's friends, that were not. Nan waved
her hand at her brother as she passed him, and Bert smiled at her. He