_Alec Comes_
In the middle of the following afternoon Alec appeared on a hillock. He
was driving Pete's horses and wagon with two of his father's mules
hitched on behind, and following Sim Macklin, who drove his brother's
wagon.
Without benefit of saddle or bridle, Cindy leaped on Sparkle. Guiding
the roan pony with her knees, holding herself on by wrapping one hand in
his mane, she raced to meet her brother. She waved to Sim and drew in
beside Alec.
"Hi!" she called happily.
"Hi." Alec grinned.
"Was Mother worried?"
"About you?" Alec sniffed. "Huh! She was hoping you'd stay lost!"
"Alec!" Cindy begged. "Please tell me!"
"Well," Alec said, "she was a mite worried. But I found out the day you
left that you were with Dad. Mother isn't worried any longer."
[Illustration]
"How is Mindy?" Cindy pursued.
"Ha! You know what that crazy girl did? When you weren't there to take
Mr. Brent's message, she took it. But she didn't know Thunder's an
outlaw, so she rode him bareback. Can you imagine that?"