"Hello," he said.
"Hello," Alec replied. "Have you seen my sister?"
"Sure have!" the bearded man said cheerfully. "She caught up with your dad an' the man from the wagon next to yours right here on my claim. She was ridin' a roan pony, an' so was t'other man. Your dad had his palomino mare. They said they was goin' on."
"You're sure?" Alec inquired.
"Dead sure. Saw 'em with my own eyes," the bearded man said.
"Thanks," said Alec.
Even as he spoke, he was turning Carrots and galloping full speed back to the Simpson wagon. When he reached it, not taking time to dismount, he shouted his happy news from the pony's back. "It's all right, Mother! Cindy's with Dad!"