"Good morning, gentlemen," said Philip, entering at this moment; "where did you pick up Methuselah?" "This is Cocom, my guide," said the doctor, proudly introducing Cocom, who removed his sombrero with a graceful sweep. "Oh, you are going to hunt the ferocious beetle, are you not? What is he, Jack? An Aztec?" "No; a descendant of the Mayas." "A dethroned king--no less." "You know the country round here, Cocom?" said Philip, taking no notice of Tim's joke. "Yes, Señor Americano; all! all!" replied Cocom, with grave dignity. "Don Pedro will be safe with me." "You can show him butterflies?" "Señor, I can show him butterflies, ants, beetles, wasps; all the Señor desires to behold." "That being so, Peter, you had better get away," said Jack, impatiently. "I want to be off, and must see you started first; you can't be trusted to run the show on your own account." "I'm quite ready. Good-bye, boys; I will see you this afternoon." "Not me," said Duval, brusquely; "I'm off to Maraquando's estancia." "Take care of the sun, Peter," warned Philip, kindly; "your head isn't over strong." Peter indignantly repudiated this imputation on his cranium, and forthwith followed Cocom out of the house, gleefully looking forward to a pleasant day. His ideas of pleasure were singularly limited. "He's quite safe, isn't he, Jack?" said Philip anxiously. "I don't want Peter to get into trouble." "Oh, Cocom will look after him. I know the old man well. He is devoted to Don Miguel, who once saved his life. Cocom will sit on a bank and watch Peter gasping after butterflies. The exercise will do the doctor's liver good." "You are off yourself now, I suppose?" "Yes, I've been waiting for you. Really, Philip, you are the laziest man I know." "This house that Jack built is the castle of indolence," explained Philip, sitting down to table. "Go, my friend, and kiss Dolores for me!" "I'll do nothing of the sort. I'll kiss her for my own sake! Adios caballeros." "When will you return, Jack?" "To-morrow! Meanwhile Don Miguel will look after you both. Take care of yourselves." "Con dios va usted mi amigo!" said Cassim, graciously. "Now go away, and let me eat my breakfast." Jack departed, and Tim went to the window to see him ride down the street. "He is a fine boy," he said, returning to the breakfast-table. "Doña Dolores ought to be proud of having such a lover." "I have no doubt she is, Tim. It is to be hoped the course of true love will run smooth with Jack; but what with Don Hypolito and the harlequin opal I have my doubts. What are your plans, Timothy?" "It's writing I'll be, all day!" "Nonsense. Come and see Tlatonac." "I can't. Isn't my chief waiting a letter from me?" "Such industry! Tim, you make me feel ashamed of myself." "The devil I do. Then you write my letter, Philip and I'll flirt with Doña Eulalia. I'm a white-headed boy with the female sex." "No, thank you. It's not a fair exchange."