The road gradually became more level and less dangerous, and for a time Doris felt relieved. But just as they came within sight of the ranch, she was frightened by the sound of eight pistol shots, fired one right after the other. Several of the girls put their fingers in their ears, and all looked questioningly at their drivers.
“That’s to announce your arrival,” Bob explained; “and to send you greetings. There was a shot for each of you.”
“I’m afraid I’d just as soon not be welcomed so boisterously,” sighed Doris. “It certainly did startle me.”
“You’ll soon get used to it,” replied the young man. “They’re only blanks, and they fire them off all the time.”
The girls now had a good view of the ranch, with the one big cabin in the center, as Bob had described, and the smaller ones a short distance away in somewhat of a semicircle. Beyond were the fields, in which they could catch glimpses of the horses, and of a few cows.
“Isn’t it great!” exclaimed Ethel, rapturously.
“Yes; and it sort of reminds me of the training camp last year,” said Marjorie.
Lily looked a little dubious.
“Doris,” she whispered, “do you suppose they have bath-rooms, and hot water?”
Bob, who had overheard the question, laughingly answered it.