“Miss Harriet Burrell will please step forward to the Council Fire,” was the order from the Chief Guardian.

Harriet did so.  She took her position at one side of the fire so that the light from it shone full upon her features causing them to stand out in bold relief against the dark background of the night.  It was a trying position, but Harriet carried herself with dignity and great self-possession.

CHAPTER XI

TRIED BY THE FLAMES

“Miss Burrell”, began the Chief Guardian in a slow, impressive voice, “we have gathered to-night at this Council Fire to inquire into certain recent occurrences in which you played an important part.  One of the most stringent regulations of Camp Wau-Wau has been violated.  The entire camp is involved, in that suspicion may rest upon any one of you.  It is well to say here, that six girls came to me this afternoon, confessing their part in the unfortunate hazing of last 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.”