It was plain
that the stones were an awkward obstacle, but this was not all. As a
rule, the provincial Government allowed the small ranchers to undertake
the construction of telegraphs, rude bridges, and roads. The plan
helped the men to stop upon their half-cleared holdings, but it was not
economical and rich contractors had recently got the large jobs. Jim
imagined they meant to keep the business in their hands and he knew
something about political influence and graft. His contract was not
important but he had grounds for believing the others resented his
entering the field, and if he got behind schedule, the agreement might
be broken. Well, he must not get behind, and when he went back for
breakfast he had made his plans.

Afterwards he got to work and rolled the stones down hill all day,
without returning to camp for dinner. It was getting hot, and in the
afternoon fierce sunshine beat upon the long slope. The shadow of the
pines looked inviting and Jim felt that half an hour might be occupied
profitably by a quiet smoke and review of the undertaking, but resisted
the temptation. The argument was false; he was a working boss and must
set the pace for his men. His back began to ache, he tore his old blue
shirt, and bruised his hands, while as the shadows lengthened he got
disturbed. Rolling heavy stones was slow and expensive work. It kept
him from getting forward and wages were high. When the sun was low he
stopped to wipe his bleeding hand and saw Jake leaning on his shovel.

"I've let up for a minute or two to think. Sometimes it pays," Jake
observed.

"It depends on what you think about," Jim rejoined. "I don't know if
there's much profit in wondering what's for supper."

Jake smiled. "Perhaps not. I reckon you thought how you could hit up
the pace. My notion is, you've put it most as high as the boys will
stand for."

"In this country, it's usual to work as hard as the boss."

"Something depends on the boss," Jake said dryly. "When we're up
against a hard streak, you are near the limit."

Jim gave him a sharp glance. "Do you mean anything in particular?
Aren't you satisfied with the boys?"

"On the whole, they're a pretty good crowd. There are two I'm not
quite sure about."

Jim's eyes rested on two men who were languidly throwing stones down
the hill. "I think we agree, but they have earned their pay so far,
and I mean them to go on."

He stopped and the men put down their tool