And the other is still smaller and more cheerless," he added, crossing into the other tent.
Don Luis was now within arm's length of the thin curtain, and was apparently about to push it aside.
"Won't you come outside," suggested Tom, "and tell me the object of your call this evening?
It is too warm in here." "Gladly," smiled the Mexican, letting go of the curtain, which he had just touched, and wheeling about.
"Hang the rascal!" muttered Tom, inwardly.

"Has he gotten wind of the fact that we have a stranger here?
Does Don Luis know all about the man?
Is he playing on my nerves at this moment ?" But Montez, with an appearance of being wholly interested in Tom Reade, went outside with him.

Harry placed campstools for the callers, while the young engineers threw themselves upon the ground.
Don Luis Montez, as usual, was to do the talking, while Dr.Tisco's purpose in being present was to use his keen, snapping eyes in covertly studying the faces of the two Americans.
"I have called to say," declared Don Luis, coming promptly to the point, "that within three days a party of American visitors will be here.

They come with a view to buying the mine, and I shall sell it to them at a very handsome profit.

Before we can deal with these Americans it will be absolutely necessary for me to have that report, signed by you both.