“Now what are we going to do?” demanded Cecil. “I’m freezing to death if that means anything to you.”
“How far are we from the ranch?” asked one of the teachers anxiously.
“Over two miles,” Connie replied. “I’m afraid we’ll have to walk back.”
“Walk?” Cecil cried furiously. “In these wet clothes? This is absolutely the last straw.”
“First we’ll build a fire and dry you out,” Connie said. “Lefty, see if you can find some wood.”
The teachers tried to help the cowboy, but neither Helena nor her brother would so much as pick up a stick. Cecil’s temper sweetened a trifle after he had warmed himself by the big bonfire. But he took keen pleasure in showing Helena bruised marks on his skin. It did not seem to occur to him that Connie too might be in discomfort.
The girl drew Lefty aside to discuss the situation.
“Someone set those horses free deliberately,” Connie said.
“Sure, they never walked away themselves.”
“Who could have done it, Lefty?”