I was forced to walk and carry the saddle, and there were times when the cattle interrupted with their foolish curiosity, and I must stop and set the riata hissing to frighten them back, else they would perchance have trampled me.

So I fear that I arrive too late, Don Andres.

But truly I did my best; a full hour behind Manuel I started, and have walked ten miles of the sixty.

The saints know well--" Don Andres checked his apologies with a wave of the hand, and sat down somewhat heavily in his favorite chair, as if he were tired, though the day was but fairly begun.
"We do not doubt your zeal," he observed dryly.

"Give the letter to the senor and begone to your breakfast.