Gale and Virginia alone held the opinion that the outlaws wouldn’t linger near the ranch when there were so many officers about. Why should they risk their freedom for revenge? It seemed silly to fear the angry threats made when the Sheriff and his men captured the bandits. Those kind of men were notoriously brave talkers, but when it came to putting their deeds into words they were slow in action. Gale believed their bluster had been a mere attempt to cover up their fear of the law. She refused to be worried over their escape.
“I’ll wager they are in Mexico by now,” she said confidently to Valerie as the two stood at the window of their room preparatory to jumping into bed.
“The Sheriff doesn’t think so,” Valerie said bluntly. “Or if he does, why didn’t he follow them?”
“Because they didn’t leave a trail,” a jolly voice said behind them and Janet and Carol trailed into the room through the communicating door. Both were clad in flowing pajamas and robes and seated themselves cross-legged on the bed.
“I happen to know,” Carol said in a mysterious whisper, “that the Sheriff and his men trailed the outlaws to the creek and there the trail was lost.”
“Isn’t that always the way?” Janet said wearily. “I thought we were going to have some excitement but all the fun is over before we get here.”
In answer to her words a volley of shots rang out from the ranch yard.
Valerie frowned on her friend. “All the fun is over, eh? I wonder what that was?”
“I’m going to find out,” Gale said and ran from the room with Valerie at her heels.
Carol and Janet remained calmly on the bed. When Gale and Valerie returned Janet looked up in inquiry.