“Why, where is the ladder?” she asked in surprise.
“Looks like someone has swiped it,” Lefty declared peering down into the dark opening. “I’ll have to make another before our dude season gets in full swing.”
“We could let you down on a rope if you’d like to see the inside,” Connie offered. “But there’s nothing down there.”
“I’ll not bother this time,” the man returned. “It’s getting late anyway.”
“Yes,” agreed Connie, quickly, “we really should be getting back to the ranch.”
They retraced their way, finding themselves winded by the time they reached the horses.
“It’s funny about that ladder,” Lefty muttered as they started down the trail. “I’d like to know who swiped it.”
Presently they swung back into the path leading from Lover’s Leap and Connie pointed out a site which would be excellent for picnics.
“You’ve really given a lot of thought to this dude ranch business, haven’t you?” Jim Barrows asked soberly.
“Yes,” Connie acknowledged; “it seems to me we have wonderful attractions here. A dude ranch has been one of my dreams. A silly one, I’m afraid.”