ht have found it. The
young girl quickened her pace. She must hurry if she wanted to catch the
old woman before the latter closed up for the night.

Anne had not thought of looking behind. Her mind, so trained to
concentration, was now bent only upon one object. But would it have
swerved her from her present purpose, even if she had noticed Miss Leece
following her?

The High School was still open, although Anne could not find the
janitress. Perhaps the old woman was asleep somewhere. On several
occasions she had been found sleeping soundly when she should have been
brushing out schoolrooms and mopping floors. Anne was determined,
however, to give one good, thorough search for her letter and she
accordingly mounted to the floor where the freshmen class room was
situated and entered the large, empty recitation room.

She looked long and carefully under the desks and benches, even going
through the scrap baskets, but there was no sign of the letter. Then she
went into some of the other class rooms, but her search was unrewarded.

"What's the use?" she asked herself at last. "It's sure to have been
destroyed. I think I'll just have to give it up, and try to rest a
little before to-morrow, or I'll never be fit to try for that prize."

As she started down the broad staircase she heard the rasping voice of
Miss Leece mingling with the principal's cool, well-modulated tones.
Anne paused a moment, watching the two figures below. Miss Leece looked
up and caught her eye, but Miss Thompson was engaged in unlocking the
door, and did not see the little figure lingering on the steps.

Just as the door opened, another door slammed violently, and the next
moment Anne heard footsteps running along a small passage that crossed
the corridor. Leaning far over the rail she caught a glimpse of a
figure. It was--no, Anne could not be certain of the identity. But it
looked like--well, never mind whom. Anne meant to keep the secret, for
it was evident that the person had been bent on mischief, else why slam
a door and run at the approach of Miss Thompson! And now Anne heard the
door open again and Miss Thompson's voice calling: "Who is there?" But
there was no answer. Deep down in Anne's heart there crept a vague
suspicion.

CHAPTER XXII

DANGER AHEAD

MY DEAR GRACE:

Will you come and see me at my office after school to-day? I have
something very important to discuss.

Sincerely yours,

EMMA THO