herself entered, closed the door and put the key into the lock and
turned it. If the twelve Camp Fire Girls had no suspicions as to the
genuineness of the motives of the woman up to this time, they had good
and sufficient reason to anticipate something dreadful when they saw
her take the key from the lock and put it in her coat pocket.

And still if there were any doubts in their minds after this act,
they were effectively dispelled by the sound of a man's voice coming
through a doorway from a dimly lighted room to the right, speaking
thus:

"Now, young ladies, let me warn you to be quiet. You have been led
into a trap; but you will not be hurt in any way if you obey orders.
One scream from any of you will be followed by a blow with a club that
will silence you for a long time--maybe, forever. This way, please.
Everybody be quiet and sensible, and you will be well treated."

* * * * *




CHAPTER XV.

A PILE OF SCRAP LUMBER.


Conditions and developments seemed to work favorably for the
mysterious trappers of the Camp Fire Girls. In the first place, when
Mrs. Stanlock returned home and found the house without an occupant,