hazer. "They claim that they were sent here against their
will and that it was not reckless bravery that brought them to these
scholastic halls. Let them prove their courage then--what say the
Sisters?"

The Sisters giggled a good deal, but the majority seemed to be of the
opinion that proof of the Infants' courage should be exacted.

"Then let the Golden Goblet be brought," commanded the leader, her
voice still carefully lowered, for even if Miss Picolet was out of the
dormitory, Miss Scrimp, the matron, was asleep in her own room,
likewise on the lower floor of the building. Somebody produced a vase
which had evidently been covered with bright gold-foil for the
occasion. "Here," said the leader, holding the vase out to Helen.
"Take this Golden Goblet and fill it at the fountain on the campus.
You will be taken down to the door by the guards, who will await your
return and will bring you back again. And remember! Silence!"

The lights all around the campus had gone out ere this. There was no
moon, and although it was a clear night, with countless stars in the
heavens, it seemed dark and lonely indeed down there under the trees
between the school buildings.

"Do not hesitate, Infant!" commanded the leader of the hazing party.
"Nor shall you think to befool us, Miss! Take the Golden Goblet, and
fill and drink at the fountain. But leave the goblet there, that we
may know you have accomplished the task set you!"

This was said most solemnly; but the solemnity would not have bothered
Helen Cameron at all, had the task been given to somebody else! The
thought of venturing out there in the dark on the campus rather quelled
her propensity for giggling.

But there seemed to be no way of begging off from the trial. Helen
cast a look of pleading at her chum; but what could Ruth do? She was
surprised that the task had not been given to her instead; she believed
that these girls were really more friendly in feeling toward Helen than
toward herself. At least, it was Mary Cox on the table, and Mary Cox
had shown Helen much more attention than she had Ruth.

Two of the sheeted visitors seized Helen again and led her softly out
of the room. A sentinel had been left in the corridor, and the word
was whispered that all was silent in the house; Miss Scrimp was known
to be a heavy sleeper, and the French teacher was certainly absent from
her room.

The girls led Helen downstairs and to the outer door. This opened w