“Hello, you cats at it ag’in, scratchin’ and clawin’? Where’s my dinner? That’s what I’d like to know. When are you goin’ to git me some grub?”
Billie turned to her companions. They could see her eyes shining in the dull light.
“We’ve heard enough!’” she whispered. “Let’s be getting back.”
They fairly ran down the road to Three Towers Hall. They were scarcely aware that they were cold and dishevelled and pretty well soaked by the misty drizzle. In their minds two facts loomed paramount. They had positively identified Maria Tatgood as the thief, and two hundred dollars of the Gift Club fund still remained in the custody of the unsavory Tatgood family. If they hurried, they still might save that two hundred dollars.
Up the steps of the school they rushed and into the hall, to be met by a group of horrified girls.
“To the wars, if looks count for anything!”
“You big sillies! You are soaked through!”
Connie Danvers pushed through the crowd and plucked Billie anxiously by the sleeve.
“Listen! Eliza Dilks saw you girls leave by the front gate a little while ago. She reported to Amanda. Of course Amanda promptly reported to Miss Walters. She’s up there in Miss Walters’ office now. I’m afraid you are in for it, Billie!”
“Where are you going?” she added, as Billie broke from her and made for the stairs.
From the first step Billie looked down upon the group of curious, upturned faces.
“I am going to see Miss Walters on an important mission,” she said, with a challenging laugh. “You may come, too, if you like!”
Many of the girls availed themselves of this permission and trooped after her. There was a mysterious air about Billie Bradley and her companions that roused their curiosity and warned them to expect developments of an extraordinary character.
The group was joined on the way by new recruits, so by the time Billie and her friends reached the door of Miss Walters’ office about half the student body was trailing at her heels.
“You all wait here,” said Billie to her escort. “I’ll leave the door open just a crack so that you can hear what happens.”
Billie tapped on the door of the office. After a brief pause, Miss Walters’ pleasant voice called, “Come in!”
As Billie pushed open the door she gestured to Vi and Laura and Edina to follow her.