He walked towards the cactus; there was nothing to be seen but its thorny spikes.

He was confronted, however, by the sudden apparition of Joan from behind the manzanita at its side.

She looked up and glanced from Ezekiel to Dona Rosita with an agitated air.
"Oh, you saw him too ?" she said eagerly.
"I reckon," answered Ezekiel, with his eyes still on Rosita.

"I was wondering what on airth he was so taken with that air cactus for." Rosita had become slightly pale again in the presence of her friend.
Joan quietly pushed Ezekiel aside and put her arm around her.

"Are you frightened again ?" she asked, in a low whisper.
"Not mooch," returned Rosita, without lifting her eyes.
"It was only some peon, trespassing to pick blossoms for his sweetheart," she said significantly, with a glance towards Ezekiel.