at times, your language still baffles me. What I meant to say
was not 'war lord,' but--but--"

"Over lord?" suggested Reade, politely.

"Ah, yes! Perhaps that better expresses what I mean. In Mexico
we have laws, senor, to be sure. But they are not for _caballeros_
like myself--not for men who can boast of the blood of Spanish
hidalgos. I am master over these people for many miles around.
Absolute master! Think you any judge would dare sign a process
against me, and send _peon_ officers of the law to interfere with
me? No! As I tell you, I, Luis Montez, am the sole master here
among the mountains. We have laws for the _peons_ (working class),
but I--I make my own laws."

"Does it take much of your time, may I ask?"

"Does what take much of my time?" repeated Senor Montez, again
looking puzzled.

"Law making," explained Tom Reade.

Montez shot a swift look at the young engineer. He wondered if
the American were making fun of him. But Reade's face looked
so simple and kindly, his eyes so full of interest, that the Mexican
dismissed the thought.

"I spend no time in making laws--unless I need them," the Mexican
continued. "I make laws only as the need arises, and I make them
to suit myself. I interpret the laws as I please for my own pleasure