"What distresses me is the knowledge that
we are a very moral nation, that we have never subjugated weaker
peoples, that we have never coveted our neighbor's goods, that we can
outthink and outwork and outgame and outinvent every nation under
heaven, and yet haven't brains enough to do our own thinking in
world-affairs. It is discouraging to contemplate the smug complacency,
whether it be due to ignorance or apathy, which permits aliens to
reside in our midst and set up agencies for our destruction and their
benefit. If I-- Why, you're in riding-costume, aren't you?"
"You will never be popular with women if you do not mend your ways,"
she informed him, with a little grimace of disapproval. "Do you not
know that women loathe non-observing men?"
"So do I. Stodgy devils! Sooner or later, the fool-killer gets them
all. Please do not judge me to-day, Miss Parker. Perhaps, after a
while, I may be more discerning. By Jupiter, those very becoming
riding-togs will create no end of comment among the natives!"
"You said Panchito was to be mine while I am your guest, Don Mike."
"I meant it."
"I do not relish the easy manner in which you risk parting with him.
The idea of betting that wonder-horse against a box of filthy cigars!"
"Oh, I wasn't risking him," he retorted, dryly. "However, before you
ride Panchito, I'll put him through his paces. He hasn't been ridden
for three or four months, I dare say, and when he feels particularly
good, he carries on just a little.
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