CHAPTER V.TOM HAS NO PLANS FOR LEAVING TOWN.
"My plans for leaving town ?" repeated Tom pleasantly.

"Why, gentlemen, I'll meet your question frankly by saying that I haven't made any such plans." "You're going to do so, aren't ?" inquired Duff casually.
"By the time that my partner and I have finished our work for the road, Mr.Duff, I imagine that we shall be making definite plans to go away, unless the railroad officials decide to keep us here with Paloma as headquarters for other work." "We believe that it would be much better for your health if you went away at once," Duff insisted, with a mildness that did not disguise his meaning in the least.
Tom deemed it not worth while to pretend any longer that he did not understand.
"Oh, then it's a case of 'Here's your hat.

What's your hurry ?'" asked Reade smilingly.
"Something in that line," assented Jim Duff.

"I venture to assure you that we are quite in earnest in our anxiety for your welfare, Mr.
Reade." "Whom do you men represent ?" asked Tom.
"The citizens of Paloma," returned Duff.
"All of them ?" Reade insisted.
"All of them--with few exceptions." "I understand you, of course," Tom nodded.
"Now, Mr.Duff, I'll tell you what I propose.

I'm curious to know just how many there are on your side of the fence.