six star ranch

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (11)

“I think not. It’s a bunch of cattle, I reckon. I think I make out the guards riding round them.”

“What is it, Mr. Tim?” Genevieve and the other girls had caught up with them now.

“Cattle—over there. See?” explained Mr. Tim, briefly.

At that moment the moon came out unusually clear.

“I can see two men on horseback, passing each other,” cried Bertha.

Mr. Tim nodded.

“Yes—the guard. They ride around the bunch in opposite ways, you know.”

“Let’s go nearer! I want to see,” proposed Tilly, trying to quiet the restless movements of her pony.

MINI-PAUSE

E

e

y

Something has changed. What clues in the last few paragraphs suggest that the situation may no longer be safe?

s

e

i

s

W

The man shook his head.

“I reckon not, Miss Tilly. A stampede ain’t what I’m looking for to amuse you all to-night.” “What’s a stampede?” asked Tilly.

“Mr. Tim, look—quick!” Genevieve’s voice was urgent, a little frightened. But the man had not needed that.