“We don’t know much about Mr. Livingston’s plans,” Jack replied, rather worried. “We’ve scarcely seen him all day.”
“He is arranging for you to leave here by car,” the missionary disclosed. “At Cuya you will pick up a reliable guide, who will assist in hiring natives to accompany you. That part will be easy. Later steps of the journey will become increasingly hard.”
“We’re not expecting an easy time,” Jack replied quietly.
“Wherever you are, my prayers will go with you. I must admit that I am greatly relieved that Captain Carter is not to be a member of your party.”
Before anyone could reply, the servant woman came hurriedly to the garden. She addressed Father Francisco rapidly in Spanish.
“This is most annoying,” the missionary said to the Scouts. “The throng becomes unruly again. Lolita has stirred them up once more. The villagers demand that I turn you over to them.”
“We didn’t mean to cause you trouble by coming here,” Ken apologized. “If only we could make them understand—”
“That, at the moment, is doubtful. But do not be disturbed. We will retire to the library, and presently they will go away.”
“They’re making a worse clatter every minute,” Jack remarked with a shake of his head. “They may try to break down the door.”
Unmindful of the noise from outside, Father Francisco guided his visitors to the library. There, he produced a half dozen sheets of beautifully written manuscript.