logs and the slightly raised forefinger of the right hand represented the
curving flame rising from the burning logs. This sign was returned by the
Chief Guardian. Then the two turned, facing the girls of the camp who were
standing in a semi-circle about the fire. To them, the Chief Guardian
and the Torch Bearer made the hand sign which was answered in the same way
by all of the Camp Girls.

"Thith giveth me the thiverth," whispered Tommy, groping for Harriet's
hand.

Harriet warned her to be quiet. Then at a gesture from the Chief Guardian
the girls sat down cross-legged on the ground. It had been not only an
unusual ceremony to the Meadow-Brook Girls, but an impressive one. The
real interest, however, was in what lay before them. Harriet had no idea
what was to be done, though she had learned from the stray words that had
been dropped in her presence, that the purpose of the Council Fire was to
make an inquiry into the events of the previous evening, perhaps ending in
the dismissal of one or more girls from the camp. This thought made
Harriet Burrell serious and thoughtful. She was trying to decide upon the
course that she ought to follow. But she had little time to consider this.
She heard her name called.

"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.