Frank politely showed them the workings of the invention, and then, with some surprise, said:
“But how do we happen to find an American stage and American miners this side of the line?”
One of the sports gave a knowing wink and said:
“That’s all right—there’s a nice little claim over here that we’ve been up to see. We are from Saint’s Repose, jest over the line into the States. In course this is Mexican land, but if ther greasers don’t get onto us, we’ll git some of that Mexican gold over into the United States afore many days, you bet!”
Frank was astonished.
“Are we then very near the line?” he asked.
“Not more than fifty miles.”
This was most astounding information to Frank Reade, Jr.
He had already traveled a distance of full five hundred miles from Laredo.
“Pshaw!” he exclaimed. “If I had known that I would have traveled all the way on United States territory.”