They tried to get hold of Merle after supper, but she kept persistently to Elsie Ryder's company, and would not give them any opportunity of speaking to her in private, so they were obliged to go to bed in a horrible state of suspense. Next morning things were just as bad. There was no mistaking the fact that Merle wished to avoid them, and it was only with the greatest difficulty that they succeeded at last in catching her alone. "What do you want?" she enquired abruptly. "Please don't go chasing me about like this all over the school." "We want to know what you saw in the lantern room, of course," replied Lindsay. "Well, I'm sorry, but I can't tell you." "Not tell us!" Lindsay and Cicely could scarcely believe the evidence of their own ears. "No, it's quite impossible." "But why?" "Simply that I can't." "Were you offended, Merle, because we didn't come when you called us?" asked Cicely. "We were hurrying up as fast as we could, only Miss Frazer stopped us and made us tidy our drawers. It wasn't our fault," added Lindsay apologetically. "No, I'm not offended in the least. I'm very glad you didn't come." "But you shouted to us to be quick." "I know I did." "Was it something or somebody you saw in that room?" "Please don't ask me." "But look here, Merle, this is too bad," protested Lindsay. "You're playing a very nasty trick upon us." "It can't be helped. I've said I am sorry," returned Merle doggedly. "Well, you are a fraud," cried Cicely. "I like people who keep their promises." "So do I," said Merle, in rather a significant tone. "It's exactly what I intend doing, too." "You don't mean to say you've promised not to tell!" exclaimed Lindsay. "I didn't say anything at all." "Have you told Elsie Ryder or Marjorie Butler?" "Certainly not. I haven't mentioned the matter to anybody, and I hope you won't either." "But why shouldn't you whisper it just to Lindsay and me? We wouldn't let a soul know," pleaded Cicely reproachfully. "I can't explain why. Do let us drop the subject." Here was indeed a deadlock. They had been afraid lest Merle should betray her secret indiscreetly, but they had certainly never contemplated being kept out of it themselves. The more they pressed her, the more obstinately she refused, and neither scolding nor coaxing would induce her to disclose even the least hint. They gave it up at last, feeling very baffled and rather out of temper. "We do know something about your old room, all the same," said Lindsay crossly, as a parting shot. "Oh, Lindsay, you don't really!" There was an anxious note in Merle's voice. "More than you think." "Then, whatever it is, you had better keep it to yourselves, and not let it go any farther."