“Sure, he’s efficient. ’Specially where his own interests are concerned. You’ll find most of the old outfit broken up.”
“Isn’t Red Farnham there?” asked Connie in amazement. “And Shorty and Sixshooter Pete?”
“Red left six months ago,” Charlie answered with a shrug. “Sixshooter Pete drifted north this spring, and some of the other boys hired out to the Drowsy Water outfit. Shorty took himself to Mexico. I reckon Lefty Forbes is about the only one still there.”
“Why didn’t Blakeman write me about these changes?” asked Connie indignantly. “Why, those boys were my father’s most loyal cowhands. Rainbow Ranch won’t seem like home without them.”
“There’s been a lot of changes since your Dad died, Connie.”
“Yes,” agreed the girl soberly. “When he willed Rainbow Ranch to me, he provided that I must attend school in the East. I never wished to leave New Mexico because I feel that I belong here. Now that I’m through school, I’m aiming to take over the management of Rainbow Ranch myself.”
Old Charlie glanced sideways at the girl as he steered the car along the narrow dirt road.
“Maybe that won’t be so easy to do, Connie,” he said quietly.
“Dad left Rainbow Ranch to me, didn’t he?” the girl asked sharply. “What are you driving at anyway, Charlie? I wish you’d speak right out.”
“I’ve already talked a-plenty, Connie. You’ll get the lay of the land soon enough.”