o the city. She visited Achenbach's and did as
the girls had directed. As had been expected, the clerk pleaded ignorance
of such orders as she mentioned. Landis insisted. The clerk then called
the proprietor to verify him. If the order had been received, both
proprietor and attendant acted their parts well. Landis could obtain no
information from them. Yet, to fulfill her errand, still suspecting that
they knew more than they would tell, Landis, just as she was going, left
orders to have the banquet served in the laundry. "You may think it rather
an odd place, Mr. Achenbach; but the Seniors stole the banquet last year.
They will do the same now if the opportunity is given them. They will do
all they can to mislead the men you send to serve. Pay no attention to
orders after this, but have your men go directly to the laundry. They must
go around the back way, of course. One of the class will be watching for
you."

Still Mr. Achenbach protested that there must be some misunderstanding. He
had received no orders from Exeter.

Landis went back to school at once, and recounted her experiences to the
girls. Mary Wilson was confident that Elizabeth had sent in the order.
They would be on their guard that particular evening, and permit no
caterer to enter the Hall unless under their orders.

The Middlers had some plan afoot. If not a banquet--what then? But the
Seniors were agreed it was that. Nancy's roommate had found a
carefully-written menu. And Landis had surprised another Middler painting
menu and place cards. That it was to take place, was evident. But
where--when? The group of Seniors separated, each admonishing the others
to watch the Middlers, and not permit them to talk together alone.

Mary Wilson's especial duty was to restrain Elizabeth from holding
communication with the others. With true diplomacy, she kept her roommate
busy so that she had no time to visit other rooms.

"Just hear me go over my oration once more, Elizabeth, please," she would
say. "I'm apt to get careless if I recite without an audience. Sit over
there by the window. I'll stand here. Now, don't be afraid to tell me if
you think I might improve any part."

And Elizabeth would patiently sit and listen. She showed great interest.
She followed closely every word. She lost no gesture, no facial
expression. "I think I could repeat it word for word," she said, when Mary
had practiced for the last time, the morning of Class-day. "I could make
ever