The girls, for the most part, looked blank. Some of them whispered together. Laura only said:
“You’re sure?”
“Pos-i-tive!”
“But the burning punk——?”
“Think I’d chuck it in that basket?” demanded Bobby, scornfully.
“Maybe you thought you put it out?”
“Maybe nothing! I know. I carried that punk out and threw it in the gutter.”
“But a spark from it might have fallen in the basket?” said Jess, weakly.
“No, ma’am! I wasn’t near the basket. I was at the other end of the desk when Gee Gee caught me,” said Bobby, firmly. “Either I did, or I didn’t. I say I didn’t set that fire.”
“Then I believe you, dear,” said Laura, suddenly hugging the smaller girl.