“You saw me first, and you were so interested in me that you followed me from Reno to Carson City. After that you met my sister, and now you mistake me for her! I am extremely complimented, Mr. Merriwell! Never mind. You are not so many! Perhaps you will introduce your friends. Some of them may have a better memory than you.”
For once in his life, at least, Frank was “rattled.” He introduced Browning as Rattling and Diamond as Brownton, while he completely forgot Harry’s name.
The girl laughed sharply, plainly enjoying his embarrassment. She shook hands with all but Toots, saying:
“Mr. Merriwell doesn’t seem to be at his best. It is possible he has ridden too far to-day.”
Then Frank pulled himself together, and immediately became as cool and collected as usual, which was no easy thing to do.
“I beg your pardon, Miss Isban, but I was just thinking I had not ridden far enough.”
He said it in his most suave manner, but the shot went home, and it brought still more color to her flushed cheeks.
“Oh!” she cried, with the same toss of her head, “if your wheel is not broken, it is not too late to make several more miles before absolute darkness comes on.”
Diamond edged up to Frank, and whispered:
“Careful, Merry! You’re getting her very angry, and she is a mighty fine girl. Go easy, old man!”