"What I want the men for, Peters, is something honest and manly, and with no fighting in it," Tom continued. "I want information, and I'll pay the man well who can bring it to me. Now, go and get your six men. Bring them up to the house within half an hour."
Nodding, Peters turned and strode back.
When the others gained the house where the engineers and superintendent lived the foremen took leave of their chiefs.
As Tom, Harry and Mr. Prenter went up the steps to the porch the front door opened to let out Mr. Bascomb.
"Is that revolting row all over?" demanded the president of the Melliston
Company.
"What row?" asked Mr. Prenter, innocently.
"That riot back in camp," shivered Mr. Bascomb. "I simply abhor all fighting."
"So I noticed," commented Mr. Prenter, dryly. "Yes; I believe the trouble is over, unless our young chief engineer intends to stir up something new before bedtime. Do you, Reade?"
"I haven't anything in mind," Tom answered with a smile. "Gentlemen, I am afraid you may think I do things with a high hand. But I have been at this engineering business just long enough to know that I must banish all serious vices from a camp of laborers if I hope to get the best results in work out of the men. So I must tackle some problems rather stiffly, and use my fists when I'm driven to a corner."
"I am not thoroughly satisfied of the wisdom of your course," said Mr.
Bascomb slowly.