It was a great surprise to Tom Thornton when Mr. Clark informed him that he wanted the men to start in dipping the sheep as soon as they could get ready. "I suppose, Thornton, you have everything in readiness for the work," continued the owner casually. Thornton did not hesitate. "Yes, indeed, sir. We can start right in to-day if you wish. It is for you to say. But really, Mr. Clark, the flock hardly needs it. Our sheep are in prime condition." "That's all the more reason for keeping them so, Thornton," was the smiling reply. "Of course that is true, sir. Very well. We will go ahead. I think I shall have time to give the orders, although I have got to be in Glen City about ten days shipping the clip." "What?" "Shipping the wool, sir." "Oh, yes." "I can start the work before I go." "I don't think you need bother, Thornton," remarked Mr. Clark slowly. "You go on down to Glen City and finish up your business there." "But somebody must see to the dipping if you really want it done." "I'll attend to it." "You!" "Why not?" "Why--why--nothing, sir. I beg your pardon. Only I thought you might be too tired after your trip." "Oh, no. I am not tired at all." Thornton eyed him. Even Donald was astonished. Mr. Clark did not seem to be at all disturbed by the embarrassing stillness, but went on shaving down a stick he was whittling. "I do not mean to manage the dipping myself," he explained at last. "I shall let Sandy McCulloch take charge of it." "Sandy McCulloch! Why, sir, that boy could never do it in the world! He is a good lad--well enough in his way--but not very smart. Not at all like his father." "Well, if he has no ability I shall soon find it out. I mean to try him, anyway." "Oh, you can try him if you like, but I know the fellow better than you do. You are foolish to turn any big work over to him. He can't handle it." "I intend to give him the chance." Thornton's annoyance began to get beyond his control. "Very well. It is not my business," he snapped as he left the room. The instant he was gone Donald, who could not keep silent another moment, cried: "Oh, father! I am so glad you are going to let Sandy manage the dipping!" "It is an experiment, Don. Sandy is young and he may make a mess of things--not because he does not mean well, but because he lacks experience. He has been here a long time, to be sure, but he never has taken any care beyond watching his own flocks." "I do not think he will fail. The men will all help him. They like him." "I can see that." "And I like him too, father."