Page:Caroline Lockhart--The full of the Moon.djvu/205

 shrieking with laughter at the struggles of the dying animals.

By the time the sun rose, the drinking and feasting was well under way. At ten o'clock the songs and laughter were boisterous, but still good-natured. All the village and its guests in gala-day attire were flocking toward the plaza.

It was Nan's custom to ride each morning, but to-day she hesitated because of Bob's warning, and, too, she noted Mrs. Gallagher's vigilance. The woman knew nothing definite, but the Indian in her sensed danger and, when Nan's restlessness became too great she viewed her preparations to ride with unqualified disapproval.

"I'll not go far—truly I'll not. Not out of sight of Las Rubertas. Besides what could happen to me in broad daylight!"

"Many things have happened to Americans where the mesquite grows thick and there is no one to hear a shot!"

"Listen!"—a roar went up from the plaza—"they are having a glorious time, and too busy with their games and themselves to