"Now girls!" called Nellie, a regular Martha for trouble at the present moment. "Now girls, remember the 'sides' will be here day after tomorrow, and Mr. Mann will look us over and give out the parts that afternoon in the small hall. Nobody must be absent. We want this show to be the biggest success that ever was." "It won't be if Gee Gee can help it," growled Bobby Hargrew, shaking her curls. CHAPTER VI THE BANK-NOTE "There's one sure thing about it," Lance Darby said to Laura when she told him of the way in which Miss Carrington had tried to interfere with the girls' choice of the play, "she cannot butt into the Ice Carnival arrangements. Nobody but your Mrs. Case and our Mr. Haskins has anything to say about the Carnival Committee's arrangements." "Oh! Indeed?" laughed Laura. "There you are mistaken about the far-reaching influence of our Miss Carrington." "What do you mean?" "You forget that our share of the Carnival is under the jurisdiction of the Girls Branch League, and in the constitution and by-laws of that association it is stated that none of us girls can take part in any exhibition without the consent of our teachers, and without, indeed, having a certain standing in all branches of study. Miss Carrington can get her word in right there." "Wow, wow! That's so, I presume," admitted Lance. "But we have gone so far now," said Laura complacently, "that I don't think even Bobby will be refused permission to join in the festivities--and Bobby is a splendid little skater, Lance." "Bobby is all right," agreed the youth. "But here comes old Chet--and his face is as long as the moral law. He is still worried about that fifty dollars he may have to dig down into his jeans for--if your father sticks to what he said he'd do." Chetwood had a cheerful word, however, despite his serious aspect. "Have you seen the ice, Lance?" he demanded, brightening up. "Not to-day, old boy." "It's scrumptious--just!" exclaimed the big fellow. "They have been shaving it, and have got it all roped off." "Better have somebody watch it, too, or the kids from downtown will get in there and cut it all up. Just like 'em," growled Lance. "Don't fret. Old Godey is on guard. Trust him to keep the kids off the track," said Chet. "Is father at home, Laura?" "He's just come in," said his sister. "Has he found out about that bank-note yet?" "That is what I wanted to know," said the worried Chet. "I've been over to the hospital this afternoon--before I went down to the lake shore. That, chap who was hurt is off his nanny----" "Chet! Don't let mother hear you," begged Laura, yet laughing. "I wouldn't want the mater to be shocked," admitted Chet. "But that is exactly what is the trouble with that man who gave me the phony bill. The doctor told me the crack he got on the head had injured his brain." "The poor man!" sighed his sister.