“How do you do, Mr. Van?” she answered tremulously, and she drew her fingers back again at once.  “If you don’t mind,” she added, “we really must continue on to Goldite as soon as possible.”  A fleeting look of doubt and alarm had swept all the mirth from her eyes.  After all, even with this “introduction” what were these men’s intentions?  It was a grave affair to be halted thus—­to be practically abducted—­to be left with no protection, in the hands of roadside strangers, one, at least, of whom was certainly inclined to be lawless and outrageously bold.

The horseman regarded her seriously, as if with a certain divination of her worry.  Someway, from the look in his eyes her confidence returned, she knew not why.

“Do you ride?” he asked her, “—­you and your maid?”

“Why, yes—­that is——­” she addressed the maid on the suitcase.  “Elsa, can you ride—­on a horse?”

Elsa said:  “Yes, Miss, if it is part of my duty.”

Beth’s composure increased.  After all, it was a glorious day, the horseman was handsome, and she had wished for a little adventure—­but not too much!

“What does it mean?” she asked of Van more boldly.  “We were perfectly comfortable, riding in the car.  If you really intend to permit us to go, why couldn’t we have gone on as we were?”

Dave started to answer.

“You see, Miss——­”

Van cut in abruptly.

“Never mind, Dave; this isn’t your pie.”  To Beth he added:  “If you’ve brought any particularly appropriate garments for riding, suppose you retire for preparations.  Dave will tote the bags inside the house.”

“You bet I will!” said Dave, who, as Elsa rose, took suitcase and all in one load.

Beth hesitated.  The horseman had started already for the stable at the rear.  How superbly straight was his figure!  What a confident, impudent grace beset him as he moved!  How could it be possible for such a man to be other than a gentleman—­no matter where he was found?  Some strange little thrill of excitement and love of adventure stirred in the girl’s full veins.  Resistance was useless.  Come what might, she was helpless in the hands of this man—­and he seemed a person to be trusted.

“Come, Elsa,” she said, bravely deciding to face whatsoever might arise.  “You may wear the second of my skirts.”

Fifteen minutes later, therefore, she and her maid emerged from the shack attired in brown cloth, and kahki, respectively, her own skirt long and graceful, while Elsa’s was shorter and divided.  Aside or cross-saddle Beth was equally at home upon a horse—­or always had been, in the parks.

Van and Dave now returned, leading two extra ponies from the stable.  One was a bay, accoutered with a man’s deep Mexican saddle, whereon was secured a coiled lasso; the other was a wiry little roan mare, with a somewhat decrepit but otherwise sound side-saddle tightly cinched upon her back.