“‘Why, sir, the colors don’t harmonize,’ she replied, blushing.

“’Theodore, do you know anything about this harmony of colors?  Excuse me, madam,—­and I crave your pardon, Mr. Ochiltree, for using your given name,—­but really this harmony of colors is all French to me.’

“’Well, if the young lady is in town, why can’t you have her drop in and make her own selection?’ suggested the blond milliner.  He studied a moment, and then awoke as if from a trance.  ’Just as easy as not; this very evening or in the morning.  Strange we didn’t think of that sooner.  Yes; the landlady of the hotel can join us, and we can count on your assistance in selecting the hat.’  With a number of comments on her attractive place, inquiries regarding trade, and a flattering compliment on having made such a charming acquaintance, we edged towards the door.  ’This evening then, or in the morning at the farthest, you may expect another call, when my friend must pay the penalty of his folly by settling the bill.  Put it on heavy.’  And he gave her a parting wink.

“Together we bowed ourselves out, and once safe in the street he said:  ’Didn’t she help us out of that easy?  If she wasn’t a blonde, I’d go back and buy her two hats for suggesting it as she did.’

“‘Rather good looking too,’ I remarked.

“’Oh, well, that’s a matter of taste.  I like people with red blood in them.  Now if you was to saw her arm off, it wouldn’t bleed; just a little white water might ooze out, possibly.  The best-looking girl I ever saw was down in the lower Rio Grande country, and she was milking a goat.  Theodore, my dear fellow, when I’m led blushingly to the altar, you’ll be proud of my choice.  I’m a judge of beauty.’”

It was after midnight when we disposed of the first oven of pigeon pot-pie, and, wrapping ourselves in blankets, lay down around the fire.  With the first sign of dawn, we were aroused by Mr. Nathan and Uncle Lance to witness the return flight of the birds to their feeding grounds.  Hurrying to the nearest opening, we saw the immense flight of pigeons blackening the sky overhead.  Stiffened by their night’s rest, they flew low; but the beauty and immensity of the flight overawed us, and we stood in mute admiration, no one firing a shot.  For fully a half-hour the flight continued, ending in a few scattering birds.

CHAPTER VI

SPRING OF ’76

The spring of ’76 was eventful at Las Palomas.  After the pigeon hunt, Uncle Lance went to San Antonio to sell cattle for spring delivery.  Meanwhile, Father Norquin visited the ranch and spent a few days among his parishioners, Miss Jean acting the hostess in behalf of Las Palomas.  The priest proved a congenial fellow of the cloth, and among us, with Miss Jean’s countenance, it was decided not to delay Enrique’s marriage; for there was no telling when Uncle Lance would return.  All the arrangements