Connie did not pursue him. She could not have done it had she wished for Silvertail was running with the herd. A shiver ran down the girl’s spine as the realization came to her that they were heading straight toward the canyon.
At this particular point the cliffs were unprotected by fences or trees. And there was a sheer drop of several hundred feet to the valley below. The canyon could not be more than a quarter of a mile away. Blakeman deliberately had stampeded the cattle in that direction, hoping that the animals would run over the precipice and be killed. Unless she could turn them in time, her entire herd would be lost!
CHAPTER XIX
Turning the Herd
Connie leaned low in the saddle and rode as she had never ridden before. But terror held her in its grip. Time was so short—the cliffs so near.
A frenzy took possession of the girl. Everything she had in the world was at stake. If the herd went over the precipice she would lose every animal and her last chance to save Rainbow Ranch. She had to turn the herd even at the risk of her own life.
Silvertail was racing alongside the leaders now, but they would not swerve. On they ran straight toward the cliffs with the herd thundering behind.
Frantically Connie tore off her slicker as she rode. Folding it, she used it to strike at the leaders. Time after time she brought it down on the rumps of the Longhorns, trying to swerve them to the right.
Connie’s heart pounded from the exertion and her breath came in gasps, but still she struck out with all her strength. The cliffs were very close now.
It was no use, Connie thought with faltering courage. They were doomed to go over, she and Silvertail with the cattle. She could not save herself by turning back now. The tide of cattle would sweep them on as surely as if they were caught in the swift-moving stream of a mighty river.
Then the girl became aware of another rider. Enid too was riding at the head of the herd, discharging her revolver and fighting desperately to check the leaders. Alkali and Lefty must be there too, loyal and true, risking their lives to help her.