"In the mine, this afternoon," Tom proposed, "we can show you much more that you will like."
Now, as by magic, Don Luis's servants appeared with tables which they set and spread on the porch and luncheon was served.
"Now, we will go see El Sombrero itself," Don Luis proposed. "I shall not have much to say to-day. I understand that you are willing to have Senor Tomaso Reade do the explaining."
"More than willing—anxious," replied General Manager Ellsworth.
That night Tom and Harry returned to their tent. As they went at a late hour their absence from the house was barely noted.
All through the afternoon the visitors had been busy inspecting ore supposed to have been blasted in the tunnels of El Sombrero Mine. As the reader will understand, every bit of this ore had been brought from a profitable mine further up in the mountains.
"How does it seem to be a rascal, Tom?" inquired Harry, as he blew out the candle in their tent.
"Great!" muttered Tom Reade.
The day following was given somewhat to sight-seeing in and around the mine, but still more to a discussion of the intended purchase. As Don Luis would not hear to reducing his price, the visitors were finally satisfied to pay the money demanded.
"When will you be ready to turn the money over, gentlemen?" inquired
Montez.