Jack vanished, and Peter, wondering what was the matter, got out of bed with manifest reluctance. A cold bath drove the fumes of sleep from his head, and dressing rapidly, he repaired to the dining-room, where he found his friends and Rafael making a hasty meal. Peter stared, and began to ask questions.
"Now what is——?"
"Oh, here's Peter," said Philip, looking up with a smile. "Come on, sluggard, and have something to eat. We are going to Cuavaca by train."
"Train!" repeated the doctor, taking his seat. "What train?"
"Jack's train, you idiot," said Tim, giving Peter a dig in the ribs. "Your wits are wandering!"
"I think yours must be," retorted Peter, addressing the company collectively. "What is the meaning of this early rising?"
"We are going to Cuavaca."
"Never heard of it."
"Then you hear of it now," said Jack, crossly; "how stupid you are, Peter. I will explain: we saw Pepe, the zambo, last night, and on condition that his life is spared, he has promised to guide us to the city of Totatzine by this second secret way."
"Oh! and Cuavaca?"