Duff, I imagine that we shall be making definite plans to go away,
unless the railroad officials decide to keep us here with Paloma as
headquarters for other work."
"We believe that it would be much better for your health if you went
away at once," Duff insisted, with a mildness that did not disguise his
meaning in the least.
Tom deemed it not worth while to pretend any longer that he did not
understand.
"Oh, then it's a case of 'Here's your hat. What's your hurry?'" asked
Reade smilingly.
"Something in that line," assented Jim Duff. "I venture to assure you
that we are quite in earnest in our anxiety for your welfare, Mr.
Reade."
"Whom do you men represent?" asked Tom.
"The citizens of Paloma," returned Duff.
"All of them?" Reade insisted.
"All of them--with few exceptions."
"I understand you, of course," Tom nodded.
"Now, Mr. Duff, I'll tell you what I propose. I'm curious to know just
how many there are on your side of the fence. Pardon me, but I really
can't quite believe that the better citizens of this town are behind
you.
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