"Mr.
Payson, show the man out and let him come back when he's cooler."
"There isn't anyone here who can show me out!" blustered Bellas,
swinging his big arms and causing the heavy muscles to stand out.
"If you don't care to behave in a businesslike way, and talk like a man,
we'll do our best to show you out," Tom retorted, still with a pleasant
smile. "What are you here for, anyway?"
"Why have I been fired?" roared Bellas.
"Can't you guess?" queried Tom.
"Was it for going to town and being away all night?"
"Yes, and also for not being on hand this morning."
"There wasn't any work to do," growled Bellas.
"You expected to be paid for your time, and you should have been in
camp, as your time belonged to the railroad by, right of purchase.
Bellas, you have been drinking over in town, haven't you?"
"If I have, it's my own business. I'm no slave."
"Ben gambling, too?"
"None of your--"
"You're in error," Tom answered pleasantly, though firmly. "The
gamblers over in Paloma are leagued with the dive keepers against us,
Bellas.
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