"I guess I will," agreed the manager. "Some of the young ladies are quite anxious to try it, if you have some gentle mounts." "Oh, I think I can fix them up. My boys will quarrel among themselves, though, for the privilege of giving lessons to 'em. You see we don't get much of ladies' society out here and we appreciate it so much the more." "I see," laughed Mr. Pertell. The next few days were given over to horseback practice on the part of all the members of the moving picture company save Mrs. Maguire. She declared she was too old to learn, and as she would not be required in mounted scenes she was excused. But her little grandchildren were provided with gentle ponies and taught how to sit in the saddle. Mr. DeVere had ridden in his youth, and the knack of it soon came back to him, though he was a trifle heavy. Paul took to it naturally, and Miss Pennington and Miss Dixon were soon able to hold their own, as was Ruth. But Alice was the "star," according to Baldy Johnson, who insisted on being her instructor. She was an apt pupil, and he was a good and conscientious teacher. In less than a week Alice was very sure of herself in the saddle. "Oh, it's simply great! It's wonderful!" she cried as she came back one day from a gallop, with red cheeks and eyes that sparkled with the light of health and life. "I wouldn't have missed it for anything!" "I am glad you like it," said her father. "It is good exercise for you." "I like it, too," declared Ruth, "but I'm not as keen for it as Alice is." "Oh, I just love it!" cried the younger girl, enthusiastically. "Now we'll begin some real Western scenes, since you can all ride fairly well," remarked Mr. Pertell. "Fairly well--huh! She's a peach at it--that's what she is--a peach!" cried Baldy Johnson, with a look of admiration at his pupil. Alice blushed with delight. During the days of horseback practice Mr. Pertell and Russ had been on the lookout for any signs of activity on the part of their rivals in the moving picture business; but nothing had happened. The man with the other camera seemed to have disappeared. "Maybe they've given up," suggested Russ. "I hope so," agreed Mr. Pertell. A few days later several important scenes were to be filmed, and one evening Alice, who was to have a large share in the acting, had her horse saddled, and with Ruth and her father, accompanied by Baldy, set off for a little gallop. "Let's go over to that _mesa_," suggested Alice, pointing to a big, elevated hill, standing boldly and abruptly upright in the midst of the plain. "No, I wouldn't go there," said Baldy, flicking his horse with the reins. "That's a dangerous place, Miss. Best keep away." CHAPTER XV THE INDIAN RITES Alice glanced curiously at the cowboy. There seemed to be a strange look on his face. "What do you mean?" she asked, adding in a half-bantering tone: "Is it haunted?"