Joe, you read the papers as often as any come into camp."
"Yes."
"All right. The next time you find anything about a savings bank that
has failed and left the people in the lurch for their money, you show it
to me. Savings banks don't fail nowadays! No, Sir!"
Other men through the camp were taking sly peeps at their bankbooks, as
though they were half ashamed at having such possessions. Yet many a
hard toiler in camp felt a new sense of importance that morning. He
began to look upon himself as a part of the moneyed world as, indeed, he
was!
"Telegram for Mr. Reade," called one of the two camp operators, coming
forward.
Tom tore the envelope open, then stared at the following message:
"Reade, Chief Engineer.
"Have complaint from merchants of Paloma that you have effectually
stopped the men from spending any money in the town. Not our policy to
make enemies of the towns along our line. Explain immediately.
"(Signed) ELLSWORTH,
"General Manager."
"Hmmm!" smiled Tom, then passed the message over to Superintendent
Hawkins.
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