thing further happened, the mystery of the
"Codfish" was pushed a little into the background.

In the first place, the chums were having the time of their lives in the
"Ghost Club," and proud as could be of having been chosen for
membership.

The only one who was not particularly happy was Rose Belser. Of course
she had not wanted the girls in the club at first. But the rest of the
club did want them, and she was afraid that if she was the only one who
voted against them it would make her unpopular with the rest.

Then, too, she reasoned with herself, if she hoped to get even with
Billie, the only thing was to have her around until she saw her chance.

And all the time the "Twin Dill Pickles" were getting so obnoxious that
more than once the girls were upon the point of revolt. From day to day
it was only Miss Race, the mathematics teacher, who stood between them
and open rebellion.

For Miss Race was a staunch friend of the girls, and in her heart
disliked Miss Ada and Miss Cora as much as they did. Whenever things got
a little bit too bad, Miss Race would have a secret conversation with
Miss Walters, who in her turn would have a little talk with the two Miss
Dills. Then for the space of a day or two the girls would have
comparative comfort.

However, in spite of all efforts on the part of Miss Race, conditions
were steadily growing worse for the girls.

Things went on very much the same, without much change one way or
another, while autumn merged into winter and the snow began to fly.

There was a good deal of snow the early part of that winter, and
sledding parties became more and more frequent. There was a splendid
hill for coasting near Three Towers, and here the girls gathered almost
every afternoon after classes.

Sometimes, very often in fact, there were boys, too, brothers and
friends of the girls, boys who attended Boxton Military Academy. It was
great sport, even more thrilling than rowing or canoeing had been, so
that when Lake Molata froze over the girls were joyful at the prospect
of more fun. There would be skating, and Billie Bradley and her two
especial friends were splendid skaters.

Before long the lake was full of joyful, shouting boys and girls
whenever the weather was fine. And as for Chet and Teddy and Ferd, they
walked the mile from Boxton Academy almost every afternoon.

"Let's have a race," Billie suggested one day, skating up to a group of
her chums. Her cheeks were rosy with wind