The others agreed as before.
“Let me propose Harvey Dartmoor for secretary,” said the señor, entering into the spirit of the moment.
The choice was unanimous.
“And now,” Hope-Jones said, “we will name Señor Anton Cisneros vice-president and general superintendent of all our properties.”
“Thank you, gentlemen,” said the Peruvian, doffing his hat. “I only hope the stockholders of the corporation will be of your mind.”
“The stockholders! How can they change our election?”
“You will have to sell stock in order to work the property, and those who buy shares will have a right to vote.”
“Certainly. But cannot we hold the majority of shares?”
“I am glad to hear you say that. If we find anything nearly as valuable as the old Indian claimed, it would be a pity to let the property pass out of our control.”
“Tell us something more of the mining laws, won’t you?” asked Ferguson. “In speaking of the recent enactment, you stated that ‘strangers should be subject to all the obligations of natives.’ What does that mean? Is the taxation heavy?”