rid myself of a notion that Don Luis wants us for some piece of
rascally work, though of what kind I can't imagine."

"I shall watch these two Gringos like a cat," reflected Dr. Tisco.
"I half suspect that they will foolishly sacrifice their lives
sooner than serve us."




CHAPTER IV

TOM DOES SOME SAMPLING


At sight of Don Luis's party a Mexican foreman came running forward.

"How runs the ore this morning?" asked Don Luis.

"Not quite as well as usual, excellency," replied the man, with
a shrug of his shoulders.

"How! Do you mean to tell me that the ore is running out for
a streak!"

"Oh, no, excellency. Yet it is the poorest ore that we have struck
for a fortnight. However, it will pay expenses and leave something
for profit, too, excellency."

"Show us what you have been doing," Don Luis directed.