“How far are the cross roads?”
“Four miles.”
“Are there no horses nearer?”
“Not here. All went early this morning to the fiesta. At five or even at six you might have had your pick of horses, but now there are none.”
It occurred to Hi that, when he had paid for some drinks, the hostess might be more helpful.
“Ask her to serve some wine,” Hi said. “You deserve the best wine after your morning.”
The hostess was pleased to serve wine, but the order did not make her more forthcoming about horses. Plainly there were none.
“I must go on to the cross roads then,” Hi said, “if you will point out the road. I will try for a horse there.”
By his watch it was a quarter to two when he stepped across the bridge, which led out of the village.
“Nearly ten hours,” he thought, “since Rosa called me.”