"I wish I knew what on earth Tom is thinking about," Harry muttered
to himself. "However, I may as well save my breath just now. If I
hang to him I'm likely to know what it is."

"We'll reach a hiding place from which we can watch that caravan,
or whatever it is, turn from the hill trail into this road," Tom
whispered, after they had gone somewhat further.

At this point the main road that ran from. Don Luis's estate
to his mine was decidedly irregular. Many boulders jutted out,
making a frequent change in the course of the road necessary.
It was Tom's intention to gain the nearest ledge of rock of this
sort to the hill trail, and there hide to watch the caravan.

They had nearly reached this point when out of the darkness a figure
stole softly to meet them.

"Nicolas!" muttered Tom, in a low voice, all but rubbing his eyes.
"How on earth did you get here?"

"Am I not commanded to keep with you everywhere, and serve you
in all things?" demanded the servant. "Do not go around that
next point in the road, _caballeros_. If you do, you will run
straight into Pedro Gato, who has other men with him."




CHAPTER VII