will be early tomorrow morning, that we will travel
far and fast enough to suit you and your horse." There was a challenge
in his voice that Jim met smilingly.

"So be it, Senor," he said, "I will try to be in sight at the finish."

"My horse is a remarkable animal for speed and endurance, I must tell
you frankly," said the Senor gravely. "He has no equal in this country
of California. He has proved it more than once and against all comers."

"He is certainly a fine horse," admitted Jim, looking at the sorrel with
admiring eyes. "He has a splendid stride."

"Ah, no, Senor," laughed the Spaniard with a gleam of his white teeth,
"I did not mean him," patting the horse on the neck, "a good animal,
indeed, but more for my little sister to ride than for me. Wait, my
friend, until I introduce you to Don Fernando and then you will see a
horse for the first time."

"I should be very much pleased to see him," said Jim, frankly curious
and interested.

"Tomorrow," said the Spaniard.

They had now turned into the narrow trail among the bushes and had only
ridden a few steps when Jo called a sudden halt.

"What do you think, Jim, there's my horse and Tom's tied in that
thicket."

Sure enough there they were, utterly worn out, but with spirit enough to
recognize their old comrades Jim and Jo, and if ever horses expressed a
welcome these two did when they first caught sight of their two friends.

"They have cut the saddles to pieces, the brutes," exclaimed Jo.

"I'm glad to get the horses," said Jim, "I am surprised that they didn't
cut their throats."

"They will follow us all right," said Jo, in reply to the Spaniard's
suggestion that they would have to be led, and they trotted along behind
Jo, who was the last one in line.

"Do you know of any place where we could buy things?" asked Jim. "We
need a new outfit."

"But we have no money," put in Jo quickly.

"I will get the money or its equivalent today," said Jim. "If there is a
store where the Senor can get me credit."

"Yes, there is a store where a Portugee sells about everything that we
need in this country," replied the Spaniard. "It is some distance to the
north. We will ride there before we return to the ranch. There will be
no difficulty about the credit," he concluded, with a bow to Jim.

CHAPTER XVI

THE BOYS PUT ON STYLE

"You do not know my ability to spend," said Jim, "I may have to plunge
to the extent of several hundred dollars. You se