Dorothy was quite furious—to be doubted and insulted in this public way! She was almost glad that Tavia had originated the foolish joke with the cunning little pigs. Only—she well knew—in the end, Tavia must suffer for it.
Miss Olaine was not a person to give up the trail so easily. Edna whispered that she would be “a red Indian” on the scent of the joker. Poor Tavia would have to “take it” in the end; for of course she would not let Dorothy suffer for her sins.
The recitation hour drew to a close. Miss Olaine rapped for order at last. “Miss Dale will remain,” she said.
The other girls looked at Dorothy, and she sat down. But Tavia got up with an exclamation and tramped up to the desk.
“You can let her go, Miss Olaine,” she declared. “Doro had nothing to do with the pigs. I did it.”
“What is that?” demanded the teacher, stiffening and turning very red.
“Doro didn’t have anything to do with putting the pigs in at the window. I did it before recitation. Doro didn’t even know I was going to do it.”
Tavia was defiant, and held her head up. Miss Olaine seemed to be doubly enraged because she had been deluded into making a mistake in the identity of the culprit.
“Why didn’t you tell me so?” she demanded of Dorothy.
“I told you I was not guilty,” replied Dorothy.