t, Don Luis," Harry explained.

"Hand back my pistol instantly," hissed Don Luis.

"Not until the fight is decided, Don Luis," Harry rejoined. Slipping
the weapon into one of his own pockets he retreated a few yards.

Suddenly Gato sprang, the knife uplifted. Tom Reade leaped in
the same fraction of a second. Tom's shoulder landed under Gato's
right shoulder, and the knife did not descend. Like a flash Tom
bent as he wheeled. Gripping the mine manager by the captured
arm, Tom threw him forcefully over his own shoulder. Pedro Gato
landed, half-dazed, on the ground. Tom, snatching the knife,
hurled it as far as he could throw it.

Snarling, the big fellow started to rise. As he did so Tom Reade's
fist landed, sending the Greaser bully to earth. The big fellow
made several efforts to rise, but each time Tom's fist sent him
flat again, until a final heavy blow silenced him.

"Don Luis," explained Tom, quietly, turning and bowing, "I can't
begin to tell you how much I regret this unavoidable scene. When
I encountered this big bully I was at once tempted to resign my
position here with you, for I realize, of course, that I cannot
hope to go on with any such man in a position where I would have
to depend so much upon his cheerful and friendly service. I would
have resigned, but I realize, Don Luis, how much expense you have
gone to in the matter of getting us here, and I know, also, that
there might be a good deal of delay in getting some one else to
take our places."

"Gato will not trouble you again," promised Don Luis, bowing charmingly.

"Of course not, sir," Tom rejoined. "I couldn't work here and
let him go on annoying me all the time. Don Luis, I shall have
to crave your indulgence to the extent of discharging this fellow
and securing another manager who is less of a wild beast and more
of a man."

"Oh, but I cannot let Pedro Gato go," protested Don Luis, quickly.
"He is too old an employ, too valuable a man. No other could
manage my _peons_ as he does."

"Let me go!" begged Gato, harshly. "Let me go, that I may have
all my time to myself that I may find the best way to avenge myself
on this miserable Gringo. Don Luis, do not think of attempting
to keep me penned in _El Sombrero_. I must be idle that I may
have the more time to think."

Tom remained silent. He had stated his case, and the decision must
be found by Don Luis.

"For many reasons," whispered Dr. Tisco, "let Gato go. For eit