“Oh, perhaps a cowboy from Slocer’s Ranch,” Connie replied carelessly. “One of the boys might have come over here just to see the cliff dwellings by moonlight. Nearly every cowboy has a sentimental streak, you know.”
“I hadn’t observed it,” Helena responded dryly. “It doesn’t seem to me the man would have run away unless he were afraid of being recognized.”
Connie did not trust herself to offer any comment as they began the descent into the valley. The discovery that Jim Barrows was lurking in the vicinity disturbed her more than she cared to have Cecil and Helena know.
For the most part the three rode in silence. The incident of the night had served to sober Helena and her brother and they had lost their superior airs.
Ascending the trail on the far side of the canyon, they turned their horses toward Rainbow Ranch. Connie was dead tired but a great many things remained to be done before she could feel free to turn in.
“Don’t forget that the roundup starts tomorrow at daybreak,” she called to Cecil and Helena as the couple dismounted and walked toward the house.
“We’ll be up,” Helena promised.
During Connie’s absence Cookie had nearly finished loading the chuck wagon. The girl helped him complete the task and then went to talk with Lefty regarding details of the next day’s work.
“Has Blakeman returned yet?” she questioned.
“No, he hasn’t,” Lefty admitted. “This is a fine night for him to streak off somewhere. Leavin’ all the work. Connie, I reckon you know your own business, but if you ask me, Blakeman ain’t never had your best interests to heart.”