EXHIBIT 10(N)


                                PROMISSORY NOTE

$150,000.00                                                  Malvern, Arkansas
                                                                  May 12, 1998

      FOR  VALUE  RECEIVED,  the  undersigned,   UNITED  MINERALS  CORPORATION
("Maker"),  does hereby  promise to pay,  with  payment of up to  Seventy-Five
Thousand Dollars  ($75,000.00)  being guaranteed  jointly by Paul R. Arena and
Michele  L.  Arena  ("Guarantors"),   to  the  order  of  AUDREY  L.  BRASWELL
("Holder"),  the  principal  amount  of One  Hundred  Fifty  Thousand  Dollars
($150,000.00),  together with interest  computed on such principal amount from
the date hereof on the unpaid principal balance at the annual rate, compounded
daily, equal to the prime rate of eight and one-half percent (8.5%).

      1.    The principal amount  outstanding  under this Note,  together with
accrued  and  unpaid  interest,  shall be paid by the  Maker to the  Holder in
twelve (12) equal  monthly  payments of interest,  with the first such monthly
installment  payment  being due on June 12,  1998,  and the final  installment
payment  being due on May 12, 1999.  The Maker shall make all such payments to
the order of the Holder at 13600  Diamond  Point  Drive,  Yucripa,  California
92399 (or such  other  address  as may be  designated  in writing by Holder to
Maker).

      2.    This Note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time,  without
premium or penalty,  with  interest  to the date of  payment.  If this Note is
prepaid,  there  is to be no  discount  from  the  obligation  to pay the full
principal balance due at the time of prepayment.

      3.    Whenever  an  attorney  is used to  obtain  payment  under,  or to
otherwise enforce, this Note or to enforce,  declare, or adjudicate any rights
or  obligations  under  this  Note,  whether  by  suit or by any  other  means
whatsoever,  the costs and expenses thereof,  including reasonable  attorneys'
fees and expenses, shall be payable by the non-prevailing party.

      4.    Each of the following shall constitute an event of default ("Event
of Default") hereunder:

      (a)   If Maker or Guarantors  fail to pay any installment of interest or
principal on this Note when due hereunder which failure continues for a period
of ten (10) days after the due date thereof;

      (b)   If  Maker  or  Guarantors  shall  admit  in  writing  its or their
inability to pay its debts as they become due,  file a petition in  bankruptcy
or make a petition to take advantage of any insolvency act; make an assignment
for the benefit of creditors,  commence a proceeding for the  appointment of a
receiver, trustee, liquidator or conservator of all or any substantial part of
its  property;  file a petition or answer  seeking  reorganization  or similar
relief  under  the  Federal  bankruptcy  laws or any  similar  law or  statute
governing the relative rights of debtors and creditors; and


<PAGE>

      (c)   If any of the  creditors  of  Maker  or  Guarantors  shall  file a
petition in bankruptcy  against Maker or Guarantors or for  reorganization  of
Maker or Guarantors  pursuant to the Federal bankruptcy laws or similar law or
statute,  and if such petition  shall not be  discharged  or dismissed  within
sixty (60) calendar days after the date on which such petition was filed.

      5.    In the event of the  happening  of any Event of Default,  then the
unpaid  principal of this Note,  and interest  thereon  until  payment,  shall
forthwith  become  absolute  and due and payable  without any notice or demand
whatsoever.

      6.    This  Note  (a)  may  not  be  changed,  waived,   discharged,  or
terminated except by an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom
enforcement of such change, waiver,  discharge,  or termination is sought, (b)
shall be binding upon Maker,  Guarantors and their successors and assigns, and
(c) shall inure to the benefit of and be  enforceable  by the Holder,  and his
heirs, executors, administrators, distributees, and personal representatives.

      7.    This Note shall be governed by and  construed in  accordance  with
the laws of the State of  Arkansas  applicable  to  agreements  made and to be
performed entirely within such State.

      8.    All parties now and  hereafter  liable with  respect to this Note,
whether as maker, principal, surety, endorser, guarantor, or otherwise, hereby
waive  presentation  for payment,  demand,  notice of  nonpayment or dishonor,
protest, and notice of protest to Maker or any other person.

      9.    The  obligation  of  Guarantors  hereunder  shall be  secured by a
second mortgage in the amount of Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) on
the  residence of  Guarantors  at 128 Hamilton  Place,  Hot Springs,  Arkansas
71913.

      IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  each of Maker and each  Guarantor  has caused this
Note to be executed as indicated below.

Attest (Seal):                              UNITED MINERALS CORPORATION


By: /s/LEIGH ZOLOTO                         BY: /s/PAUL R. ARENA
    ---------------                             ----------------
    Secretary                                   Paul R. Arena

Witnesses:                                  GUARANTORS:

 /s/CATHY PENDERGRAFT                       /s/PAUL R. ARENA
 --------------------                       ----------------
                                            Paul R. Arena

 /s/VAN MICHAEL                             /s/MICHELE L. ARENA
 --------------                             -------------------
                                            Michele L. Arena


                                      2