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.
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