And for want of better work, Paganel whiled away the time along the road
by practising the difficulties in pronunciation, repeating all the
break-jaw words he could, though still making geographical observations.
Any question about the country that Glenarvan might ask the CATAPEZ
was sure to be answered by the learned Frenchman before he could reply,
to the great astonishment of the guide, who gazed at him in bewilderment.

About two o'clock that same day they came to a cross road,
and naturally enough Glenarvan inquired the name of it.

"It is the route from Yumbel to Los Angeles," said Paganel.

Glenarvan looked at the CATAPEZ, who replied:

"Quite right."

And then, turning toward the geographer, he added:

"You have traveled in these parts before, sir?"

"Oh, yes," said Paganel, quite gravely.

"On a mule?"

"No, in an easy chair."

The CATAPEZ could not make him out, but shrugged his shoulders
and resumed his post at the head of the party.