Though not as pretty as Doris, Kitty had a charming personality and was one of the most popular girls at Barry Manor. She was very talkative and always ready for a good time. If she excelled in basketball and tennis rather than in French and English, it was not because of lack of ability, but rather because she could never find the time to study. At Barry Manor her room had always been the gathering place for friends and the scene of many tea parties. “I’m so excited about this place we’re going to,” she told Doris. “When do we leave?” “Tomorrow, if that isn’t rushing you off too soon. Uncle Ward is going out of town to raise money for some charity—” “A little hot air for a fresh air fund,” Mr. Force interposed. “A speech at the Rotary Club, one at the church, and one at the Chamber of Commerce. That’s the opening day’s program and it will be about the same for the next month.” “Unless we leave for Locked Gates tomorrow, we’ll be left here by ourselves,” Doris explained. “Let’s go, by all means.” “I thought you would want to start right away. Dave said he would take us down in his roadster.” “We’ll have a wonderful time, too!” Kitty declared enthusiastically. Doris nodded in agreement. In spite of what Dave and Jake had said concerning Locked Gates, she little dreamed of the adventure that lay before her. “I just hope we have a real interesting session at this place,” continued Kitty gleefully, “something to tell the sorority about when we return to school in the fall. Just fancy the crowd gathered around us while we tell in a solemn voice the mysteries of Locked Gates. I really hope something exciting does happen to us, Dory,” she exulted, as the roadster swung around the corner, throwing her little hat a bit more rakishly over one eye. “I’ll be disappointed if it doesn’t.” “Kitty, you are very brave just at present. Be sure to keep up your present demeanor as we go forth on our big adventure,” admonished Doris Force thoughtfully. CHAPTER VI LOCKED GATES Kitty Norris had always been popular at school, for she had a charming way of fitting into things. Before she had been in Chilton an hour she felt perfectly acquainted with Wardell Force, Mrs. Mallow, Marshmallow and even Jake. Marshmallow in particular took an immediate liking to her and tried to monopolize her time. “You know,” Kitty admitted that night, after the girls had gone to their room, “I sort of like Marshall. He’s so jolly.” “I thought you were quite taken by him,” Doris laughed. “It’s plain to see Marshmallow has taken a distinct liking to you.” “Doris Force!” “Well, he has. Too bad he’s so fat.” “He is a little stout,” Kitty admitted. “Stout!” Doris teased. “How you have fallen!” “Well, then I guess we’re even,” Kitty retorted. “You and Dave—” “We’d better be tumbling into bed,” Doris interposed hastily, “or we won’t be rested for our trip tomorrow to Locked Gates.”