hotel.

"Mr. Reade, I believe those men are there waiting to see you. I'm
certain they've not gathered just to talk about the weather."

There was a movement in the crowd, and a suppressed, surly murmur, as
the engineer party was sighted.

Tom Reade, however, rode forward at the head of his party, alighting
close to the crowd, which numbered fifty or sixty men. The young chief
engineer signed to one of the stable boys, who came forward, half
reluctantly, and took the bridles of the three horses to lead them away.

Jim Duff, backed by three other men, stepped forward. There was a world
of menace in the gambler's wicked eyes as he began, in a soft, almost
purring tone:

"Mr. Reade," announced Jim Duff, "we are a committee, appointed by
citizens, to express our belief that the air of Paloma is not going to
be good for you. At the same time we wish to ask you concerning your
plans for leaving the town."

There could be no question as to the meaning of the speaker. Tom Reade
was being ordered out of town.




CHAPTER V