"Why, lions grow in Africa," said Bess, doubtfully.

"More properly they are pumas, I suppose. But the boys call 'em
lions," laughed Rhoda. "Oh, there are a lot of things about Rose
Ranch that will surprise you."

"Don't say a word! I guess that is so. Something besides the
roses," murmured Bess.

"I shall be afraid to go out of sight of the house," complained
Grace, who was timid in any environment. "Don't tell me anything
more, Rhoda."

Nevertheless they were all--and all the time--thinking of the trip
West. It did not interfere with their standing in classes, but
outside of study hours and the time they spent in sleep, the three
girls who had been invited by Rhoda to visit Rose Ranch talked of
little else. And, of course, Rhoda herself was always willing to
talk of her home down near the Mexican Border.

"I am just as sorry for that Mexican girl and her mother as I can
be," Rhoda said on one occasion. "I've written daddy about it. I
expect he doesn't remember Mrs. O'Harra's coming to Rose Ranch with
her daughter about the treasure. You know, that old treasure has
made us a lot of trouble."

"I suppose people keep coming up from Mexico looking for it?"
suggested Grace.