back, is one of my personal friends. And
here, lastly, for you, is Orlando III. a half-breed by Gracious out of
Chiquita."

And, at a sign from the Indian, a noble animal was led forward, lean,
sinewy and nervous, standing very high on its long legs.

Simon mounted, much amused:

"And you, my dear professor?" he said to Old Sandstone: "Are you one
of the party?"

"I lost my train," said the old fellow, "and on returning to the hotel
I met Lynx-Eye, who recruited me. I represent science and am entrusted
with the geological, geographical, crographical, stratigraphical,
palaeontological and other observations. I shall have plenty to do."

"Forward, then!" commanded Simon. And, taking the lead with Antonio,
he at once said, "Now tell me about your companions. And you,
Lynx-Eye, where do _you_ hail from? After all, if there are still a
few specimens of Redskins left, they're not out for a good time on the
highways of Europe. Confess that you are, all of you, made up and
disguised."

"They are no more made up than I am," said Antonio. "We come from the
other side. For my part, I am the grandson of one of the last
remaining Indian chiefs, Long Carbine who ran away with the little
daughter of a Canadian trapper. My mother was a Mexican. You see that,
though there's a mixture, our origins are beyond dispute."

"But afterwards, Lynx-Eye? What has happened afterwards? I'm not
aware that the British government provides for the descendants of the
Sioux or Mohicans?"

"There are other concerns besides the British government," said the
Indian.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean there are concerns which are interested in keeping us going."

"Really? What are they?"

"The cinema-firms."

Simon struck his hand against his forehead:

"What an idiot I am! Why didn't I think of that? Then you are. . . ."

"Simply film actors from the Far West, the Prairies and the Mexican
frontier."

"That's it! That's it!" cried Simon. "I have seen you on the screen,
haven't I? And I've seen . . . hold on. I remember now, I've seen the
fair Dolores also, haven't I? But what are you doing in Europe?"

"An English company sent for me and I engaged a few friends over
there, who, like myself, are the very mixed descendants of Red
Indians, Mexicans and Spaniards. Now, M. Dubosc, one of these friends
of mine--the best, for I can't say much for the others, and I advise
you, if the occasion should arise, to be very careful with Forsetta
and the