“I see,” said the boy--though to tell the truth he did not see at all, not having the least idea what polo was. “If you're interested in horses, I'll have them find you something to do here,” Lockman went on. “Oh, thank you,” said the boy with a thrill. “That will be fine!” He could have spent all day in gazing at the marvels of this place, but his host was tired now and started back to the house. “It's lunch time,” he said. “Perhaps you are hungry again!” They came out upon the piazza and sat down. And then suddenly they heard a clatter of hoofs and looked up. “Hello!” exclaimed the host. “Here's Glad!” A horse was coming up the road at a lively pace. The rider was seated a-straddle, and so Samuel was slow to realize that it was a woman. It was only when he saw her wave her hand and call to them that he was sure. She reined up her horse, and a groom who followed her took the rein, and she stepped off upon the piazza and stood looking at them. She was young and of extraordinary beauty. She was breathing fast, and her hair was blown about her forehead, and the glow of health was in her cheeks; and Samuel thought that she was the most beautiful object that he had ever beheld in all his life. He stared transfixed; he had never dreamed that anything so wonderful could exist in the world. He realized in a sudden glow of excitement what it was that confronted him. She was the female of this higher species; she was the superior and triumphant woman. “Hello, Bertie!” she said. “Hello!” the other replied, and then added. “This is my cousin, Miss Wygant. Glad, this is Samuel Prescott.” The girl made a slight acknowledgment, and stared at Samuel with a look in which curiosity and hauteur were equally mingled. She was a brunette with dark hair, and an almost Oriental richness of coloring. She was lithe and gracefully built, and quick in her motions. There was eager alertness in her whole aspect; her glance was swift and her voice imperious. One could read her at a glance for a person accustomed to command--impatient and adventurous, passionate and proud. “I've had an adventure,” said her cousin by way of explanation. “Samuel, here, saved my life.” And Samuel thrilled to see the sudden look of interest which came into the girl's face. “What!” she cried. “Yes,” said the other. “Spitfire ran away with me.” “You don't mean it, Bertie!” “Yes. The rein broke. He started near the gate here and ran three or four miles with me.” “Bertie!” cried the girl. “And what happened?” “Samuel stopped him.” “How?” “It was splendid, Glad--the nerviest thing I ever saw. He just flung himself at the rein and caught it and hung on. He saved my life, beyond question.” And now Samuel, burning up with embarrassment, faced the full blaze of the girl's impetuous interest. “How perfectly fine!” she exclaimed; then, “Where do you come from?” she asked.