"Oh, yes," nodded their host, as carelessly as Tom had spoken.

"Do the other mines pay as well as _El Sombrero_?"

"Oh, no, Senor Tomaso," Montez replied quickly. "The other mines
yield not anywhere near as rich ore as comes from _El Sombrero_."

"Are you going to take us to see the other mines?" Tom hinted.

"Gladly would I do so, Senor Tomaso, only I am not on good terms
with the owners."

"I'm sorry," Tom sighed. "While we are here I wish that we could
see much of Mexican mines. Nevertheless, when we are through
here I have no doubt that you can give us letters to other mine
owners."

"Beyond a doubt," smiled Don Luis, "and it will give me great
pleasure. But I, myself own many mines, and I am seeking to locate
more. If you are suited with my employment, and if we agree,
I shall be able, undoubtedly, to keep you both engaged for many
years to come. Indeed, if you display sufficient resourcefulness
in handling mines I do not believe it will be long ere I shall
be able to pay you each fifty thousand dollars a year. I have
plenty of money, and I pay generously when I am pleased and well
served."

"The scoundrel is fishing for something," thought Tom Reade, swiftly.
"I must not let him beat me in craft."