Three officers, six troopers and a gentleman in citizen's dress rode on up to the porch.
"Is Don Luis Montez of your number ?" called the man in citizen's clothes.
"I am Don Luis," responded Montez, going forward and raising his hat.
"I am Manuel Honda," continued the stranger, raising his hat in return.

"Will you be good enough to have one of your servants take my horse ?" This was done at a gesture from Montez.

Senor Honda dismounted, then came up the steps.
"You are very welcome, senor," said Don Luis, holding out his hand, which the other accepted.

Then the stranger swept his glance over the others grouped on the porch.
"These are your American visitors ?" inquired Honda.
"Yes," nodded Don Luis.
"We will withdraw if you two gentlemen have business to discuss," suggested Mr.Haynes.
"I beg that all of you gentlemen will remain," urged Senor Honda.
"I wish to show you every courtesy, senor," said Montez, quickly, "but it seems to me that you are taking the liberty of giving orders in my home." "Have you sold your mine ?" asked Honda.
"Yes," Montez acknowledged.
"And this estate was part of the mine property ?" "Yes." "Then I would suggest, Don Luis," Honda answered, with a smile, "that this place is no longer your home." "Senor, are you making fun of me ?" demanded Don Luis, with heightening color.
"By no means, Don Luis.

But you have observed that I have an escort of our country's troops." "Assuredly." "From that what would you infer ?" "You may very likely hold some government commission," guessed Don Luis.
"Assuredly I do," Honda replied.
"In the state of Bonista especially ?" "Even so." "Then if you hold a commission in the state of Bonista," replied Don Luis Monte; "you must represent my very good friend, his excellency, the governor of this state." "Just at present the governor of Bonista is in difficulties," hinted Senor Manuel Honda.
"How ?" demanded Don Luis.
"Yes; in difficulties," continued the visitor.