“Nonsense!” exclaimed Dorothy, and ran into the house to find her aunt.
But she could not find her. She called, and there came no answer. With fast beating heart and trembling limbs Dorothy Dale returned to the veranda. Tavia was talking to a man on horseback who had just arrived. It was Lance Petterby.
CHAPTER XXIV
THE CHASE
“I tell you they’ve run away with her! Whatever shall we do?”
Tavia was quite familiar in her excitement. She had seized Lance Petterby’s free hand and shook it with emphasis. But even at this tragic moment Dorothy noticed the way the cowpuncher looked down at her chum, and she was sorry that Tavia was not more dignified.
“Jerusha Juniper! do yuh mean it?” Lance said.
“We saw them riding away,” declared Tavia. “You didn’t find your aunt, did you, Doro?”
“She’s gone,” admitted Dorothy, feeling a little ill and faint.
“Jerusha Juniper! yuh don’t mean it?” repeated Lance. “’Tain’t possible that she’s been run off against her will?”