Kie made as if to draw his gun, but instead he turned to his horse, mounted it and rode away.
"They've out-smarted me this time!" he muttered. "But they'd better watch out!"
As Kie Wicks spurred his horse along the canyon road, he knew that his days at Saugus were over. He had gone too far. The sheriff would never stand for a hold-up. Prison threatened him. What was more he would be the laughing stock of the whole country. Kie Wicks, the man who had boasted of his cleverness had been outdone by a bunch of girls.
"This place ain't healthy for me, no more," muttered the man. "Me and Maude will get away, to-night. We'll never stop till we get clear out of the state. Then we'll be safe."
And on Judge Breckenridge's private train that was taking The Merriweather Girls and their friend toward their home, Bet would burst into a peal of laughter from time to time.
"What now, Bet?" asked Enid.
"Oh, I'm thinking of all the fun we've had—and I'm wondering if Kie
Wicks will keep my birds' nests and start a collection," she giggled.
Even the old professor, who had been invited to join the party, had to chuckle at the thought.
Shirley Williams was gazing from the car window. "Look at that sunset, girls. Did you ever see anything so beautiful?"
"I'd love to paint it," enthused Bet.