“Come, girls, let’s pack the duffle-bags and take down the tent while we’re waiting for breakfast,” suggested Mrs. Vernon, seeing the two returned fishers had nothing to do.
It was not long before the fishermen were seen coming back, displaying several fat trophies of trout which had been caught in that short length of time.
“It doesn’t seem like fishing, Verny, where so many trout are simply waiting for the hook. If one had a net, they could scoop them up—they’re that thick,” declared Mr. Gilroy.
“That’s the kind of fishing I like,” laughed the Captain. “Where the fish swim up to you and quarrel with each other as to which shall be the first to hook itself.”
Young Sanderson helped serve the breakfast, but most of his attention was given to Julie’s words and actions. In fact, so apparent was the good-looking young Ranger’s attraction to the vivacious girl that Mr. Vernon chuckled as he nudged Mr. Gilroy in the ribs.
“Julie’s made a conquest, all right. I fear we’ll have to take the Ranger along as an extra guide, because he’ll refuse to be left behind,” whispered Mr. Gilroy.
Breakfast over, the Captain said: “Gilly, are we going down the Cimarron trail, or are you thinking of changing our plans?”
“Why, we’ll go on just as Sandy directs, when you’re ready and say the word,” replied Mr. Gilroy.
Thus they were trailing again by nine o’clock, Ranger Sanderson all smiles and gayety, riding beside Julie. She, the little minx, enjoyed his attentions and tantalized him with her mischievous eyes. Now and then Mr. Gilroy would rein in his horse in order to ride abreast with these laggards. At such times he tried valiantly to signal Julie that she must not flirt so heartlessly with the poor chap, but the laughing girl would give him a whimsical look in return.
The trail was excellent and no adverse conditions arose to impede or delay the progress of the scouts along the way. The Ranger proved to be a valuable addition to the party, as he knew most of the ranches near the trail, and was well versed with legends and stories of every point of interest to be seen as they rode through this mecca in adventurous times of the past.