"I have much to say to Gato.
If there were mail boxes in this wild country I'd drop him a letter." "Do you really wish to send Gato a letter ?" asked Nicolas, eagerly.
"Why, I'd send him one if I could," nodded Tom.
"Have you writing materials ?" pressed the servant.
"Yes--but what's the use ?" "Write your letter, _mi caballero_, and I will hand it to Gato," urged the Mexican.
"You ?" gasped Tom.
"Certainly." "But how ?" "I will hand the letter to him in person." "You--go to Gato ?" "Yes.

Why not ?" "Gato would kill you!" "Kill a poor _peon_ ?" smiled Nicolas.

"Oh, no; I am not worth while.

I am not a fighting man." "Do you mean to tell me," demanded Tom, astonished, "that you could go openly and safely to Gato ?" "Assuredly," declared Nicolas, composedly.

"Gato would not harm me.