Professor Kent and Parry, succumbing to drowsy feeling, nodded sleepily when the lads a few moments later said good-bye and started off.
They found that the fierce heat had begun to wane and that mellow softened lights replaced the unpleasant glare of the midday sun. There were many more people on the streets, too. Many of the men wore bright colored sashes and handkerchiefs about their waists and necks, while the appearance of the dark-eyed women and girls was often greatly enhanced by long, flowing shawls or flowers stuck in their hair.
“They look more Spanish than the Spanish,” chuckled Cranny.
“And I should judge by the way everybody stares at us that we look awfully United States,” grinned Dick.
In leisurely fashion the crowd tramped along, often stopping to look in store windows filled with all sorts of articles of Mexican workmanship. Dainty little necklaces made of shells strung together, gold and silver ornaments of exquisite design, and quaint and extraordinarily ugly clay figures, the work of Indians, excited their admiration.
The proprietors of shops had no hesitation in rushing out and calling attention to their goods.
“Well, fellows,” remarked Cranny, in rueful tones, “I’d like to buy some trinket, but honest to goodness,” he shook his head, “I think more of a nickel now than I used to of a dollar.”
“Hit upon any scheme yet?” asked Bob sympathetically.
“Yes, plenty of ’em.”
“Made any decision?”