The whole explanation seemed so simple to David. It must be exactly as he had said. It was not in the least remarkable that one should miss connections in a land lacking the elaborate facilities for travel his own country boasted. He wondered how the matter could have caused him concern and why he had not thought of the solution before. Half an hour later he left his room and in passing through the corridor could not resist the impulse to step into the office to make another inquiry. But the answer was the same. There was nothing new, no message; nor had anyone arrived from the ranch. “Tomorrow, probably,” he thought, “and if not then, the day after that without fail. I must learn to be patient although they should apologize for keeping me waiting.” In the meantime, he would see what there was of interest in the city, and by asking questions learn as much as possible about the country of the hinterland. He had not gone two blocks before he met Rogers. The latter was stopping aboard the ship; he felt sure that he could wind up his affairs during the week the vessel lay in port and had engaged passage for the return journey. “Hello!” he greeted David cheerfully. “You still here? I thought you might be on your way to the ranch by this time.” “No, we missed connections some way. I can’t understand why, but they have not come for me yet. But I expect them any minute.” “Still got the fever, eh? Still want to go as badly as ever?” “I certainly have got the fever, and the temperature is going up.” “Say, you know what I said to you before--I think you are one foolish person.” “Look here, Rogers,” David retorted hotly. “Why are you so concerned over my affairs? I didn’t insist on knowing what brought you here but you keep harping about my business all of the time. Now forget it.” “If that is the way you feel, I shall not mention it again,” Rogers stammered, looking offended. “But--but just because I do not mention it will not make me feel differently about it. I am sorry you are so set on doing something you will surely regret.” “Good-bye.” David wanted to fight but he dared not, remembering past experiences and their consequences, so he quickly continued on his way. Three days passed and still David remained unsought by anyone from the ranch. The fact began to worry him. He had spent the time alternately waiting in the hotel and tramping the streets. The very sight of the Teatro Nacional, at first so imposing on its built-up pedestal that covers an entire city block; the plazas with their tropical trees, shrubs and dazzling flowers; the hot, winding streets; and the parrots shrieking and squawking from their perches in the doorways of the squat, thick-walled buildings; all began to pall on him. He had not come all that distance to see cities; if that had been his desire he might have remained at home. What he longed for was the great outdoors and the myriad, varied possibilities it brought with it.