Once Tom Reade reached the solid land he let his long legs out into a brisk
run.

With his years of practice on the Gridley High School athletic team he was
not one to lose his wind readily.

So he made his way at the same speed all the way up to the camp.

"Who dar?" called a negro watchman, as Tom raced up to the outskirts of
the camp.

"Reade, chief engineer," Tom called, then wheeled and made off to the
right, where the more substantial barracks of the foremen stood.
Superintendent Renshaw lived in a two-story barrack still farther to the
right, as the guest of the young engineers.

"_Quien vive_?" (who's there?) hailed another voice, between the two
barracks buildings.

"So, Nicolas, you rascal, you haven't gone to bed?" demanded Tom, halting.
"What did I tell you about earlier hours?"

Nicolas was the young Mexican servant whom Tom and Harry had brought back
with them from Mexico. Readers of the previous volume know all about this
faithful fellow.

"You and Senor Hazelton, you waire not in bed," replied Nicolas stolidly.