The boys were keyed up to a high tension, and ready—as Lanky put it, "to buck up against any old thing that might come along, from cyclones and waterspouts to attacks from hostile men who might take them for government agents spying on boot-legger operations."
Every soul on the ranch from Charlie Gin Sing to Mrs. Wallace was on the spot to wish them a safe and prosperous journey. Minnie hovered around and smiled in a way that puzzled Frank.
"Now I wonder what kind of a bee that girl has got working in her brain?" Frank said to himself more than once. Somehow, it made him a bit uneasy. "I hope she hasn't the feast idea of trying to follow us! That would be the maddest of pranks."
The good-byes were said, and the little cavalcade rode bravely off, those in the saddle turning to send back last words to those left behind, and particularly Minnie and Mrs. Wallace.
The cowboys who were to stay at home and perform the regular routine of ranch duties accompanied the party for several miles; then at a sign from Lige Smith they gave a parting yell and turned back.
At last the treasure seekers were off in good shape, with all sorts of possible adventures lying ahead in the unknown lands they must traverse. Frank, however, could not keep Minnie's queer manner from filling his thoughts as he rode on his way.
CHAPTER IX