It was a long time before the excitement had subsided so that they could proceed with the merry program as it had been planned, and never before had that old roof covered so many happy hearts.
CHAPTER XVIII—THE MYSTERIOUS CHRISTMAS BOX.
The week following Christmas was filled with many events on the V. M. Ranch.
Malcolm, who was greatly interested in the finding of the mine on Second Peak conferred for several hours with his sister, and finally decided that together they would grubstake Pat Mahoy in the venture.
The next day the three men rode away, leaving the girls to wait anxiously Malcolm’s decision when he himself had examined the prospective mine.
Mrs. Mahoy and her small brood were to remain in the adobe house indefinitely if they wished. The little woman was no longer sad, and the three children added much to the joyfulness of the Christmas season.
“Oh, Virginia!” Margaret exclaimed when they turned into the ranch house after having waved farewell to Malcolm, Slick Cy and Mr. Mahoy. “I am so eager to receive our Christmas mail, but no one has been to town in ever so long. I just know that there will be a box for me from Babs. We have exchanged presents every year and I am sure that she has sent me something. How are we going to get the mail?”
“I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if Slim rode in today or tomorrow,” Virginia said. “You know he has been for a week at a round-up just beyond the Junction. If he does come, he will stop for the mail.”
Half an hour later when Margaret went to the veranda to shake a duster, she called excitedly:
“Virg, come quick. Look way up on the mesa trail. Is that a horseman I see or is it the giant cactus?”