p to the mark when she wants to," he said earnestly. "I
hope she repeats the performance." Then he abruptly changed the subject.
That one little speech revealed to his friends the fact that he understood
the situation and longed with all his heart for a change of tactics on the
part of his sister.

CHAPTER XII

THE WAYS OF SCHOOLGIRLS

The clang of the gong announced the end of school for the day, but some of
the sophomores lingered in their locker-room.

They had a very disagreeable communication to make that afternoon, to one
of their class, and now that the time had come were inclined to shrink
from the ordeal.

"I think Miriam should break the news herself," observed Marian Barber,
"as long as she is to succeed Grace."

"Miriam isn't here," said Eva Allen, "she went home early. She told me she
could not bear to see anyone unhappy. She is so sensitive you know?" Eva
Allen was devoted to Miriam's cause.

"Oh, I don't know about that," said practical Marian. "She'll make a good
captain, however, because she has showed more loyalty to the team than
Grace has."

Marian firmly believed what she said. She had never been an ardent admirer
of Miriam, and had at first stubbornly refused to repudiate Grace. But
Miriam had little by little instilled into her the idea of Grace's
incompetency, until Marian, who thought only of the good of the team,
became convinced that a change of captains was advisable. Miriam's
brilliant playing in the recent game was the final touch needed, and now
Marian was prepared to do what she considered was her absolute duty.

"Suppose we write Grace a letter," suggested one of the substitutes, "as
long as no one seems anxious to tell her."

"Hush," exclaimed Eva Allen, holding up her finger. "Here come Nora and
Jessica. I know they are going to make a lot of fuss when they hear the
news. Suppose we go back to the classroom and write the letter. We can all
sign our names to it, and then we'll be equally to blame."

The conspirators accordingly trooped into the corridor, just as Nora and
Jessica were about to enter the locker-room.

"What in the world is the matter now?" called Jessica. "You girls looks as
guilty as though you'd stolen a gold mine."

"Wait and see," said Eva with a rather embarrassed laugh, as she hurried
after the others up the stairs.

"Do you know, Jessica, I believe they're up to some hateful mischief. What
did I tell you the other day? Those girls have give