The Mystery of the Galloping Ghost by Campbell Julie

Author:Campbell, Julie [Campbell, Julie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

7 * The Deal Is Off!

When Trixie and Honey woke up the next day, they were convinced it would be the longest of their lives. But they were soon distracted by the arrival of the familiar red pickup truck, followed by a van with the name D & K Surveying printed on its side.

Burke strutted around the ranch yard as though he already owned it, giving instructions to two surveyors he’d brought along.

Trixie and Honey both kept a resentful watch on Burke and a close one on Pat. The boy was still getting along well with his father, but there was no telling what might push him back over the edge.

Everyone tried to ignore Burke and the surveying crew, and to enjoy the horse-training session. But it wasn’t easy. Later Burke drove off and the two surveyors stayed behind. One went to a far corner of the property, and the other stood with a telescope-like piece of equipment on a tripod. Regan had explained that the object was called a “transit,” and would let the surveyors determine the exact limit of the Murrows’ property.

“I don’t know why he needs to know all that just to make an offer,” Trixie said sullenly.

Regan’s lip curled in a rare look of contempt. “I don’t think he does. If you ask me, it’s just a clever ploy. The Murrows will start getting used to seeing Burke here and to the idea of selling. Then, when he does make an offer, they’ll be more ready to accept it.” Trixie stared at Regan, her blue eyes round with surprise and dismay. “Why, that’s awful! You have to tell Bill, so he doesn’t fall for it.” Regan smiled broadly. “Where do you think I heard the theory?” he asked. “No, you don’t have to worry about our friend Bill. He knows how to take care of himself. If Burke tries too hard to be clever, he could wind up being very sorry.”

Just then, they heard a shout from one of the surveyors. They turned to see him picking up his tripod and running with it to the van. He got in, started up the engine, and drove right across the ranch yard to pick up his partner. Then they headed off in the direction of Burke Landing.

“What do you suppose got into him?” Regan wondered aloud.

Bill Murrow came wandering over, a twinkle in his eyes. “Burke must have agreed to pay only for a two-hour stint,” he said, checking his watch. “Looks like their time just ran out.”

“Hmm,” Trixie said. “That guy took off too fast—as though something were chasing him.”

Bill shrugged and walked back toward the stable. Obviously, the concerns of Burke’s surveyors were no concern of his.

The minute the strangers were gone, some of the old spirit returned to the training session. Regan entered the corral to get some pointers from Pat and Bill. Trixie and Honey leaned against the corral rail and watched, enjoying the elegance of the horses and the ease and grace of their trainers.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.