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Nature, on this estate, had been forced, for the natural soil was stony and sterile, in keeping with the mountains and the shallow valleys in this part of the little and seldom-heard-of state of Bonista. To the eastward lay, at a distance of some two miles, one of the sources of Senor Montez's wealth El Sombrero Mine, producing some silver and much more gold. At least so the owner claimed.
Besides, what show would a stranger have in the courts in this part of Mexico? You have heard Don Luis boast that he practically owns the governor of Bonista. No, sir! The only way to stop a swindle will be to stop it before it takes place." Tom rose from his hiding place, back in the dark away from the lights at the mine shaft. He nudged his chum, then started to creep away.
"I'd hope that I would have done the same, but I don't know that I would have had the same magnificent courage that you two displayed throughout. It isn't every man who has the courage to back his conscience with his life." Tom Reade and Harry Hazelton remained some three months longer in the mountains of Bonista.
"That is interesting it's so simple and effective!" cried Tom, pretended enthusiasm glowing in his eyes. "Say, but that's practical! A man annoys you, and you send a servant to tell him to stop. Then he stops." "Because my enemy also vanishes, you understand," smiled Senor Luis, indulgently. "But doesn't the governor of Bonista ever hear of the disappearances?" suggested Reade, very casually.
"It is one of the periodical visits of the governor of the state of Bonista," explained Don Luis. "Ah, if the governor is with that party, Senor Haynes, you will soon have more reason to know that it would be impossible for me to defraud you. The governor himself will assure you that I am of an old Spanish family and of the highest personal honor."
"It is only on general business principles that it seems to me unwise to have human lives taken when it is not necessary. He who resorts too often to the taking of life is sure to meet his own doom." "Not in Bonista," jeered Montez, "and not where Don Luis is concerned in business matters." "As you will, then," sighed the secretary. "You will please your own self, anyway, Don Luis."
On account of the urgings of the American minister to this country, I was despatched here to investigate, and with authority to arrest the governor of Bonista, if necessary, and any other rogues." "That's a lie!" snarled Don Luis. "How could the American minister learn what was going on in this country? These mountains of Bonista have never told my secrets."
Yet here, in these remote mountains of the state of Bonista, if anywhere, Don Luis would appear to be safe. If a few of his men crept up here, late some night, with pistols or knives, and finished us before we had time to wake up, do you imagine that any one hereabouts would dare to make any report of the matter? Would our fate ever reach the outside world?"
Stranger, I believe that this one glance at your face has told me your story and your purpose in being in these mountains of Bonista!" Though they were in Mexico the young engineers found it chilly that evening, after sundown. "Nicolas, can you spare wood enough to start a little campfire?" Tom asked, as he put on his blouse after supper. "Yes," replied the little Mexican.
Remember, no king could rule in these hills more absolutely than I do. No one may enter or leave this part of the state of Bonista without my consent." "As to that, of course we shall know more later, Don Luis," Tom returned. "However, we cannot and shall not remain longer as guests in your house." "I trust you will consider well and carefully on that point," retorted the Mexican.
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