ause I never supposed their loss would
make any difference.

"When the game was well under way and the juniors began to block our
plays, it flashed across me that in some way they had found that list.
Anne, who has a mania for labeling everything, had written 'Sophomore
basketball signals' across the paper; so, of course, any one who found it
would know exactly what the list meant.

"We were warned that the juniors held a meeting at the Omnibus House a day
or so before the game, and that they meant mischief. I never thought,
however, they would be quite so dishonorable.

"I would have told you this before the game, but was afraid it would
confuse and worry you. I am sure that you will agree with me, and absolve
Anne from all blame."

"I don't agree with you at all," flashed Miriam, "and I am glad to have a
chance to speak my mind. I told you before the game that I objected to
Miss Pierson watching our practice, that it was against the rules, but no
attention was paid to what I said. If you had taken my advice the result
would have been far different. I have no doubt Grace believes that Miss
Pierson lost the list, but I am not so easily deceived. I believe she
deliberately handed it over to the juniors, and every loyal member of the
team should cut her acquaintance."

"Miriam Nesbit," cried Nora. "You haven't the least right to accuse Anne
Pierson of any such thing. She is too honorable to think of it, and she
has no love for the junior class either. She isn't even friendly with
them. If any one is to be accused of treachery, I should say that there
are members of the team far more friendly with the juniors than poor
little Anne."

This was a direct slap at Miriam, who winced a little at Nora's words.

"Well," said Marian Barber quickly, "it stands to reason that no member of
the team would be foolish enough to help the enemy. I don't know anything
about Miss Pierson, but I do know that I overheard Julia Crosby telling
some girl in her class that the sophomores could thank one of their own
class for their defeat."

"When did you hear her say that?" queried Miriam sharply.

"Yesterday morning. I was walking behind her, and she was so busy talking
she didn't notice me."

"You girls can draw your own conclusions," said Miriam triumphantly. "That
simply proves what I have said."

"That simply proves nothing at all," exclaimed Grace Harlowe, who had been
too angry to trust herself to speak. "You are making a very