f you call yourself a man why didn't you chase him?" inquired the
contractor, with disgust.

"I took no interest in his affairs--no interest whatever," stated Farr,
with languid tone.

"You don't care much what happens to anybody else, you hog!"

"My interest in other persons is very limited."

"You'll stand by and see one of your kind run away with the property of
poor folks, will you? You meet him later and get your whack?" asked the
big man.

"No," said Farr, mildly. He directed compelling gaze into the eyes of
his detractor. "And you do not think so yourself."

"Perhaps not. But you're worse. You have just said it. You're a selfish
renegade!"

"Peculiarly selfish, hard, and unfeeling."

"And wouldn't turn your hand over to do a good turn for anybody?"

"I don't think so."

"I'll tell you what I think _I'll_ do--I'll detail four of my men to
ride you out of this town on a rail."

"I wouldn't call them off their jobs if I were you! I overheard you say
that you are short of time and men. By the way, you offered me a job.
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.

"May I have sixty seconds off to speak with that man yonder?" Farr asked
the contractor. "It partly concerns your business."

The big man nodded surly assent.

"Thee sees I have taken off the armor for a time. I will wear it in the
city where horses and people are not so silly. What is thee doing here?"

"I have no time to talk about myself, Friend Chick. I want to ask you if
you are