"Say, you," Marty asked while he was still eating, addressing the man, "is the railroad running to the mines yet?"
"Which mine, señor?" returned the yellow-eyed man.
"A mine called the Alderdice is the one we want to go to."
Maria uttered a shrill exclamation and the man dropped his cigarette and put his foot upon it involuntarily.
"What ees thees about the Alderdice Mine?" he said softly. "Why do you weesh to go there?"
"Just for instance," returned Marty coolly. "You are not answering my question—and I asked first."
"No. The rails are torn up just outside the city," said the man with insistence. "Now answer me, young señor."
"That's what we've come down here into Mexico for," Marty told him calmly. "To visit the Alderdice Mine. Do you know the man who runs it?"
"Señor B-Day!" gasped Maria, who seemed to be much moved. She had come closer to the table and was staring at Janice earnestly. The girl shrank from her, but Marty was still looking at the man lounging in the doorway.
"Yes. Broxton Day. He's the man," the boy said with admirable carelessness of manner. "Is he all right?"