"
"It was not surprising under the circumstances," admitted the Chief
Guardian with a smile that she could not suppress, and that was reflected
on the faces of nearly all the girls seated before her. But all during the
evidence the Guardian had been intently regarding not only the witness,
but the other girls as well. She was seeking for that tell-tale look that
would identify the guilty girl or girls.
Tommy was told that she might take her place again. Mrs. Livingston
consulted with some of the guardians, then called Patricia Scott to the
fire. There was a movement among the other girls at this, a craning of
necks and some smothered exclamations. Mrs. Livingston was very
businesslike and courteous. Patricia's dark face wore a slight pallor as
she walked forward and faced the Guardian.
"Miss Scott, you and Miss Kidder occupy the same tent with the two girls
who have just given their evidence. Did you hear any unusual noises in the
tent last evening?"
"Yes, I did, Mrs. Livingston."
"Explain what you heard?"
"I don't know that I can explain it clearly. At first I thought I heard
the shuffle of feet on the floor. I was very tired and sleepy. I recall
that I partly roused myself. I thought I heard some one speak in a low
tone, but supposing it was in the next tent I dropped back to sleep again.
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