“Oh, well, I’ll get the chuck wagon myself,” she decided. “It will be easier than waiting for someone else to do it.”
She went back to the barn for one of the work horses and harness. The chuck wagon had been left in the south field and she was relieved to find that standing in the weather had not damaged it. Hitching up, she towed it back to the ranch house.
As Connie closed the gate behind her, she was surprised to observe Cecil and Helena mounting horses.
“Are you going for a ride?” she asked as they came up. “It is a pretty night.”
“We’re on our way to see those famous cliff dwellings by moonlight,” Helena declared. “Ever since we arrived you’ve been promising us a close glimpse of them. We’ve decided to do our own exploring.”
“Oh, but it’s so late to start out for the cliffs,” Connie protested. “And it isn’t safe for you to go alone.”
“Nonsense,” replied Helena impatiently. “We’re not children.”
“It’s very easy to become lost on the trail. Besides, if you’re taking part in the roundup you really should get some sleep. We’ll have a hard day tomorrow.”
“You sound just like a Granny,” Helena laughed. “Cecil and I know how to take care of ourselves.”
“Come on, Helena,” urged the boy impatiently.