PART II.--IN THE COURTS



CHAPTER VI

HOW A GRANT WAS GOT FOR IT


While the Blue Mass Company, with more zeal than discretion, were
actively pursuing Pedro and Wiles over the road to Tres Pinos, Senors
Miguel and Manuel were comfortably seated in a fonda at Monterey,
smoking cigarritos and discussing their late discovery. But they were
in no better mood than their late companions, and it appeared from their
conversation that in an evil moment they had sold out their interest
in the alleged silver mine to Wiles and Pedro for a few hundred
dollars,--succumbing to what they were assured would be an active
opposition on the part of the Americanos. The astute reader will easily
understand that the accomplished Mr. Wiles did not inform them of its
value as a quicksilver mine, although he was obliged to impart his
secret to Pedro as a necessary accomplice and reckless coadjutor. That
Pedro felt no qualms of conscience in thus betraying his two comrades
may be inferred from his recent direct and sincere treatment of Concho,
and that he would, if occasion offered or policy made it expedient, as
calmly obliterate Mr. Wiles, that gentleman himself never for a moment
doubted.

"If we had waited but a little he would have given more,--this
cock-eye!" regretted Manuel querulously.