Irene grinned, accepting the water and the mild scold that Sam doled out.  She sipped and then capped the canteen and handed it back.<br/><br/>"Keep your hat.  Your head's bigger than mine and I'd lose it.  Besides, I'm acclimated, Mr. Greenhorn."<br/><br/>After thinking a moment, pondering the direction of the sun and the best view, she jerked her chin to one of the mesas and turned her horse in the direction.  "We can go up and ride onto the mesa, there, and look down on the house.  D'you want to share what you think you might see, or just wait until we're there; maybe your slow bride can catch up at that point?" she asked, turning her head to talk over her shoulder to Sam.  Her freckled horse was steady and agile, placing his hooves instead of stumbling over rocks as some did.  She gave the animal's neck a pat and promised him a good dinner and water soon.<br/><br/>"On the backside of the mesa, the river has a little tributary that will be dry now.  But, not too far down we should be able to get a little water for Diablo and Freckles, here," she said, swaying with the movement of her horse, thoroughly enjoying the day, so far.