Nan whispered in Rhoda's ear: "Walk straight ahead. It isn't hard.
I'll be ready to catch you."
"Out on the plank, sawney!" commanded Amelia from below.
Laura pushed Rhoda ahead. The candidate for initiation, even if she could see a little from under the bandage, had at best a very uncertain idea of where she was, or where she was going. Besides, with one's eyes practically blinded, it is very difficult indeed to walk a chalk line, even on the floor. And this plank that was far from steady was only about a foot in width.
"Oh!" ejaculated Rhoda, one foot before the other and her arms waving for a balance. The parasol did not help much.
"Oh! oh! oh!" was the prolonged wail from the crowd below.
"You—think—you're—so—smart!" Again the Western girl teetered back and forth. Laura gave her another slight push. Rhoda took one more step, and let the parasol fall.
"Good!" encouraged Nan.
"Treason!" croaked Laura, observing Nan's encouragement of the candidate.
"Have a care, sawney," declared Amelia Boggs sternly. "A false step and you are lost! The ravening sea is below you. Feel the spray dashing in your face!"
Quick as a flash the girl with the dipper filled her palm with water and threw it upward. It spattered into Rhoda's face and she jerked back her head.