I could show you my credentials from the national government, if it were worth while." "Then will you be good enough, Senor Honda, to tell me what you wish here." "Don Luis, I am here because I believe this to be one of the central points in the investigation that I am about to hold.

I will come to the point at once.

You have sold your mining property here.
One of my first acts will be to make sure that you do not draw the proceeds of the sale from any Mexican bank until after the national government is satisfied." "That is a high-handed proceeding, Senor Honda!" cried Montez, a deadly glitter in his eyes.
"It is such a proceeding as a national government may take at need," replied Senor Honda, calmly.

"Of course, Don Luis, if your conduct in selling the mine is found to be blameless, then you will soon be able to use your money in any way that you please.
But, first of all, the government must be satisfied." "Have you any further questions that you wish to ask me at present ?" Montez demanded, suddenly.
Though he had kept himself rather calm up to the present, the rascal felt that he must soon vent the spite and hate welling up within him, or explode from the pent-up force of his own emotions.
The late mine owner, though he could not penetrate the mysteries of the present situation, was now sure that Tom Reade and Harry Hazelton must be in some way behind it.

No matter what happened to him afterwards, Don Luis was now furiously bent on getting the young engineers off on the lonely mountain trail where Gato and his comrades were lying in wait for the two young Americans.
"I shall have no more questions for you, for the present," Senor Honda replied.