to stare at the door through which Parker had disappeared, until roused
from his reverie by Kay's voice.

"The average American doesn't impress you greatly, does he, Don Mike?"

"Oh, I'm not one of that supercilious breed of Americans which toadies
to an alleged European culture by finding fault with his own people,"
he hastened to assure her. "What distresses me is the knowledge that
we are a very moral nation, that we have never subjugated weaker
peoples, that we have never coveted our neighbor's goods, that we can
outthink and outwork and outgame and outinvent every nation under
heaven, and yet haven't brains enough to do our own thinking in
world-affairs. It is discouraging to contemplate the smug complacency,
whether it be due to ignorance or apathy, which permits aliens to
reside in our midst and set up agencies for our destruction and their
benefit. If I-- Why, you're in riding-costume, aren't you?"

"You will never be popular with women if you do not mend your ways,"
she informed him, with a little grimace of disapproval. "Do you not
know that women loathe non-observing men?"

"So do I. Stodgy devils! Sooner or later, the fool-killer gets them
all. Please do not judge me to-day, Miss Parker. Perhaps, after a
while, I may be more discerning. By Jupiter, those very becoming
riding-togs will create no end of comment among the natives!"

"You said Panchito was to be mine while I am your guest, Don Mike."

"I meant it."