some of those handsome cowboys," put in
Amy, with a chuckle. "Betty says they abound around Gold Run Ranch."

The girls giggled, but Will looked fierce.

"You had better not," he said, and though his look was for all the
girls, Amy knew that the words were for her. She colored prettily and
promised with her eyes that she wouldn't.

Grace caught this by-play as she munched a chocolate grumpily. Adoring
her brother Will as she did, she had always been a little jealous of his
fancy for Amy.

"Anyway, they don't have to be so silly in public," she told herself
resentfully. As she roused herself from her musing, she heard Mollie
say, with a laugh:

"Don't be surprised if we come home with our pockets full of gold. Mrs.
Nelson thinks there is some of it about there."

"Oh, are you still talking about that silly old ranch?" Grace broke in
petulantly. "I don't know why you are getting so excited about it when
there is more than a chance that we sha'n't go at all."

"Hooray!" cried Frank, and stepped on the accelerator.

Mollie, beside him, turned to look at him coldly.

"I'm glad you feel that way about it, Frank Haley," she said primly.
"But I'm very sorry to say we don't."

"Now, I have put my foot in it," cried Frank ruefully, turning his
irresistible smile full upon her. "What shall I do to make up, Mollie?
Hold your hand or something?"

His free hand closed over hers, but she snatched her own away with
indignation that ended in a chuckle.

"Tend to your knitting," she warned him. "Didn't you see that we almost
ran over that dog?"

But however much they might joke about the possibility of their not
realizing their dreams for the summer, the Outdoor Girls were really
worried about it, and the next few days were anxious ones for them.

Suppose Mrs. Nelson should yield to her husband's arguments and resolve
to sell the ranch after all? For awhile it almost seemed as though she
were about to do this very thing, and the suspense nearly drove the
girls frantic.

Then something happened to turn the tide in their direction. And how the
girls afterwards blessed that loud-necktied, check-suited man!

It was Betty who came to the door to admit this angel in disguise, it
being the hired girl's day out. Her first glance at the stranger served
to stamp him as one of those loud-voiced, flashily dressed persons
commonly referred to as "sports," and at this first glance Betty took a
violent dislike to him.

However, b