Nor, though they tried, could the twins help laughing.
“If Miguel could see!” cried Carlos, hurrying forward to examine the Irishman’s outfit.
This was truly gorgeous. He had purchased it from a passing Mexican vaquero. It consisted of much adorned, leathern breeches; a gay silk shirt and sash; a fine serape (cloak), thrown carelessly over one shoulder; a handsome sombrero; long boots, such as no Mexican would have parted with, save from dire necessity; a heavy, clumsy saddle; and a bridle, rich in ornament. Altogether, a fine and picturesque outfit, that might serve well in some fiesta procession, but likely to prove troublesome on the present trip.
Carlota soon stopped laughing. Even though she could see in the depths of the “schooner” the amused faces of Mr. and Mrs. Burnham, she feared that Dennis might be more sensitive than he appeared and he, certainly, had spared nothing to do justice to the occasion.
“It surely is a nice little pony, Dennis. But I’ve only seen you walking the track or on a hand-car and I didn’t know you were a horseman;” she remarked.
“Faith, it wouldn’t be much of a man that couldn’t bestride the back of a beast, now would it, little lady? It’s ridin’ I haven’t been doin’, belike, but that’s neither here nor there. It’s ridin’ I shall be from this on, and why not? But, how do ye like me new clothes, Miss Carlota?”
“They are very grand, Dennis. I’ve seen such at fiestas, yet, on ordinary days they’ve been put away very carefully. I hope you won’t hurt them in the mountains. Why, your sombrero is finer than mine, and much more adorned.”
“Sure it is that, now ain’t it?” said Dennis, well pleased. “But ye’re not askin’ a word about t’other fine beast I’m a leadin’, me dear.”
“I suppose that is for your—your—pack, isn’t it. Or to rest you and the broncho when he is tired.”
Now, indeed, was Dennis Fogarty a happy man! Almost from the first he had become Carlota’s slave, and the Burnhams were glad of it, for he added to her enjoyment. They suspected that he had for her sake decided to go mining; and, also, for her sake, had Carlota known it, that he had expended his dollars in the purchase of this decorative outfit.