In time, however, Lark was able to explain.  “We both did it,” she gasped, “the Skull and Crossbones.  And we both told the truth about it.  We made her go and get them for us, and we ate them, and she didn’t want to go.  I advised Carol not to tell, and she advised me not to.  All the way to school this morning, we kept advising each other not to say a word about it.  But I intended all the time to pretend I was sick, so I could come and confess alone.  I wanted to take the punishment for both of us, so Carol could get out.  I guess that’s what she thought, too.  Bless her little old heart, as if I’d let her he punished for my fault.  And it was mostly my fault, too, Prue, for I mentioned the apples first of all.”

Prudence laughed,—­it was really ludicrous.  But when she thought of loyal little Connie, sobbing all through the long night, the tears came to her eyes again.  She went quickly to the telephone, and called up the school building next door to the parsonage.

“May I speak to Constance Starr, Mr. Imes?” she asked.  “It is very important.  This is Prudence, her sister.”  And when Connie came to the telephone, she cried, “Oh, you blessed little child, why didn’t you tell me?  Will you forgive me, Connie?  I ought to have made you tell me all about it, but I was so sorry, I couldn’t bear to talk much about it.  The twins have told me.  You’re a dear, sweet, good little darling, that’s what you are.”

“Oh, Prudence!” That was all Connie said, but something in her voice made Prudence hang up the receiver quickly, and cry bitterly!

That noon Prudence pronounced judgment on the sinners, but her eyes twinkled, for Carol and Lark had scolded each other roundly for giving things away!

“Connie should have refused to obey you,” she said gently, holding Connie in her arms.  “She knew it was wrong.  But she has been punished more than enough.  But you twins!  In the first place, I right now abolish the Skull and Crossbones forever and ever.  And you can not play in the barn again for a month.  And you must go over to the Averys this afternoon, and tell them about it, and pay for the apples.  And you must send all of your spending money for the next month to that woman who is gathering up things for the bad little children in the Reform School,—­that will help you remember what happens to boys and girls who get in the habit of taking things on the spur of the moment!”

The twins accepted all of this graciously, except that which referred to confessing their sin to their neighbors.  That did hurt!  The twins were so superior, and admirable!  They couldn’t bear to ruin their reputations.  But Prudence stood firm, in spite of their weeping and wailing.  And that afternoon two shamefaced sorry girls crept meekly in at the Averys’ door to make their peace.

“But about the Skull and Crossbones, it’s mostly punishment for me, Prue,” said Connie regretfully, “for the twins have been in it ever since we came to Mount Mark, and I never got in at all!  And I wanted them to call me Lady Magdalina Featheringale.”  And Connie sighed.