It was evident that he had embarked upon an adventure.
"When do we stall this freight ?" "Not while we're on it, you can gamble." Other dark forms sidled out of the gloomy depths of that cavern-like corner and drew close to Kurt.

He realized that he had fallen in with I.W.W.men who apparently had taken him for an expected messenger or leader.

He was importuned for tobacco, drink, and money, and he judged that his begging companions consisted of an American tramp, an Austrian, a negro, and a German.

Fine society to fall into! That eighty thousand dollars became a tremendous burden.
"How many men on this freight ?" queried Kurt, thinking he could ask questions better than answer them.

And he was told there were about twenty-five, all of whom expected money.