Mr. Hippen, too, started down the roadway, seeing which Dr. Tisco reached his side and went with him.
There was a general meeting of the different parties at the gate.
"I signaled you, Don Luis, to inquire if Ellsworth and myself might go on your drive with you?" explained Mr. Haynes.
"Gentlemen, I am truly sorry," began Don Luis Montez, in his most honeyed tones, "but the truth is that I desire to have a private conference with Senores Reade and Hazelton."
"Then we won't ask to accompany you, this time." said Mr. Haynes, laughing.
"We would be glad to take you, but our business conversation would then be delayed," Don Luis explained. "However, if you wish—"
"I don't want to spoil your talk," laughed Mr. Haynes. "But I have this to say to Reade and Hazelton. We gentlemen have been discussing the new management of the mine, and we are united in feeling that we want these young men to remain here and manage our new property for us. In fact, with such a valuable mining property on our hands we wouldn't feel in the least easy with any one else in charge."
"Here is a telegram that came for you, Mr. Haynes," said Mr. Hippen, quietly, handing over the sheet. "Of course, Reade and Hazelton are not going to sign with any one else."
"Pardon me," said Mr. Haynes, and let his glance fall on the telegram.
Any one noting the railway president's face at that moment would have noted a quick, though suppressed, change there.