water, does not go
for it; he sends the attending servant.

This time Nicolas slipped up on the front seat of the car beside the
chauffeur. The car traveled at a high rate of speed over the rough
road.

"It must cost you a mint of money for tires and repairs, not to
speak of new cars," laughed Tom, after he had been bounced up
two feet in the air as the automobile ran over a rough place in
the road.

"Pouf! What does it matter, to a man who owns _El Sombrero_?"
smiled Don Luis Montez.

"I am answered," Tom agreed. "The price of a few imported cars
cannot matter much to you."

"How many better mines than _El Sombrero_ have you seen?" questioned
the mine owner, leaning forward.

"None," said Tom, promptly.

"If all days' indications are as good as those of to-day," Harry
added.

"To-day has been but a poor day at the mine," murmured Dr. Tisco.

"Then _El Sombrero_ is indeed a marvel," Tom declared.

"It is a very rich mine," nodded Don Luis. "Yet there may be richer
ones, in these mountains, yet undiscovered."

"Where is the next best mine around here?" Tom inquired.

"Perhaps it is _El Padre_," murmured Don Luis, after a slight pause.

"Where is _El Padre_ (the Priest) located?" Tom wanted to know.

"It is about four miles from here, up over that road," Don Luis
rejoined, pointing out the direction.

"May I ask if _El Padre_ is one of your properties, Don Luis?"
Tom continued.

"No; why should I want it when I own _El Sombrero_?"

"Not unless you wish to own as many mines as possible."

"_El Sombrero_ should be enough for my greatest dreams of wealth,"
declared Don Luis, closing his eyes dreamily.

Then the car stopped before the house.

Don Luis alighted, Tom and Harry at his heels. A servant appeared
at the entrance to the court and informed him that the midday meal
was ready to serve.

"We will go to the table, then," exclaimed the Mexican. "After
having luncheon we shall be ready for an afternoon of hard work."

No sooner had the young engineers slipped into their seats at
table than Nicolas appeared behind their chairs. He served them
gravely and without a word.

For nearly an hour the luncheon lasted. Finally the dishes were
cleared away and several boxes of cigars were brought. Tom and
Harry both declined them. Dr. Tisco lighted a cigar at once;
Don Luis spent much time in selecting his cigar. This he lighted
with the same deliberation. At last the mine owner settled ba