They tilted noses at his beautiful riding gear, and would have died rather than speak of it in his presence.

They never gossiped with him of horses or men or the lands he knew.

They were ready to snub him at a moment's notice--and it did not lessen their dislike of him that he failed to yield them an opportunity.

It is to be hoped that he found his thoughts sufficient entertainment, since he was left to them as much as is humanly possible when half a dozen men eat and sleep and work together.

It annoyed them exceedingly that Miguel did not seem to know that they held him at a distance; they objected to his manner of smoking cigarettes and staring off at the skyline as if he were alone and content with his dreams.