“He has busied himself contracting for men and material to dig a shaft and open a rich gold mine upon his claim. He is a gentleman of means, and I am told a former acquaintance of yours. His name is Harvey Montaine.” “Harvey Montaine!” repeated Frank. “Indeed, he is a dear friend of mine.” However, the young inventor continued reading the letter. “This gentleman has made many friends here in Laredo. Both the Spanish people and the natives like him for his courtly manners and his generous heart. “But his efforts to open up the Los Pueblos claim have been attended with ill-fortune. It seems that his first expedition was set upon by bandits who infest the region, and who are under the command of Miguel Costello, a noted desperado. “His men were slaughtered, and he escaped himself by a narrow chance. But Senor Montaine is a gentleman of pluck, and he once more began to plan an excursion to Los Pueblos, when one morning he disappeared. “From that day to this he has never been seen. A notice has been posted in Laredo, signed by Costello calling for a reward of ten thousand dollars, or Montaine will be slain. “This reward, or ransom money, was quickly raised here among Senor Montaine’s friends, but the bandit promptly raised the figures to fifty thousand. “This money cannot be raised, nor is it believed that Costello would release his prisoner for it. “It is believed by many that this is a subterfuge employed by the bandit to cover his purpose of working the Los Pueblos claim himself. “It is rumored that he has a large gang of men at work at the mine, and that they are sinking a shaft. “It may be readily understood that this is a dishonest trick of the villain’s, and the sense of justice of every good man must be aroused. Meanwhile, a deserter front Miguel’s band brings us the story, also a request from Montaine, who begs us to write you to come to his relief with your New Steam Man. We are obeying the dictates of Senor Montaine in writing this letter. “That you may best follow your own conclusion in granting your friend’s request, we have no doubt that you will appreciate fully his extreme peril. “This is the case, and in laying it before you, dear senor, we believe that we are but doing our duty as Christian gentlemen. Your answer and decision we await with some impatience and much hope. I have the honor, senor, to faithfully subscribe myself yours, “JOSE RAVELLO. “Hotel San Juan, Laredo, Mexico.” Frank read the letter through carefully. Then he leaned back in his chair. There was a strange excited light in his fine eyes, and he exclaimed in a musical, but tense voice: