They were descending the narrow trail from the mesa, and, since Virginia was in the lead, she could not see the elated expression on the face of her brother.
“Um-m, let me see,” she replied thoughtfully. “May I have five minutes to think?”
“I’ll give you until the Dry Creek is crossed,” was the merry reply.
They rode on in silence while Virginia’s thoughts were busy trying to solve the mystery. Of course Malcolm must have heard of this possible escort during his day at the Slater Ranch while rounding up the steers that were to be sent to Chicago.
“Oh, I have it!” she whirled about in her saddle to exclaim exultingly.
“Some one, of course, is to accompany the car-load of steers to the big city and that some-one will meet Margaret there and escort her back to Douglas.”
“Congratulations sister! Now, since you are so clever at guessing tonight, suppose you tell me who is to go with the cattle.”
“Malcolm Davis, I do believe that you are,” the girl instantly declared. “There’s a ring in your voice which convinces me that you are at last to have the opportunity for which you have so longed. Are you now old enough to be trusted on so important a mission?”
“Mr. Slater thinks so. He asked me to go,” the lad replied jubiliantly, as he swung from his saddle, “but wait until after supper and then I will tell you my plan.”