"Why, no, Miss Jane!"
"With his usual discretion he left you and Dale out," she mused. "I really think it was downright decent of him—the shoes, I mean!"
"I'm beginnin' to think those shoes have got on yoh brain," Nancy cried, and both again screamed with laughter.
"Nan, I don't understand how he succeeded, but he's palmed himself off as a trustee to give authority to the act and, after making arrangements with Mr. Bowser, sent all these children there to buy shoes, or something they're in need of, for our commencement. Don't you honestly think that's splendid? Who would have thought of it?"
"I wouldn't," Nancy murmured, looking at the ground. But the subject was becoming a bit perilous, and she asked:
"Are you goin' to start a moonlight school, Miss Jane?"
"I hadn't really thought of it seriously until just now. Would you help me with it if I did?"
"Good land, Miss Jane, I'd love that better'n anythin'! I'll drive 'em in, an' you stuff 'em with these sums! I bet they'll know somethin' then!"
"How many are there around here who can't read, do you suppose?"
"Well, old Hod Fugit can't; an' there's Willis—I forget his name, but down at the mill, you know! I don't think the sheriff can, either."