So they turned their tired horses back, reaching the ranch long after sundown. Ralston was still unconvinced that it was not a case of mistaken identity, and, hoping against hope, he asked some one loafing about while he and Bear Chief unsaddled if McArthur had returned.
“He’s been off prowlin’ all day, and ain’t in yet,” was the answer; and Bear Chief grunted at this confirmation of his accusation.
The Indian woman was waiting in the doorway when they came up the path.
“You see Susie?” There was uneasiness in her voice.
It was an unheard-of thing for Susie not to return from her rides and visits before dark.
“Not since morning,” Ralston replied. “Has any one gone to look for her? Is Smith here?”
“Smith no come home for supper.”
“There seems to have been a general exodus to-day,” Ralston observed. “Are you feeling worried about Susie?”
“I no like. Yas, I feel worry for Susie.”
It was the first evidence of maternal interest that Ralston ever had seen the stoical woman show.