"Come on up over that hill when you finish your lunch," invited the
Judge. "I have to obey, so I'm off."
"What made you think of coming away up here to locate claims, Kit?" the
Judge asked as they brought their horses to the summit.
"Dad said there were some good claims over this way, and I've had experience. I've lived out here all my life and know how they go about their location work."
"I'll say your view is worth as much as 'Orphan Annie,'" enthused Judge Breckenridge, as he looked over the ranges of mountains and the deep-cut canyons.
"But views are not worth a Mexican dime out here. You can't cash in on a good outlook," returned Bet with a chuckle. "It's the mine that counts. Now tell us, don't you think we made a good job of locating those claims?"
"I think you did, Bet. However as Ramon Salazar and Kie Wicks will reap the benefit, I think we might go on to other promising spots and let them have a free hand here. You are only girls and can't fight men like them."
No other remark could have roused all the spunk in the girls.
"I don't see why we can't hold our own against any man," sniffed Kit. "Ramon Salazar is a cross-eyed Mexican with a lame leg, and Kie Wicks is a coward. I guess The Merriweather Girls could beat them with their eyes shut."
"That a girl, Kit! Of course we can," cried Bet indignantly. "And we will!"
The Judge chuckled at their flare of independence, and turned to Joy, the timid one.