"But are we going to let those fellows get our treasure?" Bet cried hysterically. "No, I won't run away! I'm going straight back there and tell them what I think of them."
Shirley laughed quietly. "What's the use, Bet. They probably know more mean things about themselves than you can tell them. They're like Kie Wicks."
But Bet was stubborn. She hated to give up.
"I won't go home! I'm going to stay right here for the present and think out a plan."
And it was there that Judge Breckenridge found them, heard their story and commanded them to return to the ranch house without any delay.
Judge Breckenridge's word was law. Bet turned her horse's head down the canyon toward the home trail, her eyes flashing dangerously. She muttered:
"To think of being sent home when the excitement gets good! Oh, I wish
I were a boy!"
"Well, since we have to go, let's hurry and have the fun of telling it all to Joy."
But Joy and Mrs. Breckenridge were a disappointment. They did not thrill to the danger, as Bet did. They were decidedly angry and afraid.
"You must never go into that canyon again while you are here!" exclaimed Mrs. Breckenridge.