Reade's face bore such a mild look that the leader of the visiting
gamblers was wholly deceived as he glanced up.
"The chief!" called one workman, in dismay, and a dozen men made a break
for the door. But Harry and the others prevented their getting out.
"Oh, it's all right," cheerily announced the leader of the gamblers. "Mr.
Reade has just come here to look on and make sure that everything is being
conducted above board and on the square. Isn't that so, Reade?"
"Yes," Tom assented, pausing near the central table at which gambling was
going on.
At that assurance the panic-stricken gamblers breathed more easily.
Several men who had jumped up from their seats went back to their chairs.
"Reade is a good friend of ours," called the leader of the gamblers,
mockingly. "He isn't going to interfere with any amusements that are
properly carried on---eh, Reade?"
The fellow stared boldly into Tom's eyes, a look of insolent mockery on
his features.
"Certainly I'm not going to interfere with any proper amusements in this
camp," Tom nodded, easily.
"What did I tell you, boys?" laughed the leader of the gamblers. "Go on
with your play, boys!"
"But gambling isn't a proper amusement for poor men, who have to toil and
sweat for every five-cent piece they get," Tom Reade continued calmly.
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