"We are to rejoin General Cos on the Vera Cruz road, but that will not occur for two or three days.
Meanwhile, as the way is rough and you are pretty weak, you can ride on a burro.

Sorry I can't get you a horse, but our lancers have none to spare.

Still, you'll find a burro surer of foot and more comfortable over the basalt and lava." Ned thanked him for his courtesy.

He liked this cheerful Mexican better than ever.

In another hour they started, turning into the Vera Cruz road, and following often the path by which great Cortez had come.