Page:Nid and Nod (IA nidnod00barb).pdf/28

 questioned each other with uneasy glances. No one, however, confessed, and Elk, pushing his way roughly toward the fountain, complained bitterly. "Well, some fresh Aleck did, and I'll find out who he was, too, and when I do I'll teach him to let my things alone!"

"What's the trouble, Elk?" asked Laurie politely. Ned, nudging him to keep still, found Elk observing him suspiciously.

"You heard, I guess," answered Elk. "Did you have it?"

"Me?" said Ned. "No, I didn't have it."

"I don't mean you; I mean him." Elk pointed an accusing finger at Laurie.

"Me?" asked Laurie. "What was it you lost?"

"Shut up," whispered Ned. "He'll come over and—"

"My bicycle, that's what! I'll bet you swiped it, you fresh kid."

"What's it look like?" inquired Laurie interestedly.

"Never you mind." Elk strode across, fixing Laurie with angry eyes. "Say, you took it, didn't you?"