The girls lost sight of the man as he disappeared behind a wall of rock. Their own trail wound deeper into the canyon, past a spring which in days gone by had provided water for the cliff dwellers.
“We’re following the path actually used by the women of the tribe when they came for water,” Connie explained as the girls hurried along. “This is the shortest route to the cliff house, but it’s a hard climb.”
They had gone only a few steps, when in turning a sharp bend, Connie came to an abrupt halt. Tied to a pine tree on the slope was a pinto pony.
“That’s not a horse from Rainbow Ranch!” Enid exclaimed in surprise.
“No,” answered Connie, staring at the pony. “I never saw it before. It couldn’t have been left here by Blakeman because he’s on the other trail.”
The girls looked quickly about but they saw no sign of a rider. Hastening on again, they climbed a rocky path toward the high cliffs. As they drew closer, they approached cautiously, keeping an alert watch for Forest Blakeman.
Presently they saw his horse tied up at the same point where Connie, Cecil and Helena had left their steeds the previous night, but the foreman had vanished.
“He must be somewhere in the cave back under the cliff,” Connie whispered. “Perhaps down in one of the kivas.”
“But what could he be doing down there?” Enid asked blankly.
“Let’s get closer and see if we can find out,” Connie urged.