could bring their machines to a stop.

"Belle is frightened," said Ray, taking her time to leave
Cecilia's auto.

"Well, we had a great storm one day - and Belle has the reflex
action," explained Cora, referring to an exciting incident told of
in the first book of this series.

The door of the cottage opened.

"Come on, girls!" called Belle. "We may come in - the lady says."

"Now - now for an adventure!" whispered Cecilia. "I can see it
through the closed blinds! I see it under the knocker. I feel it
in my gloves! Yes, young ladies, there is going to be something
doing inside that cottage!"




CHAPTER IV

THE STRANGE PROMISE


When the eight young ladies marched into the little cottage it
must be admitted that each had her misgivings. What would any one
think of such a procession?