"Up and coming?" interpolated Blue Bonnet. "That's pure Texan, I believe."
"It describes him exactly."
"What I can't understand is how such an expert horseman came to be thrown," Blue Bonnet remarked wonderingly.
"I suppose he was startled at seeing a blue bonnet out of season!" laughed Alec. "I'm so glad something happened to bring him my way. It seems to give me a new lease on life just to be with him."
"Uncle Cliff says he is 'greased lightning' with a lariat," said Blue Bonnet.
"I should say he is. I could find it in my heart to envy him that accomplishment, even if he hadn't any others."
"Uncle Joe says you are getting quite expert yourself," she threw out comfortingly.
"Oh, yes, I can lasso a snubbing-post that can't get out of the way!" he retorted. He still clung to his lariat and now swung it in his hand rather impatiently.
"Try your skill now. There's one of the girls waiting for us—lasso her and see how she acts!" Blue Bonnet urged mischievously.
"Where?"