Anne and the others
had experienced so many greater shocks since the killing of the reptile
that they felt no qualms about carrying the snake now.
When the four riders finally turned in on the Pebbly Pit Trail, it was
past four o'clock. They had been going steadily since morning, without
food or rest, excepting the hour they had to stop at the falls to give
the animals grass and water, and the girls were the sorriest-looking
lot as they dragged up the road to the house and stopped at the porch.
CHAPTER XVI
A YOUNG STRANGER IN OAK CREEK
"Glory be! You-all war givin' Mis' Brewster fits wid no sign of hide
nor hair sence yistermorn!" cried Sary, rushing out of the kitchen
door, the moment she heard the horses' hoof-beats.
Mrs. Brewster heard Sary and also ran out, crying, "Oh, my dear
children! We've had such a day! Sam just went to the barn to hook up
and start the ranchers on a hunt! A trapper rode in this morning and
spoke of the awful blizzard that hit Top Notch Trail. Of course, we
knew you couldn't find _that_ or we'd have been still more worried!"
The girls looked at each other and laughed aloud. Mrs. Brewster
shrewdly guessed the truth.
"_Did_ you find it? And where under the sun did you hide during that
awful storm?" cried she, anxiously.
Sary paid no attention to a recital of trails and storms, however, for
it was half past four and Jeb would have to take care of the five
mounts before he could hope to come in for supper, and spend a quiet
evening with her.
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