“A grand idee,” declared Stillwell, with instant decision.  “When can we have this match game?”

“Why, to-day—­this afternoon.  We’ll all ride out to the links.”

“Wal, I reckon I’ll be some indebted to you, Miss Majesty, an’ all your guests,” replied Stillwell, warmly.  He rose with sombrero in hand, and a twinkle in his eye that again prompted Madeline to wonder.  “An’ now I’ll be goin’ to fix up for the game of cowboy gol-lof.  Adios.”

The idea was as enthusiastically received by Madeline’s guests as it had been by Stillwell.  They were highly amused and speculative to the point of taking sides and making wagers on their choice.  Moreover, this situation so frankly revealed by Stillwell had completed their deep mystification.  They were now absolutely nonplussed by the singular character of American cowboys.  Madeline was pleased to note how seriously they had taken the old cattleman’s story.  She had a little throb of wild expectancy that made her both fear and delight in the afternoon’s prospect.

The June days had set in warm; in fact, hot during the noon hours:  and this had inculcated in her insatiable visitors a tendency to profit by the experience of those used to the Southwest.  They indulged in the restful siesta during the heated term of the day.

Madeline was awakened by Majesty’s well-known whistle and pounding on the gravel.  Then she heard the other horses.  When she went out she found her party assembled in gala golf attire, and with spirits to match their costumes.  Castleton, especially, appeared resplendent in a golf coat that beggared description.  Madeline had faint misgivings when she reflected on what Monty and Nels and Nick might do under the influence of that blazing garment.

“Oh.  Majesty,” cried Helen, as Madeline went up to her horse, “don’t make him kneel!  Try that flying mount.  We all want to see it.  It’s so stunning.”

“But that way, too, I must have him kneel,” said Madeline, “or I can’t reach the stirrup.  He’s so tremendously high.”

Madeline had to yield to the laughing insistence of her friends, and after all of them except Florence were up she made Majesty go down on one knee.  Then she stood on his left side, facing back, and took a good firm grip on the bridle and pommel and his mane.  After she had slipped the toe of her boot firmly into the stirrup she called to Majesty.  He jumped and swung her up into the saddle.

“Now just to see how it ought to be done watch Florence,” said Madeline.

The Western girl was at her best in riding-habit and with her horse.  It was beautiful to see the ease and grace with which she accomplished the cowboys’ flying mount.  Then she led the party down the slope and across the flat to climb the mesa.