Duane hesitated, looking perplexed. Miss St. Leger, who was watching her closely, went on quietly:
"Need I say that I already know almost all there is to know? The cycling expedition and its sequel have at last brought things to a head, I am thankful to say. I insisted on an explanation from Bertha, and under the circumstances she could do nothing but give me it: I have seen the note for her which Erica left behind. But I want your version of the story as well—all of it."
Duane drew a deep breath.
"I was hoping that it would never come out," she said with a faint smile, "and yet of course, now it has—well, I do feel relieved."
"Yes, I can quite realize that," said Miss St. Leger, somewhat dryly.
"You know who did it, then?" queried Duane.
Kitty was sitting forward in her chair, tense with eagerness. The mystery that had puzzled her and the rest of the school for so long, was to be revealed at last.
"Yes, little Erica Salter was the culprit."
Kitty uttered a cry of surprise.
"Erica Salter—that child!"