With a smile, Belle picked up the case, and, taking the queer-looking instrument out, she handed the two-stringed Chinese fiddle to Sing Lung. He took it gingerly, and, after receiving the bow, got ready to play.
“Now you’ll hear some real laundry music,� Roy said in a low voice to Nell. “Don’t laugh. Make believe you like it,� he warned.
Sing Lung slowly drew the bow across the strings. He evoked a peculiar, wailing noise, more akin to a sick cat on the back fence than to anything else to which the girls had ever listened, so they said later.
There was a sudden interruption. The sound of a rapidly approaching horse was heard, and all looked up in surprise. Gus Tripp was riding toward them, his steed in a lather.
As he came closer Mr. Manley noticed that Gus slumped oddly in his saddle. At the sight the cattle owner ran quickly forward. Gus held up his right arm in a mute gesture.
From his fingers blood was dripping!
CHAPTER XV
PLANNING A DANCE
“Gus!� exclaimed Mr. Manley. “What happened?� Teddy and Roy looked anxiously at the rider.
“Had a little accident, boss,â€� Gus replied, a wry smile on his somewhat pale face. “Mebby if you an’ I was to take a little walk—â€�
Mr. Manley nodded quickly, understandingly, and turned to the girls.