longer, and twisting her mouth down to give her
face a severe expression, "you are not in your usual form to-day. I must
ask for better preparation hereafter."

There was a peal of joyous laughter from the other girls.

"Miss Leece to a dot," cried Jessica.

"Miss Bright," went on Nora, "you will please pay attention to the
lesson. If you do not, young woman, I shall have to punish you in the
old-fashioned way."

"You will, will you?" cried Jessica, rushing gayly upon her friend.
"Come on and try it then!"

The other girls followed, and there was a tussle to pull Nora down from
the stone upon which she had clambered to protect herself.

Shrieks, struggles and wild laughter followed, while Nora fought
desperately to hold her position. So absorbed were they in friendly
battle that they had not noticed a troop of black-robed figures leaving
the ruined Omnibus House and stealthily approaching.

Nora was the first to see the ominous circle. She stopped short, and
pointed with unmistakable terror at the masked and hooded persons, who
were watching them silently. There was a moment of frozen horror when
the girls turned around. This was a lonely spot, too remote from any
dwelling to call for help. Besides, the freshmen were outnumbered by
these weird figures, who appeared not unlike monks in their somber
cowls, although their faces were absolutely hidden by black masks.

The girls clustered together around the rock like a group of frightened
chickens. Jessica had turned pale. She was not very robust and often
overtaxed her strength to keep up with her two devoted friends.

The tallest of the masked figures then spoke in a queer, deep voice.

"Young women, are you not aware that this is a sacred spot, devoted for
generations past to the Black Monks of Asia, whose home this building
was before it became a roadhouse for stage coaches? Never invade this
spot again with your hilarity. And now we will permit you to go,
marching out single file, without looking back. But first, through your
leader you must give your word never to mention this meeting to anyone.
If you refuse this promise we shall punish you as only the Black Monks
of Asia know how to punish persons who have offended the order. The
leader will please step forward."

There was a moment's whispered conversation among the freshmen. Then
Grace, urged by her friends, said:

"We promise."

"Now march out, single file, as agreed," resumed the Black Monk of Asi