“I have always believed you truthful,” admitted the teacher. “But this is a ridiculous claim you make——”
“I did carry that piece of punk out and throw it in the gutter.”
“Did you look for it there?” asked Miss Carrington, quickly.
“Yes. I looked yesterday morning, even if it was Sunday. But the street men had flushed out the gutters before I arrived.”
“That is curious, Miss Hargrew,” said the teacher, doubtfully.
“It is the truth. I did not set the fire——”
“Then how did it start?”
“I know no more about it than you do, ma’am.”
“Ahem! But you threw something into the basket?”
“I did not. I did not go near the basket.”