Nevertheless there was still dash enough about him and the animal he bestrode to stir into admiration the few lounging vacqueros of a country which was apt to judge the status of a rider by the quality of his horse.

Nor was the favorable impression confined to them alone.

Peyton's gratification rang out cheerily in his greeting:-- "Bravo, Clarence! You are here in true caballero style.

Thanks for the compliment to the rancho." For a moment the young man was transported back again to his boyhood, and once more felt Peyton's approving hand pushing back the worn straw hat from his childish forehead.

A faint color rose to his cheeks; his eyes momentarily dropped.