“It must cost you a mint of money for tires and repairs, not to speak of new cars,” laughed Tom, after he had been bounced up two feet in the air as the automobile ran over a rough place in the road.

“Pouf!  What does it matter, to a man who owns El Sombrero?” smiled Don Luis Montez.

“I am answered,” Tom agreed.  “The price of a few imported cars cannot matter much to you.”

“How many better mines than El Sombrero have you seen?” questioned the mine owner, leaning forward.

“None,” said Tom, promptly.

“If all days’ indications are as good as those of to-day,” Harry added.

“To-day has been but a poor day at the mine,” murmured Dr. Tisco.

“Then El Sombrero is indeed a marvel,” Tom declared.

“It is a very rich mine,” nodded Don Luis.  “Yet there may be richer ones, in these mountains, yet undiscovered.”

“Where is the next best mine around here?” Tom inquired.

“Perhaps it is El Padre,” murmured Don Luis, after a slight pause.

“Where is El Padre (the Priest) located?” Tom wanted to know.

“It is about four miles from here, up over that road,” Don Luis rejoined, pointing out the direction.

“May I ask if El Padre is one of your properties, Don Luis?” Tom continued.

“No; why should I want it when I own El Sombrero?”

“Not unless you wish to own as many mines as possible.”

“El Sombrero should be enough for my greatest dreams of wealth,” declared Don Luis, closing his eyes dreamily.

Then the car stopped before the house.

Don Luis alighted, Tom and Harry at his heels.  A servant appeared at the entrance to the court and informed him that the midday meal was ready to serve.

“We will go to the table, then,” exclaimed the Mexican.  “After having luncheon we shall be ready for an afternoon of hard work.”

No sooner had the young engineers slipped into their seats at table than Nicolas appeared behind their chairs.  He served them gravely and without a word.

For nearly an hour the luncheon lasted.  Finally the dishes were cleared away and several boxes of cigars were brought.  Tom and Harry both declined them.  Dr. Tisco lighted a cigar at once; Don Luis spent much time in selecting his cigar.  This he lighted with the same deliberation.  At last the mine owner settled back in his seat.

“Caballeros,” he inquired, suddenly, “what did you think of El Sombrero?”

“I would call it, Don Luis,” Harry replied, with enthusiasm, “the finest mine I have seen or heard of.”

“You did not see the best of the ore to-day,” Montez assured them.

“What ore we did see is as fine as any we would ever wish to see,” Tom said.

“Then you were delighted with the mine?” inquired their host, turning to Reade and speaking more eagerly.