as far as the eye could reach, in some parts under the plow, but
far more generally carpeted with bright green grass and
many-colored wild flowers. Everywhere could be seen droves of
horses and cattle, while dotted here and there over the plain were
the estancias of the proprietors.

It was a most delightful ride. The horses went very quietly, but
the boys found, to their surprise, that they would not trot, their
pace being a loose, easy canter. The last five miles of the
distance were not so enjoyable to the party in the carriage, for
the road had now become a mere track, broken in many places into
ruts, into which the most careful driving of Mr. Thompson could not
prevent the wheels going with jolts that threatened to shake its
occupants from their places, and they felt as if every bone in
their bodies were broken by the time they drew up at their host's
estancia.

Here Mrs. Thompson came out to greet them. She had been a great
friend of Mrs. Hardy in their young days, and great was their
pleasure at again meeting after so long a separation. Mr. Thompson
had already, explained that his wife would have come over to meet
them, but that at the time he had left home it was not known that
the Barbadoes had arrived. She was due, and, as a measure of
precaution, the horses and cart had for the last two days been in
readiness, but the exact date of her arrival was of course
uncertain.

Mr. Thompson's estancia was a large and picturesque building. It
was entirely surrounded by a wide veranda, so that at all hours of
the day relief could be obtained from the glare of the sun. In