With increasing speed he shot the car ahead, and they were all relieved when a little later they drove to the ranch house and Mason put the car away.
In the morning he reported the matter to Bud. The sheriff grew serious at the news and immediately word was posted at Bar X ranch for the cowboys to keep a sharp watch for Spot Wells and the three strangers.
Mason saw very little of the girls for the next few days, his attention being taken up with matters about the ranch.
One morning, however, while working with the cowboys at the corral he was surprised to see the girls ride up.
They were accompanied by Percy Vanderpool, and Mason stared in amazement when he heard Josephine ask her father for permission to ride to Trader’s Post.
But his bewilderment increased when he heard her say that they intended to ride from there on to the Ricker ranch.
The ranch owner readily consented as he always had in the past two every wish of this girl of the plains. Bud made a mild protest which was seconded vigorously by Mason.
Josephine gave him an icy stare. He ignored her apparent chilliness and offered to go with them if they were so intent for the trip.
“Oh no,” she said the words with hauteur as she faced him. “You are too busy! Besides, Mr. Vanderpool is going with us.”
Mason looked Percy over in disgust.