pile of hope busted, and hope busted
isn't a pleasant thing. Makes you think a deal. However, Will
Henderson and I--we can't kick a lot when you look around. I'm earning
a good wage, and I've got a tidy job--that don't look like quitting.
And Will--he's netting eighty a month out of his pelts. After all
things don't much count, do they? Fifty or sixty years hence our
doings won't cut any ice. We're down, out, and nature shuts out
memory. That's the best of it. We shan't know anything. We'll have
forgotten everything we ever did know. We shan't be haunted by the
'might-have-beens'. We shall have no regrets. It'll just be sleep, a
long, long sleep--and forgetfulness. And then--ah, well, boss, I'm
yarning a heap, and the boys are out on the fences with no one to see
they're not shooting 'craps.'"

The rancher turned to the door.

"I'm going out to the fences meself," he said, shortly. Then he went
on: "There's a dozen an' more three-year-olds in the corrals needs
bustin'. You best set two o' the boys on 'em. Ther's a black mare
among 'em. I'll get you to handle her yourself. I'm goin' to ride her,
an' don't want no fool broncho-buster tearing her mouth out."

"Right-ho, boss." Jim was smiling happily at the man's broad back as
he stood facing out of the door. "But, if you've half a minute, I've
got something else to get through me."

"Eh?" McLagan turned. His Irish face was alight with sudden interest.
"Guess I ain't busy fer ten minutes."

"That's more than enough," said Jim, readily. "It's about that land I
was speaking to you of the other day. I told you those things about
myself--because of that. As I said, you didn't know much of me, except
my work for you."

McLagan nodded, and chewed the end of his cigar. His keen eyes were
studying the other's face. At last he removed his cigar, and spat out
a bit of tobacco leaf.

"I know all I need to," he said cordially. "The proposition was one
hundred and sixty acres for a homestead, with grazin' rights. You want
a lease. Gettin' married?"

"It might happen that way," grinned the foreman somewhat sheepishly.

"Found the leddy?"

Jim nodded.

"Marryin's a fool game anyway."

"That's as maybe."

McLagan shrugged.

"Guess I don't want wimmin-folk in mine. You're goin' to hold your
job?"

"Sure. You see, boss----" Jim began to explain.

But McLagan broke in.

"You can have it for rent, boy," he said. "It suits me, if you don't
mean quittin'."

"I don't