"Sorry to disagree with you, Bascomb," broke in the treasurer, "but I've had some experience in handling what is called wild labor, and I believe that Reade goes at it in just the right way. I don't believe there are really fifty really wild or troublesome men in that camp. The few bad ones usually start trouble going, and then the good ones are driven into it. Let Reade stop the vices over yonder, in the way that he wants to, and the worst of the crowd will call for their time and leave camp. We shall then have a thoroughly good lot of men left, who'll do more and better work."
"That is," almost whined President Bascomb, "if Reade, in doing what he wants, doesn't stir up so much enmity that we have the rest of our wall blown out into the gulf."
"Mr. Bascomb," put in Tom, "while I must have control of the men and their camp I don't wish to do anything to cast reflection on yourself as the head of the company. May I therefore ask, sir, if there is any especial reason why Evarts should be allowed in this camp?"
President Bascomb fidgeted in the porch chair on which he was sitting.
"I—-I don't know of any reason, Mr. Reade, why Evarts should be allowed in camp if his presence prevents you from keeping order as you wish."
"Then you approve, sir, of my intention to keep him out?"
"I—-I won't question your right to handle the matter as you wish, Mr.
Reade," was the president's evasive reply.
"Thank you, sir."
Peters was soon back with the six men—-two each of the negroes, Italians and Portuguese. All of them understood English.
Harry described the negro who had attacked him on the retaining wall, after which Tom asked: