"Oh, yes, ma'am, and long before that."
"Did you tip over a bottle of ink in there?"
"I didn't mean to, but I did," said Mary.
"Well, never mind; it was an accident. I am very sorry, Bob, I suspected you of hiding the truth, and kept you in."
"It's good you did, the way things have turned out, isn't it now. Miss Williams?" laughed Bob.
"I shall tell the scholars that I was in the wrong," said the teacher.
"Oh, you're never much in the wrong," said Bob, gallantly. "All the fellows know you're always fair and good to us."
"Thank you. Bob."
"Come on. Let us run," spoke Mary, and Bob let her take his hand. "Remember, now, I'm to have some of those fine silk patches?"
"I am sure my mother will give them to you, Mary," replied Bob.
Some of the Burr crowd hooted and jeered as they saw Bob with Simple Mary. Sammy ran after him, and Bob explained matters to his chum.
"Be sure to get back here by one o'clock. Bob," called out Sammy, as they parted.
"Is there going to be a game?" asked Bob.
"Yes, a fine one, and our crowd needs you."
"I'll be on hand," promised Bob.
Mary chatted in her childish, innocent way. When they reached the Bouncer home Mary sat down on the grass to pet a little kitten. This gave Bob a chance to get to his mother and explain how matters were.
Mrs. Bouncer came out, in her pleasant, kindly way, and took Mary into the house. Bob knew that his mother would do all that was right for the poor lady, and set about his noon-time chores.
