is at present," answered Bet.

"You are accusing someone, and unless you give names, you have no right
to make that statement. Now you are accusing everyone about us, after
what you just said." It was Edith's sneering voice.

"Then Edith, for the present I apologize." She looked the girl
straight in the eyes. "But you will hear from me later.--And what's
more, if I am mistaken about it and have made this accusation falsely,
then I'll send in my resignation as well."

Even Joy and Shirley had to laugh at Bet's apology. One minute she
took back her accusation and the next made it stronger than ever.

The result of Kit's test in the office was even better than the other
one had been. Mr. Sills put out his hand and said, "At least you have
proven that you did not need a key to do your work." He hesitated a
second: "But we will have to find out who put the book there before you
are entirely free from suspicion with the class."

Miss Owens threw her arms about the girl. "Forgive me for doubting you
for a moment. I know you didn't do it."

And when Kit heard of the loyalty of her chums in the club she was
happy. "But you shouldn't have done it, Bet, you'll only get yourself
in bad."

"Right-O!" cried Joy. "If you're in bad, Kit, then all the
Merriweather Girls are in bad. We stick together."

"In sunshine and storm! Isn't that right, Shirley!" exclaimed Bet
impulsively.

Shirley answered by putting her arm around Kit.

And when Bob and Phil heard of the trouble they were indignant.
"There's only one girl in that class mean enough to do it," said Bob.
"I wonder if she would!"

"I'm not only wondering, but I'm going to find out!" snapped Bet
vindictively.

"We're on her trail!" laughed Joy.

"And remember if there is anything we can do, let us know. We believe
in Kit!" declared Phil.

The next morning Miss Owens made a point of meeting Kit outside the
door and bringing her into the room. After the class had assembled,
Miss Owens said simply: "I want you all to know that Kit Patten has
proved to me and to Mr. Sills that she did not use a key in her
examinations. Just how the book got into her desk, we do not know, but
we are making every effort to find out."

"The idea!" whispered Edith Whalen to the girl ahead of her. "How
beautifully they shield her!"

"They would!" agreed Vivian Long. "It does seem as if Bet Baxter and
her crowd can do anything they like."

"I never did believe Kit did