"Belding swears Sol never beat Diablo," Dick was saying.

"He believes it," replied Nell. "Dad is queer about that horse."

"But Laddy rode Sol once--made him beat Diablo. Jim saw the race."

Nell laughed. "I saw it, too. For that matter, even I have made Sol put his nose before Dad's favorite."

"I'd like to have seen that. Nell, aren't you ever going to ride with me?"

"I--I mean when the raiders have left the border."

"Oh, I'm glad you mean that," said Dick, laughing.

"Well, I've often wondered how Belding ever came to give Blanco Sol to me."