"Thank you," nodded Tom, and paced the veranda, leisurely. "Harry,
we didn't make such a bad break after all, then. Plainly Don Luis
didn't plan an early start."

"Is Dr. Tisco around?" asked Harry, of the servant.

"The learned doctor must be dressing by this time, _caballero_,"
replied the servant respectfully.

"Hm!" mused Harry. "Can it be that the people in Bonista do their
work at night?"

"Oh, I'll wager the poor _peons_ at the mine have been at work
for some time," Tom smiled. "Anyway, I'm glad we haven't kept
everyone else waiting."

At half-past ten o'clock Dr. Tisco appeared, immaculate in white.
He bowed low and courteously to the guests.

"I trust, _caballeros_, that you have enjoyed perfect rest."

"Yes," answered Harry. "And now we're fidgeting to get at work.
But, of course, we can't start for the mine until Don Luis gives
us the word, and we are at his pleasure."

"It is nearly time for Don Luis to appear," said Tisco gravely.

"Is he always as late as this?"