sends a carriage for Senor Gordon to take him to
Corbett's," he said.

Dick was on hand with a sardonic smile.

"Tell the _senorita_ that Mr. Gordon regrets having put her to so much
trouble, but that he needs the exercise and prefers to walk."

"The _senorita_ said I was to insist, _senor_."

"Tell your mistress that I'm very much obliged to her, but have made
other arrangements. Explain to her I appreciate the offer just the
same."

The lad hesitated, and Dick pushed him into decision.

"That's all right, Juan--Jose--Pedro--Francisco--whatever your name is.
You've done your levelest. Now, hike back to the ranch. _Vamos! Sabe._"

"_Si, senor._"

Dick heard the wheels disappear in the distance, and laughed aloud.

"That young woman's conscience is hurting her. I reckon this tramp to
Corbett's is going to worry her tender heart about as much as it does
me, and I've got to sweat blood before I get through with it. Here goes
again, Dicky."

Every step sent a pain shooting through him, but he was the last man to
give up on that account what he had undertaken.

"She let me go without any lunch," he chuckled. "I'll bet that troubles
her some, too, when she remembers. She's got me out of the house, but
I'll bet the last strike in the Nancy K. against a dollar Mex that she
ain't got me out of her mind by a heap."

A buggy appeared in sight driven by a stout, red-faced old man.
Evidently he was on his way to the ranch.

"Who, hello, Doctor! I'm plumb glad to see you; couldn't wait till you
came, and had just to start out to meet you," cried Dick.

He stood laughing at the amazement in the face of the doctor, who was in
two minds whether to get angry or not.

"Doggone your hide, what are you doing here? Didn't I tell you not to
walk more than a few steps?" that gentleman protested.

"But you didn't leave me a motor-car and, my visit being at an end, I
ce'tainly had to get back to Corbett's." As he spoke he climbed slowly
into the rig. "That leg of mine is acting like sixty, Doctor. When you
happened along I was wondering how in time I was ever going to make it."

"You may have lamed yourself for life. It's the most idiotic thing I
ever heard of. I don't see why Miss Valdes let you come. Dad blame it,
have I got to watch my patients like a hen does its chicks? Ain't any of
you got a lick of sense? Why didn't she send a rig if you had to come?"
the doctor demanded.

"Seems to me she did mention a rig, but I t