United States or Cabo Verde ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"Only when you wish to leave us, Don Luis," Tom protested, so artlessly that the Mexican felt less offended. "Sit down and chat with us until you tire of our company," urged Harry Hazelton. So Montez and Tisco dropped into the campstools again. They tried to chat on various topics, but conversation proved a failure. "We will go, now," said Don Luis, rising twenty minutes later.
Tisco, as though to show that he took no personal interest in the talk, retired to an armchair at the further end of the room. Nevertheless, the secretary observed carefully all that was said. Covertly he studied the faces of the young engineers at all times.
"These Gringos will balk at every hour of the day and night," predicted Dr. Tisco. "Wait until you have seen my good Gato tame them!" chuckled Don Luis, softly. "When you speak to me, Gringo," bellowed Pedro Gato, "you will " "Stop, Greaser!" shot back Tom, sternly, though he did not even stir or raise his hands. "Greaser?" bellowed Pedro Gato. "That is foul insult!"
Instead the soldier now permitted the approaching object to roll into camp. It proved to be Don Luis's big touring car. In the tonneau sat the mine owner and Dr. Carlos Tisco. "What is this, Senor Reade?" cried Don Luis Montez, in pretended astonishment. "In trouble? Lieutenant, these gentlemen are friends of mine. May I ask you what this means?" Tom was not deceived by this by-play.
Whenever, in any of the tunnels, blank rock is struck, whichever one of us is in charge will stay by the blank rock blasting, keeping careful record, until pay ore is struck again." "You two young engineers are too infernally methodical," grumbled Dr. Tisco under his breath." "That is a very excellent plan," smiled Montez, amiably.
"Why, sir, how does it happen that, right on top of such extra-fine ore we run upon blank rock at the very next blasting." "That sometimes happens in El Sombrero," Don Luis replied, smoothly, "How often has it happened?" asked Tom, looking up from the table and glancing keenly at Don Luis. Dr. Tisco, though he appeared to be almost asleep, stirred uneasily.
No sooner had the young engineers slipped into their seats at table than Nicolas appeared behind their chairs. He served them gravely and without a word. For nearly an hour the luncheon lasted. Finally the dishes were cleared away and several boxes of cigars were brought. Tom and Harry both declined them. Dr. Tisco lighted a cigar at once; Don Luis spent much time in selecting his cigar.
Senorita Francesca, a darkly beautiful girl of eighteen, shy and retiring from the convent schooling that had ended but lately, soon came downstairs at her father's summons. Dr. Tisco bowed low before the charming girl. Tom and Harry were presented, and tried to make themselves agreeable to the young Mexican girl.
At last the infamously lying document had been read through and approved. "Let us have the end of it over with quickly," begged Tom, producing and shaking his fountain pen. He affixed his signature. Hazelton did the same. "So far, good," declared Don Luis, passing the complete, signed document to Dr. Tisco. "Now, senores, let us have the whole matter understood.
Yet I have never had the assurance to consider myself a practical mining man. Dr. Tisco, here, is " "An ignoramus on the subject of mining," declared the secretary, who appeared just then to wake up. "Carlos is modest," laughed Don Luis. "True, he is not a skilled mining man, yet he knows so much on the subject that, compared with him, I am an ignoramus. But that is what you are here for, you two.
Word Of The Day