“Connie, you must believe me—I didn’t have anything to do with it. I never wanted my father to start the dude ranch in competition with you.”
“I believe you, Enid,” Connie said slowly. “I’m sure you wouldn’t lie to me. After all, why should I be offended? Your father has a perfect right to go into the dude business if he likes.”
“He never wanted to do it either,” Enid went on desperately. “But we’ve been so hard pressed for money. The part I can’t forgive is that he betrayed you.”
“What do you mean, Enid?”
“Oh, Pop isn’t running the ranch at all now—another party has gained control—a man who means to ruin you.”
“The bank?”
“No, Connie—someone you’ve trusted. Pop will never forgive me for telling, but I must! I can’t stand by and see you cheated out of everything you own.”
“Who is it?” Connie demanded.
But Enid did not answer for just at that moment the very heavens seemed to open. A vivid streak of lightning zigzagged across the inky sky, and a torrent of rain descended. Then the earth trembled, and the sound struck fear to Connie’s heart. The herd had stampeded!