gingerbread he'll be somewhere around.''

So we went on, the two girls leading
the way and the Hon. Sam now telling
his political troubles to me. Half a
mile down the road, a solitary horseman
stood waiting, and Mr. Budd gave a low
whistle.

``One o' my rivals,'' he said, from the
corner of his mouth.

``Mornin','' said the horseman; ``lemme
see you a minute.''

He made a movement to draw aside,
but the Hon. Samuel made a counter-
gesture of dissent.

``This gentleman is a friend of mine,''
he said firmly, but with great courtesy,
``and he can hear what you have to say
to me.''

The mountaineer rubbed one huge hand
over his stubbly chin, threw one of his
long legs over the pommel of his saddle,
and dangled a heavy cowhide shoe to and
fro.