“You don’t know what you might be getting into,” Virginia said. “I think you should let that trail alone and mind your own business.”
Tom shook his head, tightening his saddle strap.
“We’re goin’ so you might as well save your breath. See you at Bear Rock,” he added as he and Jim swung their horses about and were off in a cloud of dust.
The girls stared after them in surprise, then Virginia, with a shrug of her shoulders, turned her horse and led the way at an abrupt angle from the road taken by Jim and Tom. Gale undertook to bring up the rear with the pack horses. As the girls jogged forward, Phyllis rode directly behind Virginia with Janet and Carol following. Valerie had dropped behind with Gale.
“Do you suppose that mysterious trail was left by the bank bandits?” Valerie murmured in a low tone to her friend.
“I shouldn’t be surprised,” Gale answered. “You know, Val, that is what they are really looking for. I believe that is why Jim has a definite camping place in mind for each day and doesn’t let us loiter much along the way. He and Tom must think the rustlers and robbers are connected.”
Valerie nodded. “Do you think the bandit might have been the man you saw at the mine last night?”
Gale frowned. “I don’t know. I’ve been thinking about that. It might have been, but I can’t be sure because I didn’t get a close enough look at him. He might have been using the cabin as a hiding place.”
“That’s why he tried to scare us away,” added Valerie. “I believe that’s it!”
“What are you two chattering about?” Janet wanted to know.