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100 that top drawer that Miss Carrington now has open?"

"Ask Miss Morse!" snapped the teacher, before Mr. Sharp could reply.

"We will. Nothing like corroboration," said the principal, with a bow and smile. "Miss Morse?"

"Yes, sir," said Jess, in a low voice, rising. "I saw her put them there. She tied them into a bundle by themselves."

"You are observant, Miss Morse," said the principal, smiling again. "Thank you. Now, Miss Belding?" for Laura was still standing.

"I notice that the drawer is very full," said Laura, quietly. "May I come upon the platform and look at it?"

"Certainly," responded Mr. Sharp; but Miss Carrington flushed again, and exclaimed:

"I have searched that drawer thoroughly. The papers are not there."

Again Mr. Sharp made a little deprecatory gesture. "Come forward, Miss Belding," he said.

Mother Wit gave her chum a single reassuring glance. Somehow, without reason, that look comforted Jess. She still stood beside her desk, too anxious to sit down again, while Laura walked quietly forward.