More than that Cummings would not say: but both the boys could plainly see he was very anxious, and all grew greatly distressed in mind as the hours wore on.
Noon came, and once more the streets were nearly deserted, for the inhabitants of the city were indulging in a siesta.
Now Cummings stationed himself at the window, peering out eagerly; but all in vain.
Slowly the moments passed. The boys tried to eat; but the terrible suspense had spoiled all appetite for food, more especially since it was not particularly inviting, and after swallowing a few crumbs Teddy said:
"It's no use, I can't even force it down. Why did we come here, knowing at least a portion of the danger?"
"'Cause we were fools," Jake replied philosophically; "but that is no reason why we shouldn't have as near to a square meal as is possible," and he began to devour another tortilla.
"We won't despair yet," Cummings said, as he left his post at the window and joined the little group in the further corner of the room, "Poyor is cautious in the extreme, and may believe it isn't safe to enter the house in the daytime under any circumstances."
"Did he say when he would come back?"
"No; it was understood he should return at the first favorable opportunity."
"Could you find the way to the boat if we never saw him again?" Teddy asked.