They descended a steep grade, which at the bottom made a sharp turn opening upon a flat through which ran a little creek. As they made the turn they came face to face with Blake French, Gerald and Larry. At sight of Kathleen their faces expressed astonishment. Blake uttered an oath.
"What the devil are you doing with him?" he demanded.
"Riding with Angus Mackay!" said his sister. "I'll ride with any one I like, when I like. Do you get that, Blake? Pull out. You're blocking the trail."
Gerald French laughed. "I thought you were up to something, Kit."
"That's what I thought about you," she retorted.
As Angus rode past the French boys, who had not addressed him at all, he met their eyes. Their stares were level, hard, insolent. He rode on, half angry and much puzzled. Kathleen lifted her horse into a lope and he followed. Then she pulled to a walk.
"The boys didn't like you being with me," he said.
"Never mind what they like. I'm glad I was in time—" She broke off, but a sudden light dawned on Angus.
"What!" he exclaimed. "Is that what you were running your horse for? You mean they were waiting for me?"
He wheeled Chief abruptly, but more quickly she spun Finn on his heels, blocking the back trail.