foot performed a trip that sent the big Mexican bully to earth again.

"Now get up, Gato, like a man of intelligence, and behave yourself,"
advised Reade coolly. "Just because we have had a bad introduction
is no reason why we should continue enemies. You treat me with
proper respect and I'll do as much for you."

But Gato snarled like a wild beast. He was not armed. With every
man in these Bonista mountains afraid of him, Gato had never felt
the need of carrying weapons. But now he plunged to the doorway
of the shaft house, then came bounding back, flourishing a knife
that he had snatched from one of the _peons_.

"Back! Back, Gato!" shouted Dr. Tisco, rushing from the office
building.

To the secretary Gato paid no heed. He was close to Tom now,
circling cautiously around the young engineer. Harry, though not
at all minded to bolt, had stepped back far enough to give Reade
elbow room.

"Stop, Gato!" shouted Don Luis. "It is I who command it--I, Don
Luis. Throw your knife on the ground."

Gato snarled, but he was cowed. The brutal manager held his employer
in awe. He was about to cast his weapon down when Tom Reade
interposed.

"Don Luis, I ask you to let the fellow go on. This question will
have to be settled right before we can proceed. This fellow is