“I should say it wasn’t!” exclaimed Maude.
“Well, I didn’t touch it!” said Martha. “What are you talking about, Betty?”
“Then where did you get that new five-dollar bill you spent yesterday?” burst out Maude, unable to control her tongue.
Martha looked at her.
“Do you mean to say that you’ve been thinking that was your money?” she said, in a low, scared sort of voice.
“Yes, I do!” declared Maude.
“Oh, oh! I didn’t, didn’t! Betty, Betty, what shall I do!” and Martha burst into a fit of crying which nothing could stop.
“Now, you see,” said Betty, as she caressed her weeping friend. “Please all leave her to me.”
The others went away a little shamefacedly, while Betty remained with Martha. She waited until the first bursts of sobs were over, and then she said:
“Now, Martha, brace up. I know and you know you didn’t take her old bill, but we’ve got to prove it.”