ge ones that were used to carry things
on their saddles.

They looked on in surprise when Bet paid them a good price for their
baskets and passed over the strings of beads as well.

There was a chorus of grunts and Kit again translated. The squaws were
congratulating themselves on their bargain. They were more than
satisfied. "I've known Indians all my life," Kit whispered to the
girls, "but I've never before seen them so pleased about anything! You
win, Bet!"

"I certainly do, Kit Patten. Come on, girls, lend a hand and let's get
these baskets home before they change their minds."

As they were going up the trail toward the ranch, Young Mary suddenly
appeared from a thicket of Palo Verde.

"Kit," she said softly.

Kit turned as if she had been shot. "Mary," she answered uneasily.
"What's the matter?"

Kit ran to the girl who now hesitated as if she were addressing a
stranger. Then suddenly, with what appeared to be an effort, she
whispered: "Your old man! He's in the hut over in Rattlesnake Creek,
and he's being guarded by some bad Indians from down the valley. Be
careful!"

And before Kit could stop her to ask any more questions, the Indian
girl glided away as softly as she had come.

CHAPTER XVIII

_THE OLD CHIEF'S DAUGHTER WALKS_

"If the professor is really hidden in that hut, perhaps we can get him
tonight," exclaimed Bet Baxter, as she swung up the trail carrying her
Indian baskets.

"I wish we could find him before tomorrow afternoon when the boys
come," said Enid. "It would be nice to give the boys our full
attention."

"You'll spoil them if you do," Shirley responded.

Bet was quiet the rest of the way home. Thoughts of the professor kept
crowding into her mind, schemes for his release; these things demanded
her attention. Kit spoke to her three times without getting an answer,
then with a smile turned to her chums.

"Bet is trying to solve a problem. She is never this way unless she is
making plans of some sort."

By the time they reached the ranch house, Bet's eyes were glowing in an
absent-minded way and she passed Ma Patten in the patio without
speaking.

She was so intent on the problem that was bothering her that she stood
staring at her father a long time before she recognized him, then with
a cry she threw herself into his arms.

"Oh Daddy! I've been so lonesome for you! How did you get here and
when did you come?"

"Easy, girl, or you'll choke on all th