Before a blazing fire kindled by Jean in the big fireplace, the whole party dried themselves.  The old hunter listened to the story of their mad scramble through the woods with many expressions of sympathy.

It was eight o’clock when the storm had abated sufficiently to allow them to sally forth, and in a short time they were in Oakdale.

Fifteen minutes later they were telling Mr. and Mrs. Harlowe just how it all happened.

CHAPTER IV

GRACE MAKES A DISCOVERY

The Monday after the walking expedition, Grace Harlowe set out for school full of an idea that had been revolving in her busy brain for weeks.  The time had come for herself and for her three chums to bind themselves together as a sorority.  As charter members, they would initiate four other girls, as soon as proper rites could be thought of.  It should be a Greek letter society.  Grace thought “Phi Sigma Tau” would sound well.  Aside from the social part, their chief object would be to keep a watchful eye open for girls in school who needed assistance of any sort.

Mrs. Gray’s anxiety over Eleanor Savell had set the bee in Grace’s bonnet buzzing, and now her plans were practically perfected.  All that remained to be done was to tell her three friends, and consult them as to what other four girls would be eligible to membership.

Her proposition was hailed with acclamation by Anne, Nora and Jessica.  Miriam Nesbit, Marian Barber, Eva Allen and Eleanor Savell were chosen as candidates and promptly notified to report at Jessica’s home the next Thursday evening for initiation.  They at once accepted the invitation and solemnly promised to be there.

“‘Where are you going, my pretty maid?’” said David Nesbit, stopping directly in front of Grace Harlowe as she hurried toward the Bright home the following Thursday evening.

Grace laughed merrily, dropped a little curtsy and recited, “I’m going to an initiation, sir, she said.”

“‘And may I go with you, my pretty maid?’” replied David, bowing low.

“No boys allowed there, sir, she said.”

“That settles it,” sighed David.  “I suppose a sorority is about to come to the surface.  Am I right, and will you take me along?”

“Yes, we are going to initiate members into our new sorority, but you can’t come, so you might as well be resigned to fate,” retorted Grace.  “We didn’t receive invitations to your fraternity initiations.”

“Be kind to Anne, won’t you.  Tell her she has my sympathy,” said David solemnly.

“Anne is a charter member, if you please,” laughed Grace.  “She is spared the ordeals of initiation.  But Miriam will not escape so easily.  She is one of the candidates.”

“Ah, ha!” exclaimed David.  “That’s what she was so mysterious over.  I tried to find out where she was going, but she wouldn’t tell me.  By the way, where does the affair take place?” he added, trying to look innocent.