I dropped the last penny through the coin slot Dale had cut in the plastic lid.

The coin hit the tin bottom with a sharp clink.

“Arthur Vance ate two slices of fresh watermelon today,” Noah said, pulling up his white socks as he stood by the table.

“He showed me his tray before we sat down.”

“Principal Vance paid off the account balance this morning,” I said.

“Did he pay with the paper wrappers?” Lily asked, swinging her feet under her chair.

“He used an official check from the district office,” I said.