"Of course not," observed Uncle John. "A State boundary is a man-made thing, and doesn't affect the country a bit. We've just climbed a miniature mountain back in Arizona, and now we must climb a mate to it in California. But the fact is, we've entered at last the Land of Enchantment, and every mile now will bring us nearer and nearer to the roses and sunshine."
"There's sunshine here now," declared the Major. "We've had it right along. But I haven't seen the roses yet, and a pair of ear muffs wouldn't be uncomfortable in this cutting breeze."
"The air is rather crisp," admitted Uncle John. "But we're still in the mountainous district, and Haggerty says—"
The Major coughed derisively and Mumbles barked and looked at Uncle
John sagaciously.
"Haggerty says—"
"Is that a rabbit or a squirrel? Something has caught the eye of our
Mumbles," interrupted the Major, pointing vaguely across the mesa.
"Haggerty says—"
"I wonder if Mumbles could catch 'em," remarked the Major, with complacence.
"He says that every mile we travel brings us nearer the scent of the orange blossoms and the glare of the yellow poppies," persisted Uncle John. "You see, we've taken the Southern route, after all, for soon we shall be on the Imperial road, which leads to San Diego—in the heart of the gorgeous Southland."
"What is the Imperial road?" inquired Beth.