I told him he had been sent to bring the women, that my business was simply to measure them; that if he would do his duty, I would do mine.

He made two other efforts, equally futile, and finally returning, said he thought an order would be necessary.

I told him, if he had not already an order I did not know what an order was; that the _jefe_ had distinctly told me what he was to do; that he was not doing it.

He then said he had better go to the palace a moment; would I kindly wait.

I waited.