Peters asked,
with a smile.
"Nothing like it," Tom laughed. "Peters, we have plenty of really good men
among our laborers, haven't we?"
"Scores and scores of 'em, sir---among all three kinds of the men, negroes,
Italians and Portuguese."
"I wish you would go back, then, and pick out two of each race---six men
in all. They must be honest, staunch and able to hold their tongues."
"Do you want them for fighting, sir?" asked Peters.
"Not a bit of a fight in it. I want them to use their eyes and report
to me."
"Going to employ spotters on the camp?" asked Mr. Prenter, quickly.
"Not a single spot!" Tom declared with emphasis. "I haven't any use for
information turned in by spotters."
"I'm glad to hear you say that, Reade," nodded the treasurer.
"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.
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