"This is Reade's fight, Don Luis," Harry explained.

"Hand back my pistol instantly," hissed Don Luis.

"Not until the fight is decided, Don Luis," Harry rejoined. Slipping
the weapon into one of his own pockets he retreated a few yards.

Suddenly Gato sprang, the knife uplifted. Tom Reade leaped in
the same fraction of a second. Tom's shoulder landed under Gato's
right shoulder, and the knife did not descend. Like a flash Tom
bent as he wheeled. Gripping the mine manager by the captured
arm, Tom threw him forcefully over his own shoulder. Pedro Gato
landed, half-dazed, on the ground. Tom, snatching the knife,
hurled it as far as he could throw it.

Snarling, the big fellow started to rise. As he did so Tom Reade's
fist landed, sending the Greaser bully to earth. The big fellow
made several efforts to rise, but each time Tom's fist sent him
flat again, until a final heavy blow silenced him.

"Don Luis," explained Tom, quietly, turning and bowing, "I can't
begin to tell you how much I regret this unavoidable scene. When
I encountered this big bully I was at once tempted to resign my
position here with you, for I realize, of course, that I cannot
hope to go on with any such man in a position where I would have
to depend so much upon his cheerful and friendly service. I would
have resigned, but I realize, Don Luis, how much expense you have
gone to in the matter of getting us here, and I know, also, that
there might be a good deal of delay in getting some one else to