Then, when you have your full amount of pay, you can leave us." "What does this mean ?" demanded 'Gene Black angrily, as he stepped closer, his eyes blazing.
Some young men would have shrunk back before Black's menacing manner.

Tom had never yet met the man who could make him really afraid.
"I've already told you the whole story, Black." "Why am I discharged ?" "I am not obliged to give you my reasons." "You'll find you'll have to do so!" stormed 'Gene Black.
"Well, then," Tom answered, "you get through here because you kicked one of the tripod legs of your leveling instrument the other day, and left a mark on the wood." "Don't you try to be funny with me, you young hound!" hissed Black, stepping so close that Tom gently pushed him back.

"You young idiot! Do you think you can fire me---and get away with it ?" "We won't talk about it any more," Tom answered.

"Your time will be all your own until the paymaster arrives.

After you've received your money you will leave camp." "Are any of the others going ?" "No." "Then you're discharging me for personal reasons!" snarled 'Gene Black.