.

"Of course I can't even guess; but it is very strange he has waited so
long."

More than that Cummings would not say: but both the boys could plainly
see he was very anxious, and all grew greatly distressed in mind as the
hours wore on.

Noon came, and once more the streets were nearly deserted, for the
inhabitants of the city were indulging in a siesta.

Now Cummings stationed himself at the window, peering out eagerly; but
all in vain.

Slowly the moments passed. The boys tried to eat; but the terrible
suspense had spoiled all appetite for food, more especially since it was
not particularly inviting, and after swallowing a few crumbs Teddy said:

"It's no use, I can't even force it down. Why did we come here, knowing
at least a portion of the danger?"

"'Cause we were fools," Jake replied philosophically; "but that is no
reason why we shouldn't have as near to a square meal as is possible,"
and he began to devour another tortilla.

"We won't despair yet," Cummings said, as he left his post at the window
and joined the little group in the further corner of the room, "Poyor is
cautious in the extreme, and may believe it isn't safe to enter the
house in the daytime under any circumstances."

"Did he say when he would come back?"

"No; it was understood he should return at the first favorable
opportunity."

"Could you find the way to the boat if we never saw him again?" Teddy
asked.

"Yes, although we might have some trouble in doing so."

Then another long interval of silence came upon the little party, during
which each one listened intently for the slightest sound which might
betoken a visitor.

Finally Jake fell asleep, and so loud was his snoring that it seemed as
if he must be heard from the street, therefore the boys pinched him when
there was too great a volume of sound, and at the same time wished they
could enjoy the same happy unconsciousness of the situation.

Cummings alternately paced to and fro, and stood by the narrow aperture
overlooking the street, until nightfall, when the citizens walked up and
down singing or chatting.

It was as if every one was perfectly happy, and this condition of
affairs caused Cummings to feel less despondent.

"Look," he said to Neal and Teddy, "if Poyor had been discovered the
people would show some signs of excitement. We have no reason to fear
yet awhile."

The argument was certainly a good one, and the boys' courage revived
wonderfully. They made