"Then listen to me, Gringos," said Don Luis Montez, in his coldest tones. "Your work here is to sign that report. If you do not, then you shall never leave these mountains! Your lives are in my hands. If you do not serve me as I have ordered, then I shall feel obliged—in self-defense—to destroy you!"
CHAPTER X
THE SPIRIT OF A TRUE ENGINEER
"Do you know, Don Luis," drawled Tom, "that you have one fine quality?"
"What do you mean?" demanded the Mexican.
"You are very explicit. You are also extremely candid! You don't leave the other fellow guessing."
Don Luis Montez frowned. He felt certain that fun was being poked at him.
"I am trying to make you young men understand that you must do exactly what I wish of you," he returned, after a moment.
"And we have tried to make it plain, sir, that we haven't, any idea of doing what you want," Tom Reade answered him.
"You will change your minds," retorted the mine owner.