If Josephine had held any vexation against Mason the night before, all traces of it had vanished by now, and she graciously permitted him to ride by her side while Bruce and Ethel rode slightly in advance of them. Both girls were in high spirits and the laughter and witty repartee that passed among them was sparkling with good humor. There was a charm about this girl at his side that drew him to her as a magnet draws steel. Unconsciously Mason pressed his horse closer to hers until he was aware that she was smiling at him under almost closed lashes. “I don’t see any occasion for you to try and run my horse down,” she said, smiling at him. He eased his horse away, feeling provoked at himself. “There, that’s better,” she said gently; “I suppose the first thing I know you will be trying to make love to me again.” “I will most certainly if I get you out alone in my car sometime.” “That makes me think of something. You promised to teach me how to drive, and if you remember, the last time I tried it was when we went to Trader’s Post. You know I am very anxious to learn.” “Just as soon as we get home again I will promise to take you out and keep you at it until you do learn, and I will tell you truly that you did fine that day.” “Yes, just about like you promised me those extra dances last night,” Josephine was pouting prettily now. “You seemed to be enjoying yourself immensely with Bud last night, I thought,” he said surlily. It was a tender spot with him. “And why not? He’s a splendid dancer.” Her eyes were dancing with mischief as she fenced words with him like a skilful swordsman. He flung his hands up in mock despair. “A truce,” he cried gaily, “I solemnly swear to make you an expert driver the first time we go for an automobile ride. Now, does that suit you, my Princess?” “Yes, and I will hold you to your promise, Sir Jack.” “You see,” he continued, “in making you that promise I have secret designs on you.” Her blue eyes opened wide. “And what are they?” “That I have hope of succeeding in keeping you away from Bud Anderson for a short time, at least,” he answered. Josephine laughed a silvery laugh. “What in the world are you two chatting about?” Ethel called back to them. “Sir Jack just said something funny,” Josephine answered, smiling roguishly at him. “It may seem funny to you; but I mean it,” he said frowning. “My, but you can get serious at times, Sir Jack.” Ethel fell back and joined in the conversation, and Mason had to stand some good natured raillery from the girls until Bruce came to his rescue by calling his attention to a group of riders on their right. They were less than a quarter of a mile away and were riding slowly on almost a parallel line with Bruce’s party. There appeared to be four men in the group, and Mason looked at them in surprise. “Wonder where those fellows came from,” he observed; “queer we didn’t see them before this.”