head in Miss Prudence's direction, Jo Ann looked over at Miss Prudence. The next moment her eyes opened in astonishment. That long, full, navy skirt Miss Prudence had on--how on earth was she ever going to ride in that thing? That must be one of those old-fashioned side-saddle riding skirts she'd heard her grandmother talk about. It'd be absolutely dangerous to ride side saddle in this mountainous country. She'd often heard how easily such a saddle was tipped out of balance and the rider thrown off. The next moment she relaxed as the thought occurred to her that there were no side saddles in this part of the country. Perhaps she'd better tell her that.

Somewhat embarrassed, Jo Ann stammered, "Er--Miss Prudence--er--they don't have any--side saddles down here."

Miss Prudence looked puzzled as she replied Yankee-fashion with a question, "Well, who wants one?" Seeing the girls' eyes fastened on her skirt, she smiled, "This isn't one of those old side-saddle riding skirts. It's a divided skirt." There was a note of pride in her voice as she added, "I was the first woman in my part of the country to begin riding astride. I shocked the older people dreadfully."

"I think you were a good sport, Miss Prudence, to start that style," Peggy remarked.

Miss Prudence received this praise with a pleased smile.

Just then the Mexican woman entered with a tray of food which she set on a little table near by. Gesturing and talking rapidly to Jo Ann, she explained, "I think you have much hunger, and I make you some chocolaté."

Though Jo Ann's reply was made in broken Spanish, it was straight from her heart. "Gracias. You are most kind. We have hunger after the long ride. And chocolaté--I love it." She raised the cup to her lips and drank a little of the rich, frothy liquid. "This is very delicious."

Peggy and Miss Prudence nodded a smiling approval to the woman, and her black eyes glowed with happiness at the praise, both spoken and unspoken.

A few minutes after they had finished eating, Mr. Eldridge and the two boys rode up.

On going outside Jo Ann saw that there were three other horses saddled and waiting for them. She noticed, too, that José, Pepito's father, was standing near by, his arms caressingly about Carlitos, whom he loved almost as dearly as he did his own son. Carlitos's face was aglow with happiness at being reunited with his Mexican friends.

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