"I do not relish the easy manner in which you risk parting with him.
The idea of betting that wonder-horse against a box of filthy cigars!"

"Oh, I wasn't risking him," he retorted, dryly. "However, before you
ride Panchito, I'll put him through his paces. He hasn't been ridden
for three or four months, I dare say, and when he feels particularly
good, he carries on just a little."

"If he's sober-minded, may I ride him to-day?"

"We shall quarrel if you insist upon treating yourself as company. My
home and all I possess are here for your happiness. If your mother and
father do not object--"

"My father doesn't bother himself opposing my wishes, and mother--by
the way, you've made a perfectly tremendous hit with mother. She told
me I could go riding with you."

He blushed boyishly at this vote of confidence. Kay noted the blush,
and liked him all the better for it.

"Very well," he answered. "We'll ride down to the mission first. I
must pay my respects to my friends there--didn't bother to look in on
them last night, you know. Then we will ride over to the Sepulvida
ranch for luncheon. I want you to know Anita Sepulvida. She's a very
lovely girl and a good pal of mine. You'll like her."

"Let's go," she suggested, "while mother is still convoying Mr. Okada.
He is still interested in that sweet-lime tree. By the way," she
continued, as they rose and walked down the porch together, "I have