"Yes, Don Luis, or we could bring the matter about in another way. I know the name of the bank in Mexico City to which you have transferred the funds received from us. Our attorneys, acting through Mexican lawyers, can tie that money up and keep it in the bank until the question has been decided as to whether—"
"Be careful, senor!" again warned Don Luis.
"Sir," demanded Mr. Haynes, bluntly, "is the mine a valuable one, or is it a swindle?"
"You should not ask me," Montez retorted, bitterly. "You have your own engineers on the ground—engineers whom you trust. Ask them! They will tell you."
"Thank you," assented Mr. Haynes, bowing. Then, turning to Tom, the American railway president went on:
"Reade, tell me the truth about this matter in a word. Have we been defrauded in any way?"
"You have not, Mr. Haynes," Tom answered steadily. "You have now in your possession a property that is worth far more than has been paid for it."
"You agree with that statement, do you, Hazelton?" asked Mr. Haynes.
"I do, sir," Harry nodded.
Dr. Tisco, standing in the background, had all he could do to keep himself from dancing a few jig-steps.