evasive movements of the extensive quicksand underneath. At other
points wooden piles were driven in for the same purpose.

General Manager Ellsworth did not spend all his time in camp. He could
not do so, in fact, for he had many other pressing duties. However, he
ran over frequently, and always appeared satisfied.

"Of course it's too early to talk confidently, Reade," said Mr.
Ellsworth, one day when the work had been going on steadily for some
weeks, "but I believe you have the only right method. I have so
reported to our directors. You'll have disappointments, of course, but
I hope you'll encounter none that you can't overcome."

"I shan't crow until I've seen the test applied to the roadbed over the
Man-killer," Tom replied thoughtfully. "After I've seen that test
applied a couple of times then I'm ready to go before any board and
swear that the Man-killer has been tamed for all time."

"Speed the day!" replied Mr. Ellsworth, as he climbed into his private
car to return. "By the way, you haven't heard anything lately from Jim
Duff & Company?"

"Not a word," Reade replied. "I don't believe we're yet through with
Rough-house camp, however. They're waiting only until our suspicions
are allayed. Once in a while we lose one of our workmen to the enemy,
and then we have to discharge the poor fellow. Some of our former men
have gone away, but there are about thirty of them left in Paloma, and I
imagine that they're ready to be ugly when the chance comes. The agent
of the Colthwaite Company is still in Paloma. He has been here ever
since we came."