The Young Engineers in Mexico; Or, Fighting the Mine Swindlers
, Gringo," bellowed P
m, sternly, though he did not
d Pedro Gato. "Tha
feel rather debased to have used such a word. Gato, if you make the mistake, again, of usi
e humor of the situation appealed to him.
he began,
senor' or 'sir.' I am not usually as disagreeable as this in dealing with my fellow men, but you have begun w
g, wondering Mexicans of the usual type. The talk had pr
r, his bronzed face wa
orehead were swellin
ward, aiming a blow w
ade's
d to land. It was Gat
ack, striking the gro
say?" whispe
on Luis, with a shr
as red now before his eyes. He rushed forward bellowing like a bull,
followed, and Gato, big as he was, staggered back. Tom's right foo
e coolly. "Just because we have had a bad introduction is no reason why we should
d of him, Gato had never felt the need of carrying weapons. But now he plunged to the doorway of the
ted Dr. Tisco, rushing f
ng cautiously around the young engineer. Harry, though not at all m
d Don Luis. "It is I
your knife o
ager held his employer in awe. He was about to
to be settled right before we can proceed. This fellow is only a cow
my good Gato," purred Don Luis,
ted. "I couldn't, an
fraid of any one to
ife. If he fails, then
rm a
eriously. "And you, Gato, throw down your knife. I wil
red before his eyes. He must have this Gringo's life, and that
e will shake hands and
Re
afraid?" sneered
if you prefer tha
is pockets a silver-mounted revolver, but Hazelton caught the flash and
fight, Don Luis,"
stol instantly,"
Harry rejoined. Slipping the weapon into one
der, 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 force
ending the Greaser bully to earth. The big fellow made several efforts to rise, b
on 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 resign
ou again," promised Don
ll the time. Don Luis, I shall have to crave your indulgence to the extent of discharging
Luis, quickly. "He is too old an employ, too valuabl
y find the best way to avenge myself on this miserable Gringo. Don Luis, do not think of attem
tated his case, and the decis
, "let Gato go. For either good or bad
odded the mine owner quick
d my words. I let you go because it is your wish. I do not so decide that I may humiliate you, but because you ha
t "little Gato," and was used as a term of affection. It was a form of telegraphy that was not wasted on the departing mine manager, eith
unutterable hatred flung in Tom Reade's direction, Ped
forth the silver-mounted revolver
apologize for having snatched it from you so rudely. I did not know wha
" asked the Mexican mine owner,
it. When he does find himself in one I have learned, from long experience, not to interfe
Gato is one who never forgives an injury. He will devote himself to thoughts of a revenge that
ed as he
hat I have seen the
ave not seen the last
with Gato," smiled
ffended you in this
to withdraw, and I
ave incurred in b
, "unless you feel that you no longer wish t
ered my mind, sir," Reade
n," nodded the Mexican. "And now we will go down into the mine
elevator cage was at the foot of the shaft. While they wait
gly on your guard against Gato. In these mountai
then Gato should turn ban
ge it is no uncommon thing for him to turn bandit until he has accomplished his hope of a terrible revenge. Then, afterwards, if the bandit ha
started downward. Three hundred and sixty feet from the ea
uis, "something of the problem that c
y be wholly wrong, yet, somehow, I can't quite rid myself of a notion that Don Lu
ected Dr. Tisco. "I half suspect that they will fo