ee," announced Mr. Hippen,
from a corner of the porch.

Barely five hundred yards from the house, on one of the roughest
roads coming down the mountains, were some forty or fifty horsemen.
Nor did it require more than a second glance to show that the
newcomers were cavalry troops of the Mexican army.

At the head of the cavalcade rode three or four men who had an
official appearance.

"It is one of the periodical visits of the governor of the state
of Bonista," explained Don Luis. "Ah, if the governor is with
that party, Senor Haynes, you will soon have more reason to know
that it would be impossible for me to defraud you. The governor
himself will assure you that I am of an old Spanish family and
of the highest personal honor."

"I shall be most glad to meet the governor," remarked Mr. Haynes,
dryly.

Don Luis Montez stepped to where he could obtain a better view
of the horsemen, who were moving their horses at a walk. He held
his hands over his eyes to keep the light from interfering with
his view.

"I am afraid, after all, that his excellency, the governor of
the state, is not one of the horsemen," said Montez, regretfully.
"Not unless he is riding at the rear of the party. But we shall
soon know."

Just inside the limits of the estate all of the cavalrymen except
a half dozen halted. Three officers, six troopers and a gentleman
in citizen's dress rode on up to the porch.

"Is Don Luis Montez of your number?" called the man in citizen's
clothes.

"I am Don Luis," responded Montez, going forward and raising his
hat.

"I am Manuel Honda," continued the stranger, raising his hat in
return. "Will you be good enough to have one of your servants
take my horse?"

This was done at a gesture from Montez. Senor Honda dismounted,
then came up the steps.

"You are very welcome, senor," said Don Luis, holding out his hand,
which the other accepted. Then the stranger swept his glance over
the others grouped on the porch.

"These are your American visitors?" inquired Honda.

"Yes," nodded Don Luis.

"We will withdraw if you two gentlemen have business to discuss,"
suggested Mr. Haynes.

"I beg that all of you gentlemen will remain," urged Senor Honda.

"I wish to show you every courtesy, senor," said Montez, quickly,
"but it seems to me that you are taking the liberty of giving orders
in my home."

"Have you sold your mine?" asked Honda.

"Yes," Montez acknowledged.

"And this estate was part