"Ernest," Miss Fosdick said at last, "have you nothing to say to me?"
"No, ma'am." And then, to the surprise of the whole school, the little boy began to cry, sobbing as if his heart would break.
Ernest was known to be a favorite. Most of his companions thought he deserved to be so; but now there were whisperings among the older boys,—
"Oh, if Ernest Monroe took the knife, nothing will be said about it. Miss Fosdick is partial to him."
The teacher knew very well what was said; and, though her heart ached sadly, she resolved to treat Ernest exactly as she would have treated his cousin had he been the thief.
[CHAPTER VI.]
SEARCH FOR THE LIAR.
"I AM more pained than I can express," she said, glancing at the desk where the face of Ernest was hidden on his arms; "but there is still opportunity to confess."
Every breath was hushed, but the sobbing boy did not speak.
"Ernest Monroe," said Miss Fosdick, growing very pale, "rise in your seat."