The Secret of Shadow Ranch Quotes

“We could certainly use a detective. And I've got to hand it to you, Nancy - you sure can keep your head.”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of Shadow Ranch

“Was it a threat, or a well-meant warning?”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of Shadow Ranch

“When they reached the ranch wagon, Nancy volunteered to drive. George agreed and acted as her guide through the streets of Phoenix. As they left the outskirts, the road stretched before them like an endless white ribbon with brown desert on either side as far as the eye could see. Here and there were dark clumps of sage and salt grass. Beyond, on the horizon, lay the hazy blue shapes of mountains. “That’s where we’re headed, pardner,” George said with a grin. “One hundred and fifty miles of the hottest, thirstiest ride you ever took!”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of Shadow Ranch

“Bess frowned, bit her lip, and managed to get a noose twirling. Then plop—it dropped over the head of her own horse! Tex gave a piercing whistle. George and Nancy burst into laughter while the “steer” helped blushing Bess to dismount. “Never mind,” said Nancy. “You didn’t want to be a cowboy, anyway!”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of Shadow Ranch

“The foursome rode up the slope and ground-hitched their horses. Cautiously they made their way toward”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of Shadow Ranch

“persons”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of Shadow Ranch

“About a mile beyond Tumbleweed he parked in a grove of willow trees beside a narrow stream. The grounds were set with many long wooden tables and benches, and overhead were strings of small electric lights. “Come on, gals,” said Tex. “We’re goin’ to put on a big feed!” He led them toward a long serving table. Four men passed by, each carrying a shovel bearing a big burlap-wrapped package. These were dumped onto the table. “There goes the meat,” said Bud. “It’s been buried in the barbecue pit since last night.” “Cookin’ nice an’ slow over hot stones,” Tex added. “When the burlap fell away, the fragrance of the steaming meat was irresistible. All the girls enjoyed generous servings, with a spicy relish and potato salad. By the time they had finished their desserts of ice cream and Nancy’s chocolate cake, the colored lights overhead came on. A stout middle-aged man mounted the dance platform in the center of the grove and announced that he was master of ceremonies. Seeing Bud’s guitar, he called on him for some cowboy songs. Bud played “I’m a Lonesome Cowboy,” and everyone joined in enthusiastically. He followed with a number of other old favorites. Finally he strummed some Gold Rush songs, including “Sweet Betsy from Pike.”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of Shadow Ranch

“With their purchases in boxes the girls strolled down the street to a Spanish restaurant. Here they ate a delicious lunch of tacos and spicy chili. For dessert they had iced fresh fruit. Bess sighed. “Umm, that was super.” Afterward, they walked to a wide street beside a park where an outdoor painting exhibition was being held. The group stopped now and then to admire and compliment the artists who sat beside their work.”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of Shadow Ranch

“Just wait until the square dance tomorrow night,” said Bess. “I’ll bet Dave’s a marvelous dancer.” “I wish,” said Alice, “that there was somebody to take me.” There was a gleam in Bess’s eye as she said, “Don’t give up hope, Alice. You might meet somebody at the rodeo or barbecue.” George looked at her cousin quizzically and Nancy smiled. Both knew Bess loved playing the role of matchmaker! “What have you got up your sleeve?” George demanded. “Just my arm,” replied Bess, but she grinned.”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of Shadow Ranch

“With Nancy in the lead, the riders cut across the big meadow at a gallop and started up the mountain trail. Nancy followed Aunt Bet’s map, and after a long, hot climb, the girls sighted a group of weather-beaten frame buildings clinging to the slope above. As they rode into the streets of the ghost town they were struck by the silence and the bleached look of the sagging buildings. In front of a dilapidated hotel they dismounted and tied their horses to an old hitching rail.”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of Shadow Ranch

“She followed the truck down the highway, and finally onto a road which wound through the barren hills at the foot of the mountains. It was nearly sunset when the girls entered a rocky pass and came out high above a valley. At the far side loomed a huge mountain with a group of low buildings nestled at its foot. Bess pointed to them. “There’s the ranch, and that’s Shadow Mountain.” “I see how they got their names,” said Nancy. “The great peak throws its shadow over the whole valley.” Half an hour later, they drove through a weather-beaten wooden gate into the ranch yard. Nancy pulled up to the ranch house, a long, one-story adobe building with a vine-covered portico across the front. To the north of the house were the corral and stable. Beyond these stretched a large meadow, bordered by a wire fence. In the opposite direction lay the bunkhouse, and south of this, some distance away, a smaller, enclosed meadow. In it cattle were grazing.”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of Shadow Ranch

“Folks say Valentine had a hideout on Shadow Mountain,”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of Shadow Ranch

“When they reached the ranch, Dave parked the truck at the stable. The girls heard laughter coming from the corral and saw Tex Britten perched on the fence. Bess was mounted on a brown quarter horse and holding a coiled lariat. “Watch me!” she called. “I’m learning to rope a steer.” Nancy and George walked over and saw Bud Moore put his hands on his head like horns and prance in front of Bess’s horse. “Come on and rope me, pardner!” he said.”
― Carolyn Keene, The Secret of Shadow Ranch