year, isn't it?" was the
casual remark that set the ball of reinstatement rolling.

It was made to a member of the freshman team by Alice Kirby. There was a
purposeful gleam in her eye despite the apparent carelessness of the
comment. It immediately provoked a volley of questions, which Alice
answered with prompt alacrity. The effect upon the freshman was
electrical. She left Alice post haste to gather up her teammates and
hold a council of war.

The very next afternoon the council waited upon Miss Rutledge with a
most amazing story. They wanted to play basket-ball that year. Oh, very
much indeed! Still, they didn't care to play without Dorothy Martin as
referee. Yes, Dorothy had been appointed by Miss Brown, but she had
resigned. No, it was not because she was too busy. Yes, they knew the
reason. They could not blame her. Nevertheless they wanted her back.

It did not take long after this to explain that Dorothy had resigned
because Judith Stearns had been unfairly treated. Everyone who had been
at the try-out must know that Judy Stearns had outplayed Marian Seaton.
She had not been chosen but Marian had. Dorothy had protested to Miss
Brown. It had done no good. So she had resigned.

Miss Rutledge had listened patiently to the tale poured forth by the
justice-seeking quintette. When it had ended she quietly promised them
that she would look into the matter and see what could be done.

On the following morning, Dorothy, Laura Nelson and Selina each found a
note awaiting them in the house bulletin board, requesting them to call
on Miss Rutledge at four-thirty that afternoon.

Dorothy was frankly puzzled over her note. Having a clear conscience she
could think of no reason for the summons. Selina, however, was
apprehensive. Immediately she jumped to the conclusion that Dorothy had
reported her to Miss Rutledge. Laura was also of the same opinion.

As the two Creston Hall girls walked dejectedly down a corridor of
Wellington Hall to the dean's office that afternoon, sight of Dorothy
just ahead of them confirmed their worst fears.

Invited by Miss Rutledge to take seats, the three bowed distantly to one
another.

"I sent for you three young women," began Miss Rutledge, "because of a
rather peculiar story which has come to my ears concerning the recent
basket-ball try-out. The freshman team is up in arms because you have
given up referee's post, Miss Martin. They wish you to keep the
position. They have requested