He had little authority, even with his own policemen and townsmen.

I requested that the first thing should be to send for my companions and bring them to town within the briefest time.

Orders were sent by the policemen to the driver of the coach, that he should return at once to the station; to these orders, he sent the false reply that his coach had broken down, one wheel being completely ruined.

After some wrangling and delay, the _presidente_ sent a foot-messenger to San Antonio with orders to the authorities of that village to supply three animals for the travellers.
The messenger left at five in the evening.

Meantime, we arranged with difficulty for beasts for our further journey.