e received, he
retorted:

"If there were any such jobs around, I should think they'd pay you
double wages!"

"_Now_ will you try to get fresh with a tenderfoot?" asked one of the
others when their laughter at Bob's sharp rejoinder had subsided.

"I ain't trying to get fresh," returned Higgins. "I'm just feeling the
boy out. The sooner he gets used to Fairfax ways, the better."

But Bob's retort evidently inspired in him a greater respect for the
boy and he refrained from making any more comments on his personal
appearance.

After the interchange of a few general remarks, Bob said:

"I should be very grateful if some of you _gentlemen_ would tell me of a
ranch where I can apply for a job. I'd rather like to get one without
Mr. Thomas' assistance."

In this request Higgins saw his chance. About ten miles from the
settlement there lived a ranchman who was a man of mystery. Though his
grazing ground was good and well-watered, and his pay prompt, he had
such a temper that few cowboys would stay with him longer than a month
or less, and to him Higgins decided to send Bob.

With this purpose, while the others were evidently trying to think of a
suitable place for the boy, he said:

"There's only one I can think of and that's John Ford."

"Ford?" repeated Bob, his memory instantly recalling what the strange
man with the scar had said about Sam and John Ford. "Where does he
live?"

"Ten miles due west."

"Now, Higgins, you know better than to send this boy out there. Remember
what Hal said about playing tricks on him."

Evidently this reminder had an effect upon the schemer, for he answered
apologetically:

"Well, he asked about a place and I told him. You know as well as I do
that John Ford always wants help."

"Sure we know it. But it ain't no fit place for such a boy."

Something suggested to Bob, however, that he should go to this ranchman,
and accordingly he said:

"You needn't think I am so tender. Just because other men can't get
along with Mr. Ford is no sign I can't. What is the nearest way to get
there?"

"So long as you've got to walk, go straight down the track till you see
a building with a red roof, on the left hand side," directed Higgins.

And before the others could protest, Bob uttered a hasty "thank you,"
and set off along the track at a dog trot.

"You'll get yours, Higgins, when Hal gets back," asserted the man who
protested against Bob's being sent to Ford's.

"And you didn't ev