After purchasing the sandals with much bargaining in true Mexican style, Jo Ann and the girls waited for some time at the fruit booth for Miss Prudence and Carlitos.
“I wonder what’s happened to Miss Prudence and Carlitos to keep them so long,” Florence said finally.
“I know Miss Prudence’s not delayed by carrying on a conversation in Spanish with anyone,” smiled Peggy. “She’s like me—about the only words she knows are cuanto and adios.”
“Perhaps she’s bargaining by the gesture method,” added Jo Ann.
Several minutes later an anxious-faced Miss Prudence came hurrying up and asked, “Where’s Carlitos? Have you seen him?”
“No,” all three replied.
“Well, he’s disappeared—was right by my side one minute—then the next he was gone. I’ve searched all around the market but can’t find him.”
“You’ve just missed each other in the crowds,” Florence replied comfortingly. “You stay right here, and we three’ll separate and go in different directions and meet here again. We’ll find him.”
Noticing an empty chair near by, Jo Ann moved the chair over to Miss Prudence’s side and said, “Sit here and rest. I’m sure we girls can find him.”
Wearily Miss Prudence sank down in the chair, and the girls started off to find Carlitos. Each took a different section of the building to search and wound in and out the maze of crowded passageways that divided the scores of booths.