[Illustration: "But I don't ride, you know.">[
"It is very kind of you, I am sure," he said with a little more warmth.
"To tell the truth I was feeling a bit strange, you know."
"I'm sure you must be nearly dead with lonesomeness. Wouldn't you like to go for a ride? I would so like to show you my Desert."
"Her Desert!" he mentally observed. Indeed he must look into this. Fully alert now he answered heartily: "I should be delighted, I'm sure. You are more than kind. When could we go?"
"Right now," she said quickly. "Here comes Pablo Garcia. I'll send him for another horse." She called to the passing Mexican: "Here Pablo."
The young fellow came to her quickly and stood, sombrero in hand, his dark eyes shining with pride at the recognition. In Spanish she directed him to fetch a horse for the Senor.
"Si, Senorita." With a low bow the Mexican turned to obey.
The eastern man, not understanding the words, but awakening suddenly to the meaning of the action, broke forth with—"Here, wait a minute."
"Wait," repeated Barbara in Spanish. Pablo paused.
"You are sending him for a horse and saddle?" asked Holmes.