CHAPTER XXII
WHAT PRATT THOUGHT
The party of visitors to the Edwards ranch tired of jack-shooting and jack-running before noon. José Reposa had cached a huge hamper of lunch which the Bar-T cook had put up, and he softly suggested to Mrs. Edwards that the company be called together and luncheon made ready, with hot coffee for all.
“But where’s Pratt?” cried somebody.
“And Miss Rugley?” asked another.
“Oh, I guess you’ll find them together somewhere,” snapped Sue Latrop.
She had felt neglected by her “hero” for the last hour, and was in the sulks, accordingly.
Pratt, however, came in alone. He had bagged several jacks. Altogether Silent Sam and the Mexican had destroyed more than a score of the pests, and the dogs had torn to pieces two or three beside. The canines were satiated with the meat, and were glad to lie down, panting, and watch the preparations for luncheon.
“I have not seen Miss Frances since she caught the antelope,” Pratt declared.
Sue began to laugh–but it wasn’t a nice laugh at all. “Guess she got mad and went home. You, letting that animal go the way you did! I never heard of such a foolish thing!”