The four girls wasted no time in that neighborhood. They raced their
horses into the canyon and were heading toward the ranch.

"Say, what's the matter with The Merriweather Girls?" cried Bet,
bringing her horse up sharply. "We're letting two cowardly ruffians
frighten us away. I'm going back this minute."

"You are not, Bet Baxter! Father would be frightfully angry if you do.
He trusts us not to take any big risks. I know he wouldn't want us to
go back where those men are." Enid put her hand on Bet's shoulder.
"Come on, Bet, be good!"

"But are we going to let those fellows get our treasure?" Bet cried
hysterically. "No, I won't run away! I'm going straight back there
and tell them what I think of them."

Shirley laughed quietly. "What's the use, Bet. They probably know
more mean things about themselves than you can tell them. They're like
Kie Wicks."

But Bet was stubborn. She hated to give up.

"I won't go home! I'm going to stay right here for the present and
think out a plan."

And it was there that Judge Breckenridge found them, heard their story
and commanded them to return to the ranch house without any delay.

Judge Breckenridge's word was law. Bet turned her horse's head down
the canyon toward the home trail, her eyes flashing dangerously. She
muttered:

"To think of being sent home when the excitement gets good! Oh, I wish
I were a boy!"

"Well, since we have to go, let's hurry and have the fun of telling it
all to Joy."

But Joy and Mrs. Breckenridge were a disappointment. They did not
thrill to the danger, as Bet did. They were decidedly angry and afraid.

"You must never go into that canyon again while you are here!"
exclaimed Mrs. Breckenridge.

"Please don't put that down as an order! That would be a tragedy. I
don't believe that even the Judge would be willing to deprive us of
that joy." Bet's voice was pleading.

"All right, dear, I'll take back the order and will leave it entirely
to the Judge. But you must abide by his decision, that I insist upon."

"We will," said Bet. "I hope he'll be a good sport about it. I want
to know what's going on."

Mrs. Breckenridge walked up and down the corridor in an anxious manner.
She had been gaining strength so rapidly in the mountains that she had
even threatened to try horseback riding. But the Judge had put her
off. He wanted to be certain that the trial would be a success.

"I'm glad I wasn't with you, today, I'd