The cowboy shook his head.
“It might have been some smart Mexican kid,” he said finally.
“Do you know what I believe?” Connie asked. “Someone is afraid I’ll make a success of this dude ranch. It looks to me as if that trick was done for the deliberate purpose of making the guests leave.”
“Pop Bradshaw is trying to start up in the dude business,” Lefty said thoughtfully. “Maybe he got wind of how we smuggled Catapult into the rodeo grounds. I know Blakeman’s been makin’ it plenty tough for him ever since.”
“Pop wouldn’t do a thing like this,” Connie replied slowly.
“We didn’t think he’d double-cross his friends either. But he did. Maybe he’s aimin’ to get your dudes away from you, Connie.”
“If they’re all like Cecil he’s welcome to them,” answered Connie wearily.
The party began the long trek back to the ranch. Lefty and Connie, accustomed to walking, did not mind the rough trail, but the others found it trying. Helena had not worn suitable shoes. Her complaints were nearly as annoying as those of her brother.
At first the school teachers tried to be cheerful but soon they gave up the effort. And then to add to the difficulties, Miss Parker twisted her ankle.
“I don’t think I can walk another step,” she murmured. “Oh, dear, why did we ever come on this horrible trip?”