Nicolas stepped meekly to the rear of the party. It was his business
to attend Tom and Harry everywhere. In Mexico one of the grade
of gentleman, if he wishes only a glass of water, does not go
for it; he sends the attending servant.

This time Nicolas slipped up on the front seat of the car beside the
chauffeur. The car traveled at a high rate of speed over the rough
road.

"It must cost you a mint of money for tires and repairs, not to
speak of new cars," laughed Tom, after he had been bounced up
two feet in the air as the automobile ran over a rough place in
the road.

"Pouf! What does it matter, to a man who owns _El Sombrero_?"
smiled Don Luis Montez.

"I am answered," Tom agreed. "The price of a few imported cars
cannot matter much to you."

"How many better mines than _El Sombrero_ have you seen?" questioned
the mine owner, leaning forward.

"None," said Tom, promptly.

"If all days' indications are as good as those of to-day," Harry
added.

"To-day has been but a poor day at the mine," murmured Dr. Tisco.