Tom Reade, one of the engineers to whom Montez was speaking.

"And a golden history in every sense," added Senor Montez, with
a quick rush of patriotism. "Mexico is the finest country on
earth. And, though we are neither as numerous in population,
or as progressive as your own great country, still Mexico has
greater possibilities than the United States."

Tom was too polite to argue that point. And Harry Hazelton, whom
a seventy-mile ride in an automobile over dusty roads, that day,
had rendered very drowsy, didn't consider an argument worth while.

"Mexico has almost incredible natural wealth," Montez went on,
his voice soft and purring, his eyes glowing with something that
might have passed for pride. "Yet, through all the centuries
that white men have been here, I am confident that not one per
cent. of the country's natural resources has yet been taken from
the ground. Enough wealth lies at man's beck and call to change
the balance of power between the nations of the world. I have
been in your great city, New York. It is a place of tremendous
wealth. Yet, within ten years, gold enough can be taken from
the ground within a radius of twenty miles of here to buy the
whole great city of New York at any sane valuation."

"That purchase would require billions of dollars," broke in the
practical Hazelton.

"But the wealth is here," insisted Senor Montez, still smiling.
"Truly, _caballeros_, as I have told you, this is the land of
golden--"