But there are still other
reasons why I had the gamblers chased out. Gambling here in the camp would
always create a great deal of disorder. Disorder destroys discipline, and
a camp like this, in order to give the best results in the way of work,
must have discipline. Moreover, the men, when gambling, remain up until
all hours of the night. A man who has been up most of the night can't give
an honest day's work in return for his wages. Unless the men get their
sleep and are kept in good condition we can't get the work out of them that
we have a right to expect."
"The right man can _drive_ workmen," declared Mr. Bascomb, with emphasis.
"You'll have to drive your men. Get all the work out of them, but drop at
once this foolish policy of interfering with what they do after the whistle
blows. We can't have any more of this nonsense. It costs too much. By
the way, how much will it cost to repair the damage to the retaining
walls?"
"About eight thousand dollars, sir, if my first figuring was correct," was
Reade's answer.
"Eight thousand dollars!" scowled President Bascomb. "Now, Reade, doesn't
that amount of wanton, revengeful mischief teach you the folly of trying to
regulate camp life outside of working hours?"
"I'm afraid it doesn't, sir.
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