be wrapped. To her amazement he unfastened the coil and spread the rope out before her to show her how long it was, then jerked on it to show its strength. “Sí, sí—that’s all right, but wrap it up—and hurry, please.” “He’s the slowest person I ever saw,” she murmured to Peggy. “I’m afraid Florence’ll find us before I get it wrapped. I hardly think she’ll notice it under these roses, do you?” Once more the Mexican handed her the rope without any sign of wrapping and with one long end dangling from the loose coil. “Jo, look!” Peggy put in quickly, pointing to the next booth. “They don’t wrap their packages here. That’s why he didn’t understand you.” “Horrors! I can’t carry it this way—what’ll I do? I’d like to——” She stopped suddenly as a familiar voice behind her exclaimed, “Oh, here you are! I’ve been searching everywhere for you.” Jo Ann dropped the rope as if it were a hot coal. “I was beginning to think you girls were lost,” Florence went on. “Not lost, just misplaced,” put in Peggy quickly to cover Jo Ann’s confusion. “Come on, we’ll have to hurry now,” Florence urged. “I know Juana’s had breakfast waiting for us for a long time.” She turned and led the way out of the market. When they had gone only a few steps, Jo Ann suddenly gave a little gasp and catching Peggy by the arm exclaimed in a low voice, “Gee! I made a ridiculous mistake. I’ve just remembered what the word ropa means—it’s clothes. I was asking the man for clothes! No wonder he couldn’t understand what I meant!” CHAPTER V THE SIESTA HOUR THE SIESTA HOUR All the way home from the market Jo Ann kept wondering what excuse she would make to Florence so that she might go back after the rope. To her delight the opportunity came sooner than she expected. While the three girls were at the table lingering over their late breakfast, Felipe entered with a message for Florence from her father. “Daddy needs my help for about half an hour in the office,” she explained. “I often assist him in the simple cases. You girls amuse yourselves
Prev.
Back
Top