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