Julie laughed uproariously, then tried to say: “Isn’t it always thus when so many know of the surprise party? There’s bound to be one who lets the cat out of the bag.”
By this time the other girls began to realize what it all meant and then there was a great hullabaloo.
“Hurry now, and we will go after Gilly to accompany him to the station,” laughed Mrs. Vernon. No need for such advice, however, as the scouts were well-nigh choking themselves in their haste to eat and be off.
As the time on the automobiles would not expire till one o’clock that day, the scouts inveigled the men to drive them to the railroad station. Such a scene when the train came in! Anne, Judith and Amy jumped off into outstretched arms, and were welcomed by wagging tongues all talking and questioning at once. No one heard or understood a word any one else was saying, but that made no difference to these scouts!
Then the newcomers had to tell in detail how it was possible to persuade Mrs. Ward to let Amy leave home, and many a merry peal of laughter echoed in the ancient streets of Santa Fé as the scouts, all wedged into the automobile, were driven out to the little hotel.
“To tell the truth, it was Julie’s graphic articles in the Elmertown Record that changed Mrs. Ward’s opinion of the west. Every one said it was so wonderful for the girls to have such an opportunity that she felt ashamed of herself,” explained Anne Bailey.
Then the secret of Julie’s journalism came out and her friends applauded loudly when they heard of her success. After a good dinner, shortly before noon, Tally led the horses to the piazza, and Mr. Gilroy said it was time to be off on the trail to the westward. Adair and Chase expected to ride the trail to Las Vegas, but changed their minds when they heard Sandy and Burt plan.
“How about horses for the three girls,” asked Joan, as they all started for the door.
“All ready! Tally had orders long ago, and they arrived this morning,” said Mr. Vernon.
To the great satisfaction of the scouts it was now learned that the four young men had decided to ride with them through the marvelous country west of Santa Fé, where the Zuñi Indians and all the remarkable pueblos would be found.