evening. These girls are new to our
order. I am satisfied that the gravity of what they were doing did not
appeal to them at the time and that they acted upon impulse, though by
their own confessions they had plenty of time to consider the matter
before becoming involved in it. You may sit, Miss Burrell."

Harriet dropped down, sitting cross-legged like the others, with the light
from the fire playing over her face and glinting in her hair.

"The unfortunate part of this confession is that the instigators of the
plot are still unknown. And when I explain matters you will be quick to
catch the dishonor of their actions. The six girls who have confessed, it
appears, received notes just before retiring, these notes having been
tucked in under the walls of their tents accompanied by a scratching on
the canvas to attract their attention. These notes called upon them to
report at the tent occupied by Miss Burrell, Miss Thompson, Miss Kidder
and Miss Scott for the purpose of initiating the new girls. The girls who
received these notes did not recognize the writing. One of these notes was
preserved. I have it in my possession, but am frank to say that I am
unable to identify the paper or the handwriting. Rather than attempt to do
either, I should prefer to have the instigator or instigators confess
their part in the affair. Will the young woman who wrote these notes,
stand up and declare herself?"

A breathless period of waiting followed. There was no sound from the
circle of anxious-faced girls, scarcely the movement of an eyelid. Tommy
Thompson nearly broke the spell by heaving a deep, long-drawn sigh.

"Then there remains no other course for me than to proceed with the
inquiry," continued the Chief Guardian. "Miss Burrell will please rise."

Harriet did so. Her face was pale, but she did not appear to be nervous.

"Miss Burrell, you will please relate what took place last evening."

"I can tell you only what occurred after I was aroused from sleep,"
answered Harriet in a low, but perfectly audible voice.

"Do so," was the response.

"I was aroused by some one bumping against my cot. I sat up, but was
forced back into bed and a towel or something of the sort was quickly
bound about my head. I was dragged from the cot. At first I struggled,
then I began to understand that some girls were playing tricks on me. I
decided to let them have their way. I felt sure it was nothing serious. In
fact, I enjoyed it quite as much