"We will go to the table, then," exclaimed the Mexican. "After
having luncheon we shall be ready for an afternoon of hard work."

No sooner had the young engineers slipped into their seats at
table than Nicolas appeared behind their chairs. He served them
gravely and without a word.

For nearly an hour the luncheon lasted. Finally the dishes were
cleared away and several boxes of cigars were brought. Tom and
Harry both declined them. Dr. Tisco lighted a cigar at once;
Don Luis spent much time in selecting his cigar. This he lighted
with the same deliberation. At last the mine owner settled back
in his seat.

"_Caballeros_," he inquired, suddenly, "what did you think of
_El Sombrero_?"

"I would call it, Don Luis," Harry replied, with enthusiasm, "the
finest mine I have seen or heard of."

"You did not see the best of the ore to-day," Montez assured them.

"What ore we did see is as fine as any we would ever wish to see,"
Tom said.

"Then you were delighted with the mine?" inquired their host,
turning to Reade and speaking more eagerly.

"If the ore always runs as well," Tom rejoined, "it ought to be