e. If you have, you can never make me believe that you have
sand enough to draw and shoot before as many witnesses as I have on hand."

"I've a good mind to drill you with lead!" scowled the gambler, still
resting his hand behind him.

"But you're a wise man," mocked Reade, "and wise men often change their
minds."

However, the very move of the gambler to draw a pistol had had one effect
that Tom ardently desired. Most of the workmen present were now in
frantic haste to get out before any shooting began. The two bootleggers
also sought to make their escape.

"Get back there! You fellows can't get out!" Harry shouted, himself
seizing and hurling the bootleggers back into the room. They rose, glaring
sullenly at Hazelton. But they didn't know how many more men he might have
behind him out there in the dark.

Tom Reade now had the six gamblers and the two bootleggers in the room
with him.

"You're a nice crew, aren't you?" he jeered, gazing at them scornfully.

"We're making our living," retorted the leader of the gamblers, with what
he meant to be a fine tone of scorn.

"Making your living off of human beings! You're some of the parasites
that infest honest workingmen. I've drummed you out of this camp before,
and you have the cheek to come back. Now, I'll try to teach you another
lesson. Harry, send in our workmen, will you?"

Hazelton stepped aside, to let in the half dozen honest negroes they had
brought along with them. These men entered, then stood looking at their
young chief.

"Get hold of those cards, chips and dice!" ordered Tom.

"Here, what are you trying to do?" demanded the leader of the gamblers.

"You have the advantage of me," responded Tom. "I don't know your name."

"Hawkins is my name," replied the chief of the gamblers.

"Hawkins is a fine name," admitted Tom. "It will do as well as any other.
I won't annoy you, Hawkins, by asking you what your name used to be in
prouder and happier days."

"What are these men doing with our outfit?" insisted Hawkins, as the
negroes began industriously to clear the surfaces of the tables.

"You can see what they're doing," Tom rejoined.

"You blacks get out and leave our property alone," warned Hawkins, darting
among them.

The negroes drew back, in some alarm, for the gambler looked dangerous with
one hand at his hip pocket.

"Go get on with your work, men," counseled Tom. "I'm here to back you up."

"As for you, sir---" snarled