"Why can't you boys get along peaceable with Joe, I'd like to know? This
snortin' an' pawin' up the ground don't get you anything."

"I reckon Joe does most of the snortin' that's done," Wrayburn answered
dryly. "I ain't had any trouble with him, because he spends a heap of
time lettin' me alone. But there's no manner of doubt that Joe rides the
boys too hard."

The drover dismissed the subject and turned to Thursday.

"Want a job?"

"Mebbe so."

"I need another man. Since you sabe the ways of the 'Paches I can use you
to scout ahead for us."

"What you payin'?"

"Fifty a month."

"You've hired a hand."

"Good enough. Better pick one of the boys to ride with you while you are
out scoutin'."

"I'll take Billie Prince," decided the new rider at once.

"You know Billie?"