The horses conversed with sundry nose-rubbings, nibbled idly at convenient brush tips, and wondered no doubt why their riders were so silent.

Lone tried to think of some stronger argument, some appeal that would reach the girl without frightening her or causing her to distrust him.

But he did not know what more he could say without telling her what must not be told.
"Just how would it make trouble for my father ?" Lorraine asked at last.
"I can't believe you'd ask me to help cover up a crime, but it seems hard to believe that a nightmare would cause any great commotion.

And why is my father unpopular ?" "Well, you don't know this country," Lone parried inexpertly.

"It's all right in some ways, and in some ways it could be a lot improved.