you a secret I happened to have
overheard when one of the sophomores was calling on Miriam. I was an
eavesdropper entirely by accident, but what I heard might help some. The
sophomores are going to give an initiation mask ball a week from
Saturday night. Only the class and a few outsiders, among them Miriam,
are to be present. Everybody is to be in fancy dress, and disguised out
of all recognition. Can't you work up a scheme with that to go upon,
girls?"

"We certainly can," cried Nora. "It's the chance of a lifetime."

"Just wait and see!" exclaimed Grace.

"By the way, David, you didn't happen to overhear the password, did
you?" asked Jessica.

"I did," he replied. "Nothing escaped me, for I was caught in a trap.
You know I don't care for that large, husky young damsel who leads the
sophomores, and if I had made my presence behind the screen known, I
should have had to speak to her. So I just sat still and said nothing.
The password is 'Asia.'"

"They are trying to rub it in, I suppose," cried Grace. "But I think
they won't be so ready to use that word after their old ball is over."

"If you want any help," offered David as he left Grace at her front
door, "you know where to come for it, don't you?"

"You're a true brick, David!" said Grace. "Good night."

CHAPTER VI

THE SOPHOMORE BALL

There was an undercurrent of excitement in the air on the day of the
sophomore ball.

The sophomores themselves were full of secrets, whispering around in
groups, their faces grave with self-important expressions. This was to
be their annual Initiation Ball, and many new members, after receiving
initiation into the various sophomore societies, were to be invited to
the gymnasium, which had been turned over to the class for the evening.

There was no end to the fun of these balls, according to feminine
gossip, for no male was ever admitted and only three invitations were
issued to girls of other classes. It was, in fact, to be nothing but fun
and frolic, and every costume had been planned weeks ahead.

One teacher was asked to be present to keep order in case of intrusion,
for the gymnasium door, on that famous night, was always besieged by
youths from the Boys' High School, who roared and jeered as each cloaked
and masked figure rushed under the archway and disappeared.

The freshmen, all through the day, were unusually quiet. They kept to
themselves and had little to say. Miriam and her three particular
fri