Connie was hopeful that Cecil would not be a member of the party, but at the last minute both he and his sister decided to make the trip. Mr. Grimes and Mr. Postil, had planned a fishing trip to a nearby lake with Alkali serving as guide.
“We’ll go first to Lover’s Leap and then to the cliff dwellings,” Connie announced.
“What a silly name—Lover’s Leap,” Cecil scoffed.
Lefty rode at the head of the party while Connie brought up the rear. Progress along the trail necessarily was slow for the two teachers could ride comfortably only at a walk. However, they enjoyed the scenery and Connie liked to answer their questions.
Cecil was annoyed by the slow pace and made frequent complaints about the heat. Nothing interested him save his own discomfort.
The party stopped for lunch at Echo Canyon where Lefty opened the packages of food packed by Marie and boiled coffee over an open fire.
“I hope there’s really something worth seeing at the end of this trail,” Cecil grumbled as they started on once more.
A little later they approached the summit of the steep incline. There Lefty halted the party.
“We dismount here and walk the rest of the way, folks.”
“What?” demanded Cecil. “Up that mountain? Why can’t we ride?”