Suddenly the belated coach, itself, came into sight, bound for the station.

Starting to mount, the driver told me it was better for me to remain sitting comfortably in the shade, and that he would pick up my companions, of whom, I told him, there were three, and that I could join the company, as they passed.

As arrangements had already been made regarding the transportation of the baggage by mules, the advice seemed good, and I remained where I was.

A long time passed, and when, at last, the coach arrived, it contained but one passenger, a dignified _licenciado_.

When I asked the driver where my companions were, he answered that they had refused to come because I had sent no written order to that effect.