"Get up, quickly! You're late. We couldn't find the string anywhere." Blue Bonnet got into the sheet and bath-robe and sped across the hall to number fifteen. Number fifteen presented a weird appearance. Heavy black cloth had been tacked over the transom to shut out all light and two or three candles burned about the room dimly. On the wide couch six ghostly figures rocked back and forth mumbling an incantation. "Is the candidate ready for initiation?" a voice from the couch asked. "If so, let her speak." Blue Bonnet nodded. "The master of ceremonies will then conduct her to the middle of the room and blindfold her." The ghost in the centre of the group rose, and stretching out her arms, gave forth an edict of some kind in a stage whisper. Blue Bonnet couldn't catch it all--it was purposely jumbled--but it began: "Oh, spirits of all departed lambs, attend! attend! Hear me call! Hear me call!" When the last note of the incantation had faded into silence, a strange stillness settled upon the room. This lasted for several minutes. Blue Bonnet stood quietly, wondering what was to happen next. She had not long to wait. A slender little ghost slid from the couch and pattering about the room softly, extinguished each light. Then came a command. "Conductor, advance the candidate. Let her extend the hand of fellowship to her sister lambs." Blue Bonnet was marched forward a few steps. She extended her hand. The thing that met hers caused her to drop it instantly, and the cold chills passed up and down her spine. If she had only known that it was but a rubber glove filled with cold water, she could have breathed more easily. She stifled a cry. [Illustration: "THE GHOST IN THE CENTRE OF THE GROUP ROSE."] "The candidate is warned not to scream," came a stern voice from out the darkness, and Blue Bonnet struggled for better self control. Something soft and woolly was next thrust into her arms--something that said "bah-bah" a bit mechanically, and Blue Bonnet cuddled it warmly. It was suspiciously like the old Teddy bear that she used to take to bed with her on lonely nights at the ranch. Somebody proclaimed it a mascot. Then followed a succession of pranks numerous and frivolous; and when the fun grew too riotous for discretion the master of ceremonies requested order. "Is the candidate now ready to take the oath of allegiance?" was asked the conductor, who stood guard over Blue Bonnet. "She is ready," the guard answered.