ra
will accompany you."

There was considerable subdued laughter from the orchestra, who had been
instructed to play "The Star Spangled Banner," oblivious of whatever the
candidates might sing.

"One, two, three!" counted Grace, and the concert began.

Eva Allen chose "John Brown's Body." Miriam Nesbit, "Old Kentucky Home."
Marian Barber, "Schooldays," while Eleanor contributed "The Marseillaise"
in French. The orchestra dutifully burst forth with "The Star Spangled
Banner," and the effect was indescribable.

The orchestra broke down before they reached their chorus, and the
accompaniment ended in a shriek of suppressed mirth, but the candidates
went stolidly on without a smile and finished almost together.

"Very well done," commended Grace. "I see you will be valuable additions
to the society."

The girls were then put through a series of ridiculous tests that the
four chums had devised. They were made to dip their hands in water
charged with electricity, caress a mechanical rubber snake that wriggled
realistically, drink a cup of boneset tea apiece, and were directed
finally to bare their arms for the branding of the letters of the
society.

The branding was done with a piece of ice, pressed hard against their
bare arms, and the shock made the victims gasp for a second and wonder
if they really were being burned.

"You will now hold up your right hands and repeat after me," said Grace,
"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute my duties as a
member of the Phi Sigma Tau, and will, to the best of my ability,
preserve, protect and defend its laws."

This done, the girls received the grip of the society, the handkerchiefs
were removed from their eyes and they were pronounced full-fledged
members.

"That oath has a rather familiar sound," remarked Miriam Nesbit, trying
to recollect where she had heard it before.

"I know," she said at last. "It's the oath of office taken by the
President of the United States at inauguration, only you changed it to
suit this sorority."

"You've guessed it exactly," replied Grace. "I chose it because it
sounded so much more expressive than to say, 'May my bones be crushed
and my heart cut out if ever I am unfaithful to my vows.'"

There was a general laugh at this, the girls agreeing that Grace's
choice was infinitely less blood-thirsty.

"Now that you have so bravely endured the trials of initiation, you
shall receive your reward," declared Jessica. "Follow me.