However, the battle was soon over. Before Nan reached the scene or could call to Bert to come to her help, Nick disappeared, and Flossie and Freddie, each laughing, ran over to the other side of the yard.
“Oh, I guess they are all right,” said Nan, as she stopped running and turned back.
Then the bell rang to call the children in from their play, and they took their places in long lines. A little later Bert and Nan were in their room, saying their lessons, and Flossie and Freddie were with their classmates, getting ready to recite in geography.
Miss Snell, their teacher, looked over the room. She noticed one vacant seat.
“Where is Nick?” asked Miss Snell. “He was here before recess. Did anyone see him go home?”
No one answered for a moment, and then Flossie raised her little, fat, chubby hand.
“Yes, Flossie, what is it?” asked Miss Snell, with a smile.
“Nick didn’t go home,” said the little girl. “He—he’s out in the yard.”
“Out in the yard?” exclaimed the teacher. “He should come in!”
“If you please, he can’t,” said Freddie suddenly. “He’s locked up! I locked him up!”