It was no easy matter descending the steep trail, but it was accomplished without mishap, and finally Rocky Ranch was reached. And it is needless to say that the captives were made welcome.
A little later, in clean garments, and after a good meal, they told of their adventures. The girls were quite the heroines of the hour, and held the center of the stage, rather to the discomfiture of Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon, who were in the habit of attracting all the attention they could.
"There's one picture I want very much to get," said Mr. Pertell, as he sat with his players in the living room of their quarters one evening.
"Name it," declared Mr. Norton, the owner, "and, if it's possible, I'll see that you get it."
"A cattle stampede," was the answer. "I want to show the steers in a mad rush, and the cowboys trying to stop them. But I don't suppose you can tell when one is going to happen."
"No, you can't tell when a real one is about to take place," the owner admitted, "but maybe we could fix up one for you."
"How do you mean?"
"Why, I mean we could take a bunch of steers, start them to running, and then the boys could come out and try to get them milling—that is, going around in a circle. That stops a stampede, usually. We could do that for you."
"And will you?" asked the manager, eagerly.
"Why, yes, if you want it. I'll speak to Pete Batso. He's had more experience than I have. We'll get up a stampede for you."