n the hottest part of the day, too."

Vivian was honest.

"It wasn't all out of kindness," she admitted, "though, of course, I love
to ride with you. I didn't especially care about riding home at night, and
I don't like such a big crowd either. Siwash always forgets how old he is,
and begins to act kittenish, and I never know what to do. I'm thirsty
again. Shall we drink a few more bugs?"

"Might as well, I suppose," Virginia replied. "Pedro and Siwash seem
ready. Ugh! I got one that time! Actually felt him go down my throat! We
ought not to put water on our faces, Vivian. They're peeling now! Here's
some cold cream!"

Vivian squeezed the tube and smeared her glowing nose, before she again
mounted Siwash.

"We mustn't drink any more of the river," she said. "I feel like an insect
cabinet already. Let's get to the quaking-asps as soon as we can and
rest."

Virginia's eyes glowed with pride as she watched Vivian mount Siwash and
ride away from the river. One would never have known it was the same
Vivian who nearly seven weeks ago had begged to stay at home from the
getting-acquainted trip. She had learned to ride well and easily, and no
apparent fear, at least of Siwash, remained. With still more pride
Virginia saw her tanned, happy face, the red color in her cheeks, and the
extra pounds which Wyoming had given her. The Big Horn country had been
kind to Vivian in more ways than one.

"I never saw any one improve so in riding, Vivian," she could not resist
saying. "You do every bit as well as Priscilla, and Don thinks she's a
marvel. I'm proud as Punch of you!"

Vivian's cheeks glowed redder.

"I can't help but be a tiny bit pleased with myself," she said
hesitatingly, "at least about the riding. And--and there are other things,
too, Virginia. Of course I know there have been loads of silly things--Mr.
Crusoe, for instance. I'll never forget how awful that was, even though
you were all so fine about it. But in spite of everything foolish, I have
learned things out here, Virginia, that I never knew in all my life.
Mother and Father probably won't see any difference next week when I get
home, but there is some just the same. I'm not quite such a--a coward as I
was! I feel it inside!"

"I know you do," said Virginia, riding Pedro closer. "It shows on your
face, too. I guess what's really inside of us usually does. You're getting
to be a good sport, Vivian, and we're all proud of it--with you!"

The knowledge of