“The gate at the rear is ajar,” Madge returned. “I tested it this afternoon to find out.”
For some minutes the girls laughed over the evening’s fun. Shortly after midnight they began to expect Cara.
“I wish she’d hurry,” Madge said. “Aunt Maude and Uncle George will be coming home soon and that will put an end to the initiation. She’s had plenty of time to get back.”
At fifteen minutes past midnight, the girls were a little alarmed. They cast off their cumbersome robes and went downstairs to watch for her.
“What can have happened?” Madge worried. “Perhaps we shouldn’t have sent her alone.”
“She’s probably trying to worry us just to get even,” Jane insisted.
“I think we’d better go to the Swenster mansion and see what is keeping her,” Madge returned quietly. “Or if you like, I’ll go alone. It was my idea in the first place—a bum one I’ll admit.”
“Wait!” Enid commanded. “I believe she’s coming now.”
They all turned to look and saw a figure fairly flying down the street toward the house. She hurled herself through the gate and raced across the yard. Before the girls could open the door, she flung herself against it, crying: “Let me in! Let me in!”
As they hurriedly admitted her, she stumbled against Madge, gripping her in a nervous embrace.