quarters at any time. As for their not having been paid, they
were never paid by their own Government before they came to us
and for the same reason, because the petty officers kept back the
money, just as they have always done. But the men are paid
now. However, this is not of the most importance. Who is it
that complains of the terms of our concession?''

``Every one!'' exclaimed Mendoza, throwing out his arms, ``and
they ask, moreover, this: they ask why, if this mine is so rich,
why was not the stock offered here to us in this country? Why
was it not put on the market, that any one might buy? We have
rich men in Olancho, why should not they benefit first of all
others by the wealth of their own lands? But no! we are not
asked to buy. All the stock is taken in New York, no one
benefits but the State, and it receives only ten per cent. It is
monstrous!''

``I see,'' said Clay, gravely. ``That had not occurred to me
before. They feel they have been slighted. I see.'' He paused
for a moment as if in serious consideration. ``Well,'' he added,
``that might be arranged.''

He turned and jerked his head toward the open door. ``If you
boys mean to go to town to-night, you'd better be moving,'' he
said. The two men rose together and bowed silently to their
guest.

``I should like if Mr. Langham would remain a moment with us,''
said Mendoza, politely. ``I understand that it is his father who
controls the stock of the company. If we discuss any arrangement