"One of Blythes' cow-punchers!" was her conclusion. "He is probably beating up strays."
Satisfied and relieved at her surmise she ran into the house to prepare for the ride to Willow Glade.
Ned rode swiftly along, skirting the lake about the Pellawa end. He had an hour of fast riding before he at length disappeared into the groves near the brook. As he broke into the Glade he saw Bobs tied to a tree and his mistress seated on the log beside the stream.
"Ho, ho! Darkey!" he cried softly. "High fortune is ours!"
Bobs tossed his head in equine friendliness, but the figure on the log was absorbed in a study of the tree-tops. Tying his horse, Ned stole up on the silent one.
"Room for another on the observation car?" called Ned in her ear.
With a casual "Good-day, Ned!" she glanced into his eyes. Her face was so irresistibly teasing that he seized her hands.
"I am welcome, Mary?" said he.
Her reply was smothered by his lips. When conditions had become normal once more she announced importantly:
"I came here to-day, Ned, with the deliberate purpose of having an interview with you."