A JOYFUL REUNION2



proportions. It looked-and was-as light as, a
feather; a work of art to be proud of.
  "Just like her, eh" said "Red." "What would
we do without Mrs. Quinn, the queen of 'em al'!"
  "That's what I say," Uncle Henry declared. He
could hardly wait to get to the cake, for he knew
what toothsome dainties the Irishwoman could
cause to emerge from her oven; and often she sent
him this or that sweet, " just to let 'im know she
was livin' an' breathin'."
  Suddenly there came a sound of hoof beats on
the road; and through the open door, outlined
against the flaming sunset, Gilbert could see two
horsemen approaching, with pointed hats, and
glistening buttons.
  "Mexicans!" he cried. "What can they be
doing here, now" His mind rushed back to that
terrible evening so long ago when Lopez had ridden
up to the adobe, and changed the world for them
all in almost the twinkling of an eye.
  He got up from the table now, and "Red" fol-
lowed him. Dusk was just descending, but Gil-
bert's sharp eyes recognized the first horseman
even in the dimming light.
  "It's Pancho Lopez!" he cried.
  And sure enough, on a steed that looked like
    I8



2 73