"That's where you and I fail once more to agree," replied Tom steadily,
looking the other straight in the eyes. "It's merely a question of
whether you will take them down, or whether I shall set our own men to
doing it."
Jim Duff had brought with him about a dozen men of his own. They were a
somewhat picturesque-looking crowd, though not necessarily dangerous
men. They were mostly men who had been hired to run the gaming tables
under the canvas. A judge of men would have immediately classified them
as inferior specimens of manhood.
So far these men had not offered to take any part in the dispute. Now
Duff moved over to them quickly, muttering the words:
"Stand by me!"
As for Tom Reade, he was backed by five men, including his chum. Though
none of Reade's force was armed, the young engineer knew that he could
depend upon them.
Followed by his adherents, Duff took a few quick strides forward. This
brought him face to face with Reade's labors, of whom now more than two
hundred were present.
Pages:
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53