“If I knew who did it,” began Bobby hotly, but Miss Mason approached him smilingly before he could finish what he meant to say.
“Let me see what you have, Bobby,” she said pleasantly.
Bobby put his hands behind his back and looked obstinate.
“Bobby, I asked you to let me see your Christmas presents,” said Miss Mason, beginning to look severe.
“I—I won’t!” blurted Bobby, trying to get behind Fred Baldwin.
“Bobby Blossom, how dare you speak to me like that!” exclaimed Miss Mason, losing her temper, while Meg wished she wouldn’t scold Bobby in such a loud tone. All the children were listening. “Mr. Carter, what do you think of a boy who flatly refuses to obey?”
Mr. Carter turned when Miss Mason raised her voice. He said nothing, but Bobby knew that he was looking at him. He could not bear to have the principal think he was stubborn and he was dreadfully afraid he was going to cry. He jerked his hand up and threw what he held directly at the astonished Miss Mason.
“Why, it’s a piece of coal!” said Meg aloud.
CHAPTER IX
COMPANY COMES
“I ’M VERY sorry this happened,” said Mr. Carter gravely.