Certainly no other town in the state could boast of twin high schools as fine as these; and especially did the situation appeal to the people of Oakdale, for the ten level acres surrounding the two buildings gave ample space for the various athletic fields, and the doings of the high schools formed the very life of the place.
But we must return to our three girls who were hurrying down the shady street, followed in a more leisurely and dignified fashion by Miriam and her friends.

The shabby figure of the little stranger had just turned the corner as the girls left the High School grounds.
"Come on," cried Grace breathlessly, leading the way.

Having once made up her mind, she always pursued her point with a fine obstinacy regardless of opinion.
When they had come to the cross street they saw their quarry again, now making her way slowly toward the street next the river.

This was the shabbiest street in Oakdale, though no one knew exactly why, since the river bank might have been the chosen site for all the handsomest buildings; but towns are as incorrigible as people, sometimes, and insist on growing one way when they should grow another, without the slightest regard for future appearances.
And so, when little Miss Pierson stopped in front of one of the smallest and meanest cottages on River Street, the girls knew she must, indeed, be very poor.

The house, small and forlorn, presented a sad countenance streaked with tear stains from a leaky gutter.