said with a faint attempt to smile.

It was, indeed, a narrow escape, for the ball had ploughed one of his
cheeks so that it bled profusely, and I could have freely returned the
shot in the rage which I felt.

Perhaps it would have been better for all parties had I fired, for it
would only have been disabling as black-hearted a scoundrel as ever
breathed. But my plans were made, and by an effort I kept to them, just
as the notary was about to flee in alarm.

"Loose him, Tom," I said; and Garcia started up, foaming almost at the
mouth. "Keep back there," I cried, "and do not let me see one of those
hands move towards breast or pocket. The instant I detect any such act
I fire."

Garcia stood scowling for a few moments but not meeting my eye, and I
continued addressing the notary:

"Give me full particulars of this amount, and I will pay it."

"You, Harry--you!" exclaimed my uncle.

"You!--you vile impostor! You beggar and vagabond! You do not possess
an onza of gold," roared Garcia, bursting forth into a fit of
vituperation. "Don't listen to him; don't heed him; it's a trick--a
plan. I take possession. The money was to be paid this morning, and it
is not paid, so I seize the plantation."

"You are the business man," I said coolly to the notary--with that
coolness that the possession of money gives--"this is a mining country,
and gold in ounces should be current."

"The best of currency, senor," said the notary with a smile and a bow.

"Tell me the amount, then, in ounces," I said, "and I will pay you."

"Don Xeres," gasped Garcia, almost beside himself with rage, "I will
take no promises to pay."

The old notary shrugged his shoulders.

"But, Senor Garcia, there are no promises to pay. I understand the
English senor to say that he will pay--at once! Am I not right, senor?"

"Quite," I said. "Uncle, I will lend you this amount."

"But, Harry, my dear boy, you are mad! You have no idea of the extent."

"Two hundred and five ounces would equal the amount in _pesos d'oro_
which Senor Landell is indebted," said the notary quietly.

"Good!" I said. "Then will you have proper balances brought? Uncle,
see to the return of your papers."

"I am in the hands of Senor Xeres," said my uncle in a bewildered tone.
"He will see justice done."

The old notary bowed and smiled, while I crossed to where my leather
case stood upon a side-table, brought it to my chair, and then seated
myself, slowly unbu