tone. "Yet do not think there is anger behind my words. I let
you go because it is your wish. I do not so decide that I may
humiliate you, but because you have served me well. When you
need a friend, Gatito, you will know to whom to send word. Go your
way in friendship."

Even Tom Reade, with his somewhat scant knowledge of Spanish,
was quick to note, mentally, the meaning of that term, "Gatito,"
which meant "little Gato," and was used as a term of affection.
It was a form of telegraphy that was not wasted on the departing
mine manager, either, for it told him that Don Luis had some excellent
reason for thus quickly falling in with the wishes of the new
American chief engineer.

With a grateful smile at Don Luis, then with a scowl of unutterable
hatred flung in Tom Reade's direction, Pedro Gato next turned on his
heel and strode up the path.

From his pocket Harry Hazelton drew forth the silver-mounted revolver
and approached the owner of the mine.

"Allow me to return this to you, Don Luis," urged Hazelton. "I
must also apologize for having snatched it from you so rudely.
I did not know what else to do, for I feared that you intended
to interfere in the quarrel."

"And what if I had so intended?" asked the Mexican mine owner,
with one of his puzzling smiles.

"Just this," Harry answered, candidly. "Mr. Reade never gets