“You put more ham an’ aigs an’ flannel cakes in it than any guy I ever did see,” commented the foreman. “I been watchin’ to see if all that fuel wouldn’t mebbe steam you up for work, but I ain’t noticed any results yet. Prob’ly you wear out all yore strength talkin’ foolishness.” “That had ought to hold you hitched for a while, Burwell,” Dusty chuckled. “All right, boys. Let’s go. Get busy,” the sheriff ordered crisply. They poured out of the bunkhouse to get their horses. CHAPTER XIII A JOB Betty rose at daybreak and got Justin Merrick on the telephone. After preliminary greetings she asked a question. “Would it be convenient for you to come down this morning? There’s something I want to talk over with you if you have time.” “I’ll make it convenient,” came the answer. “Anything serious happened?” “That tramp Cig came back last night to fire the wheat. He shot Father. No, he’s not badly hurt, but--” “I’ll be right down.” It was like Merrick that he did not wait for breakfast. He was at the Diamond Bar K as soon as his car could bring him. Betty set out a breakfast for him in the dining-room and waited on him herself with the aid of Ruth, who trotted back and forth with honey, syrup, and butter for his hot cakes. Miss Ruth was not exactly fond of Merrick. He did not give himself out enough. But she appreciated him. He had some good ideas about bringing her candy, teddy bears, and dolls. When Betty had reassured her fiancé about Mr. Reed and answered such questions as he put about the fire and the man-hunt, she came to the real reason for asking him to call. “It’s about that young man who was with the tramps,” she explained. “You offered to give him work. I wish you would, Justin. You’re so reliable. It might be a great thing for him to be under you--the very thing he needs.” Merrick was not especially pleased at being chosen as the agent to reform a vagrant. He was a very busy man. Also, he had a theory that every man must stand on his own feet. But he had made a promise. He did not make many, but he always kept those he made. “Let’s get this right, Beth,” he answered, smiling. “I said I’d put him to work and see what he had in him. I’m willing to do that. It’ll be up to him to make good. No special favors or sympathy or anything of that sort.” Betty met his smile. “I don’t think you’d find it very easy to waste any sympathy on this young man. He’s not that kind. If you’ll give him work, that’s all you can do for him. Good of you, Justin. I’ll not forget it. I’ve got him on my conscience, you know.” “Did he ask for work? Will he take it?” “I don’t know. He didn’t ask us for it. He’s got his foolish pride. But he doesn’t know who you are. I mean--that I’m friendly with you or anything. Mr. Daniels wants him to stay in the neighborhood for a few days. I think he’d be glad to get a job with you if he felt you really needed him.”