"They’re goin’ to make trouble if they don’t git it." Shorty acted as spokesman. Grouchy and Andy only nodded their heads in approval of their leader’s words. Bill stopped his work as he picked Hal up in his arms. "Are they?" he said. "Well, I reckon Jim Carston and me can handle that bunch." He spoke as though the others were not present. "Maybe you kin; maybe you kin," Shorty retorted, as he flung the saddle against the walls of the cabin. "Und say, Bill—und say—to-morrow’s pay-day." Andy’s voice trembled as he spoke. He was a gentle-mannered German, and the sight of Hal was not a good incentive for him to fight against the boss. Hal began to listen and to look from one to the other. Bill noticed the child’s look of inquiry and set him on the ground. "Son, you run in and help your mother with the milking." He slapped his hands together as though a great joy were in store for the child, who laughed with glee as he hurried across to the stable. The men waited for Bill to say something, but he only stood twisting a straw about in his mouth and pulling his hat-brim. Again Andy’s courage rose and he walked close to Bill. "To-morrow’s pay-day, Bill—eh?" "Is it? Do tell! Ain’t you a discoverer! Say, Andy, you’re neglectin’ the north pole a little." This time it was Grouchy who answered, "Well, I want mine," and he viciously dug his knife into the hitching-post. Bill looked from one to the other. Surely they would be reasonable; he would try them. "Boys, it’s seven years since the boss bought this ranch, and he’s had an up-hill fight. Every one’s done him. He bought when cattle was higher than they’ve ever been since, and you know what last winter did for us; but he ’ain’t ever hollered, and the top wages he paid you at the start he’s been a-payin’ you ever since." "Oh, what’s the use!" Shorty interrupted. "The money is owed us. The only question is, do we git it?" Backed up by Shorty, Grouchy began again, "Well, I want mine." Only gentle Andy was silent. He could hear little Hal laughing as he played in the cow-shed. Bill dropped his persuasive tone as he wheeled around on the men and in a sudden blaze said: "Well, you know Carston and you know me. If you’re lookin’ for trouble, we won’t see you go away disappointed." He squared his shoulders as he spoke. "Oh, shucks!" He looked at the boys again. "It’s no use," he began, more good-naturedly. "It’s the business that’s no good. Nothin’ in it. The packers has got us skinned to death. They pay us what they like for cattle, and charge the public what they like for beef. Hell!" he grunted, as he turned on his heel. "I’m goin’ into the ministry." This time Grouchy’s "Well, I want mine" was extremely faint. Before the others could speak again Bill quickly called, "Here’s the boss now," and signalled the men to be silent.