irst, and Ruth would not go into the old dormitory unti

ever thought of putting the queer old doctor first, although all the Briarwoods respected the historian immensely. He was considere

ng to the possible existence of a race before the Mound Builders in t

er huge tomes upon the work table, his spectacles awry, and his wig pushed so

the gentleman get so excited while he worked. As soon as he became interested in his books, he

llingham had to remove his collar to brush

eering at the two girls over his reading

a new girl. We wished to see Mr

Two of the young ladies to see you," and instantly he was buri

She trailed her black robe across the carpet and stooped to kiss Ruth w

am glad to see you back. And this is the girl

y. "That is the name she wishes to

t Uncle Bill," said Ann Hicks, blundering

the world, my dear," observed Mrs. Tellingham, taking and holding

n eyes shone. "You bet he is! I-I beg pardon

out you, too. It seems she was much interested in yo

ind," murmure

verness, has spoken a good word

ow so many people ca

m said, kindly. "Now, do not be discouraged. You will make friends among the girls in jus

es," admitted the wester

o school. Keep cheerful. Come to me if you are in real trouble-and stick close to Miss Fieldi

at the room next to The Fox and her chums be g

with Mercy last half; and we could all get al

nd see about getting settled, young ladies. I expect much of you this half, Ruth Fielding. As

they were outside again. "I can get a

g. Thank your stars that you won't have to be put through the initiation of the marble harp

long since agreed that no other nervous or high-strung girl was to be hazed, as she and Helen had been, when they first came to the Hall. So

the little French teacher, beckoned them into her study. "I must be the good friend

hums. The eight girls made the corridor ring with laughter and shouts while they were getting settled. The trunks had arrived from Lu

sing case and her locker and closet There were four windows an

hissed The Fox, peering into the room. "You girls have t

ly a 'teeny' bit larger,"

g. However," said the red-haired girl, "you can have lots more fun in here. Sh

er us in a hurry," ob

n vogue," retorted The Fox.

his half than last spring or Monsieur Pa-pa will have something to say to me. He doesn't often

n Oaks," sighed Heavy, who was chewing industrious

ng, Heavy?" demand

I bet!" giggled Lluella. "The

"Just think, almost the whole universe is fill

ked The Fox, pinching Heavy. "Do

eavy. "If you knew how long it see

good deal out of this nonsense and joviality. Ann could not talk the way the

hispered to herself, looking out of the window at the

nd chattered like magpies. Ann Hicks wanted to run and hide somewhere, for she was more lonel