"Yes; and we are going to reach it through the underground connection between the gym and the main building," explained Miss Phillips; "so we shall walk over to the main hall and go down the cellar and then follow single file through this dark passage to the basement. You may see something weird!"
"Who's going to lead?" asked Ruth, her eyes shining with excitement.
"We'll draw lots!"
And, by the irony of chance, the part fell to Doris Sands, the most timid girl in the troop.
"Oh, Captain, I'll die of fright!" she protested.
"It's only play, Doris! You won't mind."
Laughing and chatting gaily they strolled in groups across the driveway to the main building; then down the narrow cellar steps at the rear of the hall, and across the cellar to a dark passage.
"Here we are!" announced Miss Phillips, calling everyone to a halt. "Now get in single file."
Doris went first, with Roger Harris behind; then came Ruth, Jack Wilkinson, Marjorie, and Lily—all eager for the adventure. Forming a long chain with their right hands on the shoulders in front, they advanced cautiously. After the first few steps, the passage became lower, and pitch-black; they had to bend down and feel their way step by step as they went.
"Oh!" shrieked Doris, stopping suddenly. "Look! Ugh!"