It was plain that they were our only resource.

Starting the three boys upon a short cut to San Miguel, the oldest _mozo_ and ourselves went by another road to Coatlan.

It was fortunate for us that the school-teacher at this town was interested in our work.

We took possession of the schoolhouse, showed our orders to the officials, and, after much difficulty, obtained our wishes.

The town was almost as deserted as had been Ixcuintepec, but after infinite difficulty, we succeeded in getting sufficient subjects to complete our work.
We had thought ourselves unfortunate at Ixcuintepec and Coatlan; the worst lay before us.