"And now what can I do for you, caballeros?" the Mexican inquired.
"Nicolas," asked Tom, with sudden inspiration, "is there any store hereabouts? Any place where food can be purchased?"
"No, senor; there is a store not far from the shaft entrance of El Sombrero Mine. That is where the peons of the mine draw their food, and have it charged against their pay accounts. But no one may buy there for cash."
"Is there no place where you can buy food for us?"
"Caballeros, of course, I will not pretend not to understand that you are on bad terms with Don Luis. Hence, both his storekeeper and his peons would hesitate to sell food for you or to you. But I have a relative who works in the mine, and he is a brave man. I think I can persuade him to sell me food and ask no questions. In fact, caballeros, that is what I will do."
"It won't get your relative into any trouble, will it, Nicolas?"
Tom asked.
"I can manage it, senor, so that no trouble will follow."
"Then take this money and get some food, my good Nicolas, if you can manage it without getting any one into trouble."
"It will have to be very plain food, Senor Reade, such as peons eat," urged Nicolas.
"Plain food never killed any man yet," Tom laughed. "Well, then, take this money and serve us at your convenience."