“And you say they afterwards left you,--deserted you?” “They did, ingrates!” The Doctor arose and shut his office door. “Hark ye, Concho,” he said, “that bit of medicine I gave you just now was worth a dollar, it was worth a dollar because the material of which it was composed was made from the stuff you have in that can,--quicksilver or mercury. It is one of the most valuable of metals, especially in a gold-mining country. My good fellow, if you know where to find enough of it, your fortune is made.” Concho rose to his feet. “Tell me, was the rock you built your furnace of red?” “Si, Senor.” “And brown?” “Si, Senor.” “And crumbled under the heat?” “As to nothing.” “And did you see much of this red rock?” “The mountain mother is in travail with it.” “Are you sure that your comrades have not taken possession of the mountain mother?” “As how?” “By claiming its discovery under the mining laws, or by pre-emption?” “They shall not.” “But how will you, single-handed, fight the four; for I doubt not your scientific friend has a hand in it?” “I will fight.” “Yes, my Concho, but suppose I take the fight off your hands. Now, here's a proposition: I will get half a dozen Americanos to go in with you. You will have to get money to work the mine,--you will need funds. You shall share half with them. They will take the risk, raise the money, and protect you.” “I see,” said Concho, nodding his head and winking his eyes rapidly. “Bueno!” “I will return in ten minutes,” said the Doctor, taking his hat. He was as good as his word. In ten minutes he returned with six original locaters, a board of directors, a president, secretary, and a deed of incorporation of the 'Blue Mass Quicksilver Mining Co.' This latter was a delicate compliment to the Doctor, who was popular. The President added to these necessary articles a revolver. “Take it,” he said, handing over the weapon to Concho. “Take it; my horse is outside; take that, ride like h--l and hang on to the claim until we come!” In another moment Concho was in the saddle. Then the mining director lapsed into the physician. “I hardly know,” said Dr. Guild, doubtfully, “if in your present condition you ought to travel. You have just taken a powerful medicine,” and the Doctor looked hypocritically concerned. “Ah,--the devil!” laughed Concho, “what is the quicksilver that is IN to that which is OUT? Hoopa, la Mula!” and, with a clatter of hoofs and jingle of spurs, was presently lost in the darkness. “You were none too soon, gentlemen,” said the American Alcalde, as he drew up before the Doctor's door. “Another company has just been incorporated for the same location, I reckon.” “Who are they?” “Three Mexicans,--Pedro, Manuel, and Miguel, headed by that d----d cock-eyed Sydney Duck, Wiles.” “Are they here?” “Manuel and Miguel, only. The others are over at Tres Pinos lally-gaging Roscommon and trying to rope him in to pay off their whisky bills at his grocery.”