I suggested that we should turn back and get them, but to this proposition he gave refusal.

Not only so, but the _licenciado_ expressed vexation at the delay which he was suffering, and demanded that we should go on at once.

Argument, persuasions, threats were all of no avail, and, as it was necessary that I should see the _jefe_ at the earliest possible moment, I was forced to mount the coach and leave my unfortunate and obedient companions to their fate.

For an hour and a half the coach lumbered slowly over a hot and dusty road, which passed between small, bare, gray or brown rock hills, rising to a higher level only a little before we reached Teotitlan itself.
Hastening to the _jefatura_, I discovered that the _jefe_ had gone to Mexico, leaving the _presidente_ of the town as his lieutenant.

This man was neither willing, interested, nor efficient.