E-text prepared by Jim Ludwig
or, Fighting the Mine Swindlers
by
CHAPTERS
I. The Land of Golden Eggs
II. The Wolf Who Showed His Teeth
III. Gato Strikes the Up Trail
IV. Tom Does Some Sampling
V. The Mine That Did and Didn't
VI. Watching the Midnight Lights
VII. Don Luis's Engineering Problem
VIII. Dangling the Golden Bait
IX. Don Luis Shows His Claws
X. The Spirit of a True Engineer
XI. A Piece of Lead in the Air
XII. Nicolas Does an Errand
XIII. Pining for the Good Old U.S.A.
XIV. Next to the Telegraph Key
XV. The Job of Being an Hidalgo
XVI. Two Victims of Rosy Thoughts
XVII. The Stranger in the Tent
XVIII. Craft—Or Surrender?
XIX. The Hidalgo Plans Gratitude
XX. Two Real Signatures
XXI. The Final Touch of Tragedy
XXII. Mr. Haynes Asks a Few Questions
XXIII. The Engineer Turns
XXIV. Conclusion
Luis Montez, mine owner, stood on the broad veranda in front ofhis handsome home, looking out over the country sweeping awayto the eastward.
"Gentlemen, you are in a land of golden promise," began Senor
Montez, with a smile and a bow. "I should call it more than promise.
Why not? My beloved country, Mexico, has been shipping gold
to the world ever since the days of Montezuma."
"Yes; in a mineral sense Mexico has truly a golden history," nodded
Tom Reade, one of the engineers to whom Montez was speaking.
"And a golden history in every sense," added Senor Montez, witha quick rush of patriotism. "Mexico is the finest country onearth. And, though we are neither as numerous in population,or as progressive as your own great country, still Mexico hasgreater possibilities than the United States."
Tom was too polite to argue that point. And Harry Hazelton, whoma seventy-mile ride in an automobile over dusty roads, that day,had rendered very drowsy, didn't consider an argument worth while.
"Mexico has almost incredible natural wealth," Montez went on,his voice soft and purring, his eyes glowing with something thatmight have passed for pride. "Yet, through all the centuriesthat white men have been here, I am confident that not one percent. of the country's natural resources has yet been taken fromthe ground. Enough wealth lies at man's beck and call to changethe balance of power between the nations of the world. I havebeen in your great city, New York. It is a place of tremendouswealth. Yet, within ten years, gold enough can be taken fromthe ground within a radius of twenty miles of here to buy thewhole great city of New York at any sane valuation."
"That purchase would require billions of dollars," broke in thepractical Hazelton.
"But the wealth is here," insisted Senor Montez, still smiling."Truly, caballeros, as I have told you, this is the land ofgolden—"
Again the Mexican paused, eloquently.
"The land of golden eggs?" suggested Harry.
For an instant there was a flash in the Mexican's eyes. Thenthe friendly smile reappeared.
"Of course, you jest, senor," he replied, pleasantly.
"Not at all, Senor Montez," Hazelton assured him. "When gol