take our places."

"Gato will not trouble you again," promised Don Luis, bowing charmingly.

"Of course not, sir," Tom rejoined. "I couldn't work here and
let him go on annoying me all the time. Don Luis, I shall have
to crave your indulgence to the extent of discharging this fellow
and securing another manager who is less of a wild beast and more
of a man."

"Oh, but I cannot let Pedro Gato go," protested Don Luis, quickly.
"He is too old an employ, too valuable a man. No other could
manage my _peons_ as he does."

"Let me go!" begged Gato, harshly. "Let me go, that I may have
all my time to myself that I may find the best way to avenge myself
on this miserable Gringo. Don Luis, do not think of attempting
to keep me penned in _El Sombrero_. I must be idle that I may
have the more time to think."

Tom remained silent. He had stated his case, and the decision must
be found by Don Luis.

"For many reasons," whispered Dr. Tisco, "let Gato go. For either
good or bad reasons it will be best to let him go."

"You are right, Carlos," nodded the mine owner quickly. Then,
raising his voice:

"My good Gato, you shall have your wish," he went on, in his purring