Her father followed, and he was about to drive off, when Mary cried out, "Oh, I forgot my skirt, if I am to ride." The skirt was brought down, and the horses, that were beginning to fret, dashed off.

A smart little groom rode behind, and on reaching the farm they found another with two saddle-horses, one of them, a small, gentle Arab gelding, had a side-saddle.

They rode all over the farm, and inspected the buildings, which were in excellent repair, thanks to Walter's supervision.

Bartley inquired the number of acres and the rent demanded.

Walter told him.