g
their own ranch," Laura breathed in an undertone to Dan Norton, as the
newcomers moved toward the door to go to their rooms.

Dan laughed. "Their ranch, did you say? We have a different idea over at
our place as to whom Rainbow Ranch belongs. Those girls are a bit too
sure of themselves; I expect to see their pride taken down a peg or two
some day."

"What do you mean?" Laura whispered excitedly, her cheeks getting pinker
and her eyes sparkling from curiosity.

Dan shrugged his shoulders and waited until he was sure that Frank could
not hear him. "Oh, we don't talk about it much out here; remember I am
telling you this in the strictest confidence," he went on. "But Rainbow
Ranch actually belongs to my father and me. You see, it is like this:
Father came to Wyoming before Mr. Ralston did. And father and some
friends laid claim to the best part of the Ralston ranch. Mr. Ralston
says he bought the ranch from father's friends and father says he had
already purchased their part. So you understand the mix-up. But the
bully thing is, that since Mr. Ralston's death the girls have never been
able to find his title to the property. They haven't a sign of a paper
to prove they are the owners of Rainbow Ranch. Court records did not
use, to be kept very well in Wyoming. We are not sure about it, but
father is working quietly. Some day we will bring suit and just take
possession of their place; won't it be corking? Rainbow Ranch is right
next ours, and when we get it we will have the biggest ranch in this
part of the state. If you stay out here long enough, you may see some
fun."

Laura nodded eagerly. She did not like the ranch girls, besides she was
one of the disagreeable persons who dearly love to see other people in
hot water. She did not mind how much it hurt them so long as it did not
affect her. "No, I will never tell anybody what you have told me," she
agreed confidentially. "Only if anything should develop, you will be
sure to tell me about it, won't you?" she begged.

CHAPTER VII.

A VISIT TO OLD LASKA.

"JACK, Aunt Sallie will take us over to the Indian village this
afternoon if you wish to go," Jean said next day.

Jean and Jack thought they were entirely alone. They did not realize
that the door of the little room next theirs, which Frieda and the
Indian girl occupied, was open.

"Why should we go to the village, Jean?" Jack inquired indifferently.
She had just discovered a thrilling novel and she