McGowan got up and began pacing the ground in front of the office. Before he arrived at a conclusion, the scout saw two horses and three riders descending into the valley from the Black Cañon trail.
One of the riders was a woman; the other two, mounted on one horse, consisted of old Nomad and Golightly.
Old Nomad would not be returning to the Three-ply unless he had something of importance to communicate; and he would not be bringing Golightly unless the Irishman also had an important report.
“McGowan!” called the scout; “come this way.”
The mine-owner hastened to the scout’s side, and followed the scout’s pointing finger with his eyes.
“Why,” muttered McGowan, “it’s Nomad and Golightly! Why is Nomad coming back? And where’s Golightly’s buckboard and cayuses? Here’s a puzzle, and no mistake.”
“It’s a puzzle, then, that soon will be solved,” returned the scout. “Who’s the girl?”
“Dell of the Double D,” answered McGowan; “Dell Dauntless, a friend of Annie’s.”
The scout, impressed by the girl’s beauty, but somewhat disappointed by the sight of her showy apparel and accouterments, watched the party approach.
Now, at last, he felt sure, they were to get developments worth while.