for the salvation of the ranch. Nevertheless, despite
her overwhelming embarrassment and distress, the question occurred to
her again and again: What would Don Miguel Farrel do about it? She
hadn't the slightest doubt but that his tremendous pride would lead him
to reject her aid and comfort, but how was he to accomplish this
delicate procedure? The situation was fraught with as much awkwardness
and embarrassment for him as for her.

She was late in joining the others at table. To her great relief,
after rising politely at her entrance and favoring her with an
impersonal smile, Farrel sat down and continued to discuss with John
Parker and his wife the great natural resources of Siberia and the
designs of the Japanese empire upon that territory. About the time the
black coffee made its appearance, Kay's harassed soul had found
sanctuary in the discussion of a topic which she knew would be of
interest--one in which she felt she could join exuberantly.

"Do tell father and mother of your plans for a _fiesta_, Miguel," she
pleaded presently.

"A _fiesta_, eh?" Mrs. Parker was instantly interested. "Miguel, that
is, indeed, a bright thought. I volunteer as a patroness here and now.
John, you can be a judge of the course, or something. Miguel, what is
the occasion of your _fiesta_?"

"At a period in the world's history, Mrs. Parker, when butter is a
dollar a pound and blue-denim over-alls sell freely for three dollars a
pair, I think we ought to do something to dissipate the general gloom.
I want to celebrate my return to civil life, and my more recent return
from the grave. Also, I would just as lief indicate to the county at
large that, outside of business hours, we constitute a very happy
little family here; so if you all please, I shall announce a _fiesta_
in honor of the Parker family."

"It will last all day and night and we are to have a Wild West show,"
Kay added eagerly.

"Where will it be held, Miguel?"

"Down at our old abandoned race-track, about a mile from here."

Mrs. Parker nodded approval. "John, you old dud," she decided, "you
always liked horse-races and athletics. You're stuck for some prizes."

Her indulgent husband good-naturedly agreed, and at Kay's suggestion,
Carolina brought a pencil and a large writing-tablet, whereupon the
girl constituted herself secretary of the carnival committee and wrote
the program, as arranged by Don Mike and her father. She thrilled when
Farrel annou