I'll take it."

The contractor blinked and hesitated.

"If after a half-day you find I'm not worth the money I'll pass on and
you'll have a half-day's work free."

"Get on to the job, then."

Through the open door Farr could see the woman of the house wringing
cloths at the sink.

He stepped to the door and addressed her. "Madame, will you take a
boarder? I'm going to do your husband's work on the job yonder. I will
pay liberally. In your present difficulties the money may help. I'll be
small trouble."

"We need the money terribly," she said, after pondering. "Yes, I will
take you. In the face you do not look like a tramp!"

"I thank you," said Farr. "If you will give me some food in my hands
I'll take myself out of your way."

That afternoon Jared Chick came over the hill where the trowels clinked
and the great derrick complained with its pulleys. He carried his armor
on his back.

He stopped and watched for some time his former companion of the road,
who was sweating over his man's toil.