“We might ride as far as the Chase cabin,” said Helen, a bit doubtfully. “They would be glad to see you.”
“The very thing! I want to learn how they are making out in protecting their claim.”
“Oh, I guess they are all right.”
“Let us hope so,” and Ruth sighed. “Oh, my, what a lot of trouble all of us are having!” she added.
CHAPTER XXIII
RUTH GOES TO THE RESCUE
In one or two of the minor scenes, Ruth had been able to use Sandy Banks and Slick Jones as extras. The two added a great deal to the local color of the scenes in which they were used and Ruth only regretted that she had not been able to use them more frequently.
As it was, the money the young director had given them in return for “enjoyin’ themselves,” as they put it, had made them Ruth’s great friends. As for Slick Jones, the best he had was none too good for this favorite of his. The result was that the girls now found themselves mounted on a pair of gentle though high-spirited colts that seemed aware of the distinguished company they were in and carried themselves accordingly.
It was a relief to Ruth to be doing something again. As the two girls cantered along through the woods in the general direction of the Chase cabin Ruth listened absently to Helen’s chatter. Her actual thoughts were with the Chase girls.
They soon entered the tiny path that led to the Chase cabin. Here the branches of the trees swept so low that the girls were forced to dismount and tie their horses and proceed the rest of the distance on foot.
Ruth’s ankle was unexpectedly painful, and she leaned rather heavily on Helen’s supporting arm as they approached the cabin.