Noriega and his wood-cart on hand promptly at half-past twelve.

'Can Pancho have forgotten?'

'Can he have lost his way and never arrived here at all?'

'Can Senor Don Manuel Felipe Hilario Noriega have grown tired of
waiting and gone off?'

'Has Senor Don Manuel Felipe Hilario Noriega been drinking too much
aguardiente and so forgotten to come?'

'Has Pancho been murdered by highway robbers, and served up into stew
for their evening meal?'

'With Hop Yet for dessert! Oh, horrible!' These were some of the
questions and exclamations that greeted the ears of the lizards, and
caused them to fly over the ground in a more excited fashion than
ever.

'One thing is certain. If Pancho has been stupid enough to lose his
way coming fifty miles down the coast, I'll discharge him,' said Dr.
Winship, with decision.

'When you find him,' added Aunt Truth, prudently.

'Of course. But really, mamma, this looks discouraging; I am afraid
we can't get into camp this evening. Shall we go up to the nearest
ranch house for the night, and see what can be done to-morrow?'