Page:Betty Gordon at Boarding School.djvu/108

98 "It's a secret society," Bobby announced the moment she had read her note. "Well, let's go upstairs and prepare to be inspected."

The eight gathered in Betty and Bobby's room, and though they were expecting it, the knock, when it finally did come, made them all jump.

"Come—come in," stammered Betty and Bobby together.

Four veiled figures entered, each carrying something in her hand. They spoke in disguised voices, though as they were upper classmen they were fairly safe from recognition; the new girls were hardly acquainted among themselves and knew few of the older students by name.

"Freshmen," said the tallest figure, "when we enter, rise."

The eight leaped to their feet at a bound.

"Do you wish to become members of the Mysterious Four?" demanded the second figure.

"Oh, yes," chorused the willing victims.

"It is well," chanted the third figure.

"It is well," echoed the fourth.

"I don't," said Libbie calmly.

"Don't what?" questioned the tallest figure, evidently appointed chief spokesman.

"Want to be a member of the Mysterious Four," announced Libbie, who had an obstinate streak in her make-up.

"Unfortunately," the spokesman informed her,