“I’m not going to have any on my pocket-book,” declared Dick.
The travelers were now turning into a big plaza. On one side the bell tower of the cathedral rising dazzlingly white against the deep blue sky was the dominating note of the scene. Flocks of pigeons fluttered about the belfry or swarmed over the ground.
It was market day and plenty of the stands were still heaped up with fruits and vegetables of many sorts. In their chairs, sheltered by dingy awnings from the torrid rays of heat which made the plaza fairly sizzle, fat old market women and men sat dozing. They awakened very quickly, however, as the horsemen clattered along.
Their voices suddenly broke the silence; heads popped out of windows; from various quarters people appeared to stare, apparently in great astonishment, at this new American invasion.
Goats walked unconcernedly over piles of refuse. A little yellow cur trotted past, showing its teeth and giving vent to a challenging growl. Then from beneath the shadows of a line of mulberry trees a mounted rurale galloped forth.
The riders pulled up to listen to a string of words which had less meaning to them than the bark of the yellow dog. By means of some extraordinary signs, however, Cranny managed to convey to the officer’s brain an understanding of what they required. Then like a general at the head of his troops, he conducted the party, now surrounded by a curious gaping crowd, to a near-by hotel and restaurant.
A fat Mexican, evidently the proprietor, greeted them with an ingratiating smile. In the proceedings which immediately followed, the use of language on their part was fortunately not required. In a deep bass voice he called a man from the stable in the rear, who took charge of the mustangs; then he with many polite bows conducted the visitors inside.
“What a relief it is to be in a cool retreat at last,” exclaimed Professor Kent, mopping his perspiring brow.
“It’s worth all the discomforts we’ve gone through,” declared Dave.
The next hour was a busy one. After selecting rooms and stowing away their belongings, they washed; then, having made themselves thoroughly comfortable, gathered down-stairs in the shady patio or courtyard, where a characteristically Mexican meal was served by the proprietor himself—the most active man they had seen so far in town.