The afternoon was wearing fast away and long shadows were appearing under the trees.
“Say, Sheriff, when do you reckon we’ll find these fellows?” Tom wanted to know.
“’Bout two, three hours yet,” the Sheriff replied.
“That means we’ll be riding back to the ranch in the moonlight,” put in Madge.
“For which three cheers,” added Janet. “I like night riding.”
When they remounted, Phyllis declared her intention of returning to the ranch house. It took a bit of determination to persuade the others to leave her, but she was firm about it and finally watched them ride off without her. Then she turned her horse and headed back to the K Bar O. She was in no hurry now, so she let her pony proceed at a leisurely walk.
It was strange, this feeling she had, that she should go back to her friends. She could not tell why she should feel so. There was certainly nothing that could happen to them at the ranch. Yet she had that queer feeling that there was something doing, something in which she should have a part.
She looked up at the setting sun. It would be dark before she reached the ranch house and, she plotted mischievously, she would surprise Gale and Valerie. Pounce on them all unaware. Behind her sounded the beat of hoofs and Tom rode into sight.
“Hi, there!” he called. “Wait up for a pal.”
“Going home, too?” she demanded.