“You girls go ahead and leave me,” Billie begged. “You can make it even now if you run. I’ll get along all right.”
“Never!” said Laura dramatically. “I am with you to the death!”
“Don’t be silly!” cried Billie. “Please go on, girls. It won’t do me a bit of good for you all to get into trouble.”
“We will never leave you until death—or Debsy—do us part,” chuckled Vi. “You’d better save your breath, Billie. You will need it for this last wild dash up the hill.”
By the time they reached the Hall Billie was painfully out of breath and aching in every muscle.
“You go on—in,” she gasped. “I’ve got to—wash up a little—and change my dress. I’m a sight.”
“We’ll help you,” decided Laura.
Despite Billie’s protests, her two chums rushed her up the stairs to the dormitory. There Vi ran water into a bowl while Laura invaded the closet to get down a fresh frock.
“There! Stick your head in that, Billie. You do have a look of battle and sudden death about you. And your hair could stand a comb. So! Much, much better. Now you bear a slight resemblance to the Billie Bradley I have known and loved so faithfully.”
Over Billie’s freshened head Laura slipped a cool, peach-colored frock; then ran to the lavatory to wash her own hands. This service Vi also performed for herself. In less time than they had thought possible, the chums were ready to face the eagle eye of the dreaded Miss Debbs.