downtown luncheon clubs, where you go to
discuss business affairs while you eat; but I do not think I could ever
bring myself to adopt the habit."

"It has been found necessary in order to save time," said Scott. "With
the New Yorker of affairs time is money."

"I understand that, senor; but still my prejudice against it persists.
It will not take me long after dinner. You can spare a little more time.
I shall regret to part from you even then."

"Are all your countrymen so free with complimentary speeches?"

"Unlike you men of the North," retorted Lazaro, "we do not hide our
feelings, but speak them freely. Perhaps it is a failing, for I find
that Americans often become suspicious when praised or complimented; but
still, what my heart feels my tongue persists in revealing before I can
check it."

"All right," nodded Scott, with something like a touch of gruffness;
"but don't lay it on too thick."

"One question perhaps I may ask while we are waiting for the dessert,
even if it seems too much of business."

"Fire away."

"I would like to know that this scheme is assured."

"The construction of the railroad?"

"Yes, senor."

"Of course it----"

"If anything serious were to happen to important members of your
company--to you, Senor Scott, we will say?"

"Why, I suppose the others would push her through."

"But if something happened to Senor Hatch and Senor Bragg?"

"Well, now you're supposing a wholesale calamity! I don't know what
would happen if we were all knocked out before construction
began--before the stock was placed on the market."

"It might put an end to the project?"

"It might," admitted Old Gripper.

"That would be most unfortunate for Senor Merriwell," said the Mexican,
as if he almost feared something of the sort was going to take place.

Coffee was finally brought.

"Senor," said Lazaro, "I know it is impolite to turn to look behind
one, but sitting at the third table back of you is a tall, thin man with
a prominent nose, and I am certain I have met him somewhere, but I
cannot recall his name. If you could get a look at him without too much
trouble----"

Watson Scott was not given to great stiffness anywhere. He drew his feet
from beneath the table, placed them at one side of his chair and half
turned on the seat, looking round at the man indicated by Lazaro.

As Old Gripper did this the Mexican leaned far over the table and
reached out his hand as if to touch his companion on