The long ride was interesting, if it was dangerous. The cars wound around narrow roads, up steep, rocky inclines, and beside precipices which made the girls giddy to contemplate. No one talked much, for the drivers were completely absorbed in their tasks, and the rest of the party were too much thrilled with the scenery to think of ordinary conversation. It was six o’clock when they finally drove into Crider, and saw everywhere the big posters announcing the Stampede.
“This is quite a large place, isn’t it?” observed Marjorie, surprised at the number of houses in the streets through which they passed.
“And those stores look rather prosperous,” added Alice. “Perhaps we can come over here before we go home and buy some presents for our families.”
They drove up to the hotel, and Mr. Hilton gathered the party about him for directions. He and most of the boys were to sleep in tents, but Mrs. Hilton and the girls, he decided, had better occupy rooms in the hotel.
“Leave your things as soon as possible,” he said, “and come down to the dining-room. We don’t want to miss any of the fun.”
“What sort of fun?” asked Doris, apprehensively. But, as if for an answer, before Mr. Hilton had time to reply, three loud shots were heard.
“Oh, shooting and riding, and lots of excitement,” replied the man, carelessly. “Now do hurry, girls. Be back inside of five minutes.”
The girls ran off as he directed. They were to have two large rooms, each equipped with two double beds, and with a communicating door between.
“Well, some people may like it,” said Doris, nervously, as she took off her hat and arranged her hair-net, “but I wouldn’t want to live in the West!”
“Then you had better not fall in love with any man out here,” admonished Mae.