But for that, he might have shown some concern or asked an explanation.

As it was, he at once retorted with the national shrug and the national half-scornful, half-lazy "Quien sabe ?" "Who knows ?" repeated Peyton, hotly.

"I do! She was thrown out of her buggy through your negligence and infernal laziness! The ponies ran away, and were stopped by a stranger who wasn't afraid of risking his bones, while you were limping around somewhere like a slouching, cowardly coyote." The vacquero struggled a moment between blank astonishment and inarticulate rage.

At last he burst out:-- "I am no coyote! I was there! I saw no runaway!" "Don't lie to me, sir!" roared Peyton.

"I tell you the buggy was smashed, the girls were thrown out and nearly killed"-- He stopped suddenly.