"That's what, Cotton-Top," chimed in Buttons. "Come in to the feast, Mrs. Markham." And, seizing the happy woman by the arm, he led her to the supper-table, whither the others quickly followed, and what had promised to be a solemn meal was one of great merriment.
All at once, while the young people were enjoying themselves after supper, Fred laughed aloud.
"What is it now?" demanded Buttons.
"You can't any of you go home," grinned Fred.
"Why not?" asked the others.
"Because the Head requested me not to let the fact of my winning be known before to-morrow. If you go home, you'll tell about it. So you must stay here."
"But we can't," protested the girls.
"It isn't a question of can; it's one of must," declared Fred.
"But mother will worry," persisted Margie.
"Yes; I'm afraid she will," interposed Mrs. Markham.