"Then you are to be congratulated on possessing a treasure among mines," Tom commented.
"I am delighted to hear you say that."
"But when we adjourn to your office," Reade continued, "there are a few questions that I shall want to ask you."
"Why not ask them here, Senor Tomaso?" queried Don Luis, in his purring, half affectionate voice.
"Here at your table?" protested Reade.
"But this is not dinner. This is a mere business luncheon," replied
Don Luis, with another smile.
"Yet I would like to discuss some of the samples with you, Don Luis," Tom explained. "Surely, you do not wish me to bring out dirty samples to spread on your fine linen."
"It would matter not," declared the Mexican. "Still, if you have scruples about the proprieties, then we will go to the office within a few minutes."
The two who were smoking continued to do so. Don Luis started to describe some of his experiments in raising Spanish mules. The finest mules that come out of Spain, class, in price, with blooded horses. Don Luis talked with the enthusiasm of one who understood and loved mules.
Then, finally, they passed to the office.