ing can save you. You are now to be put to the question
by one who knows your treacherous heart. You will remove your outer
wrappings and stand forth. Question." The red mask made an imperious
gesture. A domino on the left stepped forward as though to lay hands on
Marjorie.

"I shall not remove my coat, cap or overshoes." Marjorie's ringing
accents cut sharply on the cold air of the unfurnished, unheated room.
"If one of you undertakes to lay a hand on me you will be sorry; not
only now but hereafter. I defy you to do it."

Standing almost in the center of the circle of dominos, Marjorie cast
contemptuous eyes about the circle of maskers. She fully intended to
defend herself if further molested. She was one against many, but she
could at least fight her way to the window, tear aside the shade and
pound lustily upon it, raising her voice for help. She was certain she
was in the hands of the Sans. She knew they would not court exposure.
They had reckoned on completely intimidating her.

A peculiar silence followed Marjorie's spirited defiance. It was as
though the high tribunal were in doubt as to what they had best do next.
With one accord their slits of eyes were turned on their leader. The
domino who had been ordered to lay hold of the prisoner shied off
perceptibly.

"Bring forth the charges against the prisoner." The distinguished
scarlet mask suddenly changed tune. While the hideous face within the
close-fitting hood glared fiendishly at Marjorie, the real face behind
it wore an expression of baffled anger. The unruly prisoner seemed in
possession of an inner force that forbade molestation. Then, too, she
was unafraid and all ready to make a lively commotion.

A domino on the outer edge of the group came forward with a roll of
foolscap, tied with a black cord. The cord impressively untied, amid
dead silence, and the paper unrolled, the reading of Marjorie's crimes
was begun.

"Prisoner, you are accused of untruthfulness, treachery and malicious
interference in the affairs of others. It is not our purpose to detail
to you the occasion of these crimes. These occasions are known to the
high tribunal and have been proven against you."

"It is my purpose to demand proof," interrupted Marjorie with open
sarcasm. "I am not untruthful, malicious or treacherous. I do not
propose to allow anyone to accuse me of such things. I----"

"Be silent!" The Scarlet Mask had evidently lost temper. The command was
roared out i