A RANCHMAN'S RECOLLECTIONS 



satisfied. The hoodlum driver had worked one day, 

 and quit. Scandalous was racking his brain to know 

 where to look for another, and was saddling his horse 

 to hunt for one when Four-Six, one of the cowboys, 

 exclaimed, "Look what's comin'l" 



Along the dim pasture road, miles from any dwell- 

 ing, a figure on foot was approaching — a sight which 

 always attracts attention in the big pasture country, 

 since it is associated in the public mind with suspicion, 

 if the footman is unknown. It often occurs that some 

 one's horse will get away or give out. The rider then 

 makes for the nearest cow camp to borrow a horse; 

 but a man walking needs some explanation, although 

 he is always fed without question. The boys were all 

 quiet and indifferent, as they commonly are in a cow 

 camp when a stranger approaches. 



A lad of sixteen, rather the worse for wear, clad 

 in a shirt and ducking trousers, badly frayed, a soft 

 felt hat, full of holes, shoes badly run-down at the 

 heels, and bare toes showing through the uppers, 

 stopped within ten feet of the wagon. Scandalous 

 paused in his saddling to say, "Well, son, in trouble?" 



The lad's face, lit up by a broad grin, made an 

 appeal to the whole outfit, and all were at attention 

 for his answer. "No, I'm looking for the S. M. S. 

 boss. They told me at the ranch house that he was 

 here, and I'm looking for a job." 



"You look hungry, son; come eat, an' then tell us 

 all about it," said Scandalous. 



[228] 



