“Months ago he loaned my father money, and he has made trouble for us ever since. At the time of the rodeo he forced him to keep Catapult out of the show, expecting to win a large sum of money for himself. But something went wrong——”
“I know about that,” Connie nodded.
“Pop didn’t wish to deceive his friends but he had no choice. Oh, Connie, that was why I felt so ashamed to face you. I suspected too that Blakeman intended to ruin you, but I couldn’t tell you without exposing Pop’s part in the affair.”
“Substituting another steer for Catapult wasn’t such a terribly serious thing, Enid,” Connie said kindly. “Please don’t take it so hard.”
“There’s more to it than that. After the rodeo Blakeman came to our ranch and threatened my father. He made him do exactly what he said. Pop didn’t want to start a dude ranch to rival yours. Blakeman arranged to have Miss Parker and her friend come to our place too. He wanted you to fail in your enterprise.”
“I realize that now,” Connie said bitterly. “Only a miracle saved me tonight. But why has Blakeman done all these things to me?”
“Because he’s grasping and cruel,” Enid replied. “Dude ranching is going to develop into a big thing out here, and your place is the cream of the lot. You have natural scenery and the cliff dwellings will draw a great many guests. Once you get started your business will grow by leaps. Blakeman has known that, and he’s been determined to gain control for himself.”
“I’m glad you came to tell me all this, Enid. It’s cleared up so much misunderstanding.”
“Then you’ll forgive Pop and me?” the girl asked eagerly. “In our hearts we’ve wished you only success.”
“Of course I forgive you,” Connie returned heartily. “And now I have something disagreeable to do. I must find Blakeman.”