re and curtains, her
heart growing heavier each moment.

Neither mistress nor maid spoke now, though the former led the way
upwards again and silently inspected the dormitories on each floor.
Also, she looked into each private room of the older and wealthier
pupils, but the result was the same--Dorothy had as completely
disappeared as if she had been bodily swallowed up.

Then the aid of the other maids and, even of a few teachers was
secured, although that the school work might go on regularly the next
day, not many of these latter were disturbed.

At daybreak, when the servants began to gather in the great kitchen,
each to begin his daily tasks, the Lady Principal surprised them by
her appearance among them. In the briefest and quietest manner
possible she told them what had happened and begged their help in the
search.

But she was unprepared for the result. A housemaid threw up her hands
in wild excitement, crying: "'Tis ten long years I've served Oak Knowe
but my day is past! Her that went some syne was the wise one. I'll not
tarry longer to risk the health o' me soul in a house that's haunted
by imps!"

"Nor me! Him that's snatched off to his wicked place the sweet, purty
gell, of the willin' word an' friendly smile, 'll no long spare such
as me! A fine collectin' ground for the Evil One is so big a school
as this. I'm leavin' the dustin' to such as can do it, but I'm off,
Ma'am, and better times for ye, I'm sure!" cried another superstitious
creature.

This was plain mutiny. For a moment the lady's heart sank at the
prospect before her, for the panic would spread if not instantly
quelled, and there were three hundred hungry girls awaiting
breakfast--and breakfast but one feature of the case. Should these
servants leave, to spread their untrue tales, new ones would be almost
impossible to obtain. Then, summoning her authority, she demanded:

"Silence and attention from all of you. I shall telephone for the
constabulary, and any person who leaves Oak Knowe before Miss Calvert
is found will leave it for the lock-up. The housemaids are excused
from ordinary duties and are to assist the _chef_ in preparing
breakfast. The rest of you, who have retained your common sense, are
to spread yourselves about the house and grounds, and through every
outbuilding till some one of you shall find the girl you all have
loved. Leave before then? I am ashamed of your hard hearts."

With stately dignity the mistress left th