The letter was written and Zan shouted for the postman to wait as she saw him driving up to Sherwoods' mail-box. She ran down with it and, just as she handed it up to the man, a tandem turned from the main-road that went over the Big Bridge and stopped at the side road that went past the farm. Nita jumped out and stood talking to the young man who drove, so Zan ran swiftly back to the Bluff, for she did not wish Nita to think any one had been spying on her.
Miss Miller was called to one side and hurriedly informed of the culprit's return. The Guide looked at her watch and found that the girl had been absent more than three hours!
She walked away from the girls pondering what would be the best step to take with the mistaken child. She hesitated to do any rash thing that might spoil all the impressions that may have caused the girl to think seriously now and then. At the same time, Miss Miller realised that the time had come for stern and definite action on her part, or create a sense of incompetency in the minds of her charges. That would never do, as she would lose any control she had held in school or at camp. She decided finally to have it out with Nita, but alone with her. She returned to the group on the Bluff just as Nita turned in from the road that went past the cottage.
"Girls, would you mind taking a tramp up the ravine? Here's my watch, Zan, do not return for half an hour, or more."
The Guide anxiously waited until they were out of sight on the trail leading to the Indian cave, then turned and waited for Nita.
"Where's everybody?" called Nita, with an air of bravado.
"On a tramp. I waited to have a talk with you, Nita."
"Well, talk doesn't hurt any one, so talk away!" said the girl, insultingly.
"Did you never hear that any one wantonly tampering with the United States mail was considered a criminal and the offence merited a State's Prison Sentence?" said Miss Miller, severely.
The air of braggadocio suddenly left Nita's eyes and her face blanched. She stood looking like a trapped thief. After a long silence, Miss Miller continued.