"Isn't it about time for us to do something?" they asked, almost simultaneously.

"Yes," Nancy agreed, "we'd better get into our robes as quickly as we can."

The girls were well hidden by the rocks and bushes. They donned their costumes and pulled the headgear over their faces. For the first time, Nancy noticed the scent of Blue Jade on Bess. "I wonder if that was wise," Nancy thought. "If it attracts attention to Bess it might increase her danger, but it's too late now to do anything about it."

As George, overeager, started off. Nancy caught her friend's arm. "Wait!" she warned. "We must slip quietly into the circle one at a

time."

"My knees are shaking now," Bess admitted. "I don't know how I'll be able to dance."

"Stay here if you like," Nancy told her. "I think we should leave someone to keep guard, anyway."

"I'll stay," Joanne offered. "I know the way back through the woods better than you girls do."

"Come on!" George pleaded. "If we don't hurry we'll be too late!"

"Good luck!" Joanne whispered as the girls crept away.

Inch by inch, the three girls made their way up the hill. They crouched behind a clump of bushes a stone's throw from where the cult members were dancing. Nancy indicated that she would make the first move. Bess and George nodded.

"The slightest mistake will mean detection!" Nancy thought, her heart pounding.

Waiting for the right moment, she suddenly slipped out among the white-robed figures and instantly began waving her arms and making grotesque motions.

CHAPTER XVIStartling Commands

Relieved that her entry into the group had not been noticed. Nancy marched along with the other ghostly figures. If only George and Bess were as successful!