Jeanette recognized that she was the one person she did not wish to meet and talk with at the present time.
Without a sign she hurried off.
Not until she was a mile from home had she a sense of freedom.
Her stepmother she knew to be one of the most famous riders in the state.
Jeanette's fear had been that she might follow and ride with her.
She turned into a little-traveled bridle-path.
On ascending from the ravine the day before the four new Ranch Girls had found themselves not so great a distance from home as they feared. Near the ranch was an opening into the ravine which must for years have been closed with a thick tangle of underbrush. Of late some one had thrust the way through.
If she were pursued, Jeanette's idea was to hide behind the shrubs and thick sagebushes until she could safely emerge from shelter.
This was unnecessary.
Instead of concealing herself, she rode on a mile or so more. She planned to be back in time for breakfast.