Another thought came to her and she bent down to her boot. Her little revolver still nestled in its customary place. She might have use for it tonight, she reflected. Suppose the men were the rustlers and suppose she did make sure of that fact. How was she to notify the authorities? By the time she got back to her camp and told Jim and Tom and they summoned the Sheriff or some of his men the rustlers would have ample time to get away. What was she to do? With a shrug of her shoulders she dismissed the thought. Everything would take care of itself she was sure.
Chapter XI
SURPRISE
The rain had stopped. Darkness was over the world and stars blinked solemnly from their heavenly nest. The rain had brought coolness and a light wind that stirred the leaves of the trees.
Round the campfire were gathered all the girls but the absent Gale. Tom was collecting firewood and Jim was making sure the horses were secure for the night.
“Where do you suppose Gale can be?” Janet asked again.
“I wonder,” agreed Phyllis. “This is the first time in my acquaintance with her that she ever missed a meal.”
“I’m beginning to be worried,” Virginia confessed. “I don’t see why she stayed away so long.”
“You don’t suppose--something could have happened to her?” Valerie asked hesitantly.
“What for instance?” Madge demanded.
“Well, her horse might have run away or----”