“I’ve heard of him, but he seldom travels this way. I understand he’s been kept very busy at the mine.”
“Trouble there?” questioned Willie.
The planter smiled. “So long as I can remember, there’s been trouble at the Last Chance. Wherever you find emeralds, you’ll find intrigue and grief. If you’re going there, I advise you to be careful.”
“Careful?” echoed Jack.
“The mule trail to the mine is dangerous. That section of country, you know, is overrun with bandits. Carlos in particular, has a reputation for holding up mule trains.”
“We’re hoping Mr. Corning will meet us at Santa Marta,” War said. “Or at least send word.”
“By the way, what became of the former engineer at the Last Chance?” Ken inquired thoughtfully. “Did he return to the States?”
The planter revealed his astonishment. “The engineer’s wife could answer that question better than I,” he replied.
“His wife?” Ken repeated. “Where would we meet her?”
“You already have,” the planter answered in amusement.