The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1906-07-13
CHAPTER XX.-Continued.

more hours, riding VIII take them 10
the mine. They can see smoke rising
in the sunny atmosphere telling OF
houses in that quarter, though ridge
the same that contains the wonder
full auriferous deposit that has made
the name Ell Dorado known through
out the whole world-conceals them
as yet from the gaze Of the travellers.
At exactly a quarter to twelve the
cavalcade draws up before the mouth
of the mine, where they are greeted
with cheers by the groups of miners
who, having been warned an hour or
more before, are awaiting to receive
them.
A number of houses have grown up
near the opening Of the Ell Dorado
some of them dwelling places for the
engineers in charge and their families
Miss Westerly has been rigidly severe
in her management of the mine, and
there are no liquor joints within a GER
tain radius, in fact, as far as she con-
trolls. Besides, the men employed in
various positions Of trust have been
carefully selected, and are especially
fitted for their work-most of them
are temperance men, and as a natural
result those they employ are to be
trusted, though Of course hypocrites
will creep in at times; wolves in
sleeps clothing.
Our friends soon make themselves
at home; Dora and her mistress are
taken into the house of the chief en-
gineer. while Dick and Bob determine
to camp with the men near by, as they
particularly desire to see all that goes
on. If the war that was inaugurated
on Mexican soil on the Alameda Is to
be concluded at the Ell Dorado, they
mean to keep posted.
The great mine employs scores of
men, and turns out great quantities
of the richest ore. Their profits must
be close upon the two million mark
per annum, the way the mills stamp
it out at present. Little wonder, I'M
der such circumstances, THAT the
greedy old Senior Lopez is exceedingly
anxious to get control of the whole
business; he hopes to turn both
streams of gold into his capacious
pockets and thus make himself the
wealthiest man in al Mexico.
When Dick and Bob see what is 60
ing on at the mine, they do not won
der at the pertinacity of the Mexican
in following Pauline across the sea-
surely the wealth Of Croesus Is here
disclosed. Guards are everywhere, all
heavily armed, and apparently ready
to do battle in the interests of the
cause they serve. A singular scene,
truly, and one the like of which could
not be found anywhere else in the
world the soldiers Of government
hired out to serve a private enter
prise.
Dick asks quiet questions; it Is his
desire to discover how much of hold
the Lopez family may have upon the
mine, how deep the influence of the
willy old strategist has gone. He is
surprised at what he learns. Lopez
has been at work and secretly con-
trolls many of the men. This he learns.
from the engineer in charge.
There is a surprise in store for Dick
and one that makes him uneasy. He
is walking among the houses just at
sunset, having seen Pauline home
after fatiguing survey of the mine,
and declining an invitation to supper
from the chief engineers wife, when
he hears his name spoken in low
voice.
"Senor Dick!"
He starts and looks back. Not a
living being does he see upon the
rough street Surely he must have
dreamed it. He sweeps hand
across his brow and mutters some
thing about his mind playing him
scurvy trick, when again it comes, like
a zephyr:
"Senor Dick! at the window"
Ah, now he comprehends. He looks
up and finds himself face to face with
the Mexican beauty, Juanita.
How comes the daughter of Lopez
here? Dick feels a little shiver pass
over his frame as it strikes him that
her presence at the Ell Dorado has
something to do with Pauline; he can
not forget, however, that the black
eyed houri really did what she could
to save his life at the time of the
fire in Paris, and that he is thus under
obligations to her.
This is indeed a surprise;
thought you were still in the City of
Mexico" he says, after an awkward,
embarrassing pause.
at is nothing new fo- Lopez to be
here. Once we owned the whole of
this great mine. l have seen it many
times hear you had much trouble
on the road, senior"
Not we; it was the other parties
who had the rough time, senorita," he
laughs. his good nature coming to the
rescue.
Twill you enter and tell me about
it?"
He shakes his head; the fly Is dis
posed to be cautious, and gives as an
excuse that his comrade will be wait
ing supper for him; at the same time
he rapidly sketches the desperate af-
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