t an anxious few moments while the conference was
going on. Finally, the guardians resumed their places. Mrs. Livingston
stood facing them again.
"In view of all the facts which we have in our possession, the guardians
have been able to arrive at a conclusion regarding the six girls who have
confessed. Naturally we can take no action in the case of the others, not
knowing who they are. We believe that while the six girls are deserving of
dismissal, they were influenced by a spirit of fun, rather than of malice,
therefore the question as to whether they shall be dismissed or not shall
be put to a vote of the Wau-Wau Girls themselves. All in favor of adopting
some other method of punishment please rise."
Every girl in the gathering rose to her feet with the exception of Harriet
Burrell. Tommy observing that her companion had not risen, sat down
hurriedly.
"All in favor of letting the guilty ones go without punishment will rise,
now."
Harriet was on her feet in an instant, with Tommy a slow second.
"I am afraid you are very much in the minority, my dear," said Mrs.
Livingston, smiling on Harriet. "Your forgiving spirit, however, is to be
commended. It is the true spirit that should actuate a Wau-Wau Girl. In
view of the previous vote, I shall have to impose a penalty that already
had been agreed upon by the guardians in case the members of the camp
decided upon some form of temporary punishment Therefore I sentence the
six young women"--here Mrs. Livingston read their names out, names of
girls that Harriet did not know--"to solitary confinement in their tents
for the period of twenty-four hours. They will take their meals in their
quarters. The young women will now rise, pass in single file before the
fire and proceed to their tents."
Six young women with lowered heads and cheeks aflame, slowly, hesitatingly
rose to their feet, hurriedly filed past the fire, then turned their
footsteps toward their quarters.
"Oh that'th too bad," piped Tommy as the last of the six passed into the
shadows.
CHAPTER XII
HARRIET TURNS THE TABLES
Despite the solemnity of the occasion smothered giggles were heard
following Tommy Thompson's remark that had reached the ear of every person
at the Council Fire.
The Chief Guardian frowned, then her face relaxed in a smile.
"Did you speak, Miss Thompson?" she asked.
"Ye--yeth," stammered Tommy.
"My dear, I feel very much as you do," smiled the Chief Guardian. "B
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