"Tell us what your plan is!" begged Lily, impatient with even a moment's unnecessary delay.
"The private detective system—and by that I mean to have each girl in our class responsible for one or two freshmen, and know where they are every minute of the day. In that way, all of us would really be on guard all the time!"
"Wonderful!" cried Lily enthusiastically. "Would it really be possible to do it?"
"I don't see why not; the struggle lasts only six weeks—nearly two are gone already. And if everybody will work——"
"That's great, Ruth," interrupted Lily, deciding instantly to adopt the plan; "I'll post a notice for a meeting this very evening, and we'll put it up to the class. Then, if everybody approves of the scheme, I want you to be chairman of the Vigilance Committee—the leader, you know, to whom the girls would report any suspicions."
Ruth's heart gave a bound of delight: the appointment was just what she desired. With a little tact and diplomacy, she could make Lily a mere figure-head, and herself the power behind the throne; in this manner she could pave the way for her own election to the presidency for junior year.
But she did not dare to betray to Lily the fact that she was eager for the office. She even hesitated a moment before she accepted.
"Of course it will mean an awful lot of work, but if you really think I am capable, Lily, you know I'd do anything for the sake of the class."
"Of course you're capable," reassured the other, "and you must take it. It will remove a big weight from my mind, too, if you do."
The girls discussed the matter in detail, while Evelyn made tea. Then, refreshed and encouraged, Lily returned to her own room.