thought it was quite wonderful that she showed no fear of the
plunging and squealing horses.

But they were much interested, even if the smell of scorching flesh
was not pleasant. Walter declared he was going to learn to throw a
lariat. But his sister shook her head and shut her eyes tight every
time she saw a glowing iron taken from one of the fires.

"Never mind," Nan said. "It is enormously interesting, and we shall
likely never see the like again. Just think of growing up like
Rhoda, among scenes of this kind. No wonder she seemed different
from the rest of us girls when she came to Lakeview Hall."




CHAPTER XVIII

THE OUTLAW


The first day of the round-up was done, and well done, Mr. Hammond
said. The girls had been in the saddle for more than twelve hours;
and how they did sleep this second night under canvas!

Bess wanted to say something about plans for hunting the Mexican
bandit's treasure before she fell asleep; but actually she dropped
into slumber in the middle of the word "treas-ure" and never
finished what she was going to say.