living-room to the veranda, from the veranda to the corral. She
changed her light evening gown to her khaki riding habit. Her
nervousness grew to panic. She sent Li Chung to bed, then she paced
the lawn, listening, listening.

At last she heard the thud of hoofs and Dick Freeman dismounted in the
light that streamed from the open door.

"We haven't found her, Mrs. Newman. Has Mr. Newman got back? I think
we must get up an organized search."

Katherine could feel her heart thump heavily.

"No, he hasn't. Have you found her trail?"

"No; it's awful hard to trail in the dark, and the desert for miles
around the ranch is all cut up with footprints and hoof-marks, you
know."

Katherine wrung her hands.

"Oh, poor little Rhoda!" she cried. "What shall we do!"

"No harm can come to her," insisted Dick. "She will know enough to sit
tight till daylight, then we will have her before the heat gets up."

"Oh, if she only will!" moaned Katherine. "Do whatever you think best,
Dick, and I'll send Jack and John DeWitt to you as soon as they return."

Dick swung himself to the saddle again.