A tall, very fine-looking man in riding togs passed them, with a swift look at Isabelle.
“That’s Cartel, isn’t it?” Wally asked.
“The actor man?” said Max, looking after him.
“Actor-manager he calls himself now. Good-looking brute, isn’t he?” answered Wally, idly.
Isabelle seemed oblivious to the whole incident but privately she marked Sidney Cartel as her own. She went off, shortly, to change.
“Why don’t you ride with her, Wally? She oughtn’t to go off around these mountains alone.”
“Too hot. She can take care of herself.”
“Which way did Mr. Cartel go?” Isabelle inquired of the stable groom who mounted her.
“Sunrise Trail, Miss,” he answered.
Isabelle started off for Sunrise Trail, with the directness of purpose which marked all her actions. It was some time before she caught sight of him, and to her annoyance she saw he was with a party of friends. Whenever the trail permitted he rode beside a certain woman—leaning toward her with marked devotion. Isabelle brought up the rear of the procession. The others became aware of her, evidently commented on her. Mr. Cartel looked back frequently.