Franke said nothing. Nor did Felipe speak
again. And thus, in silence, they continued across
the mesa and on up the canyon to the little adobe
in the settlement. Arrived before the house,
Franke quickly disappeared in the direction of
his home, leaving Felipe to unhitch and unharness
alone. But Felipe cared nothing for this. He
was supremely happy -- happy in the return of
the long-lost colt, doubly happy in the possession
of so fine a horse without outlay of money. Whistling
blithely, he unhitched the team, led them
back into the corral, returned to the wagon again.
Here, still whistling, he untied the black and escorted
him also into the inclosure. Then, after
scratching his head a long moment in thought,
he set out in the direction of the general store
and a bottle of _vino_.

As the man disappeared, Pat, standing uncertainly
in the middle of the corral, followed him
with a look in his eyes that hinted of vague memories
that would not down. And well he might
be flicked with vague memories. For he was at
last returned to the brief cradle of his babyhood.

***

Late that same afternoon, Helen, attired in
riding-habit, left the house for her first afternoon
canter. As she slowly crossed the _patio_, she noted
the absence of Pat from his usual corner, but,
assuming that he was inside the stable, called to
him from the gate. But she received no answering
whinny. Slightly worried, she entered the corral
and stepped to the stable door, and again sounded

[[94]]

p093 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p094w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p095

v?