trails the stranger was not a little of a dandy in appearance.
His khaki trousers and leggings, despite his probably long ride,
were spotless. His dark-blue flannel shirt showed no speck of
dust; his black, flowing tie was perfection; his light-hued sombrero
looked as though it had just left the store.

"If you are Mr. Thurston, I have the honor to present a letter,"
was the stranger's greeting as he entered the large tent.

Mr. Thurston glanced at the envelope, reading: "Mr. Eugene Black."

"Be seated, Mr. Black," requested the chief, then opened the letter.

"Oh, you're a new engineer, sent out from the offices in New York,"
continued the chief.

"Yes," smiled the newcomer.

"An experienced engineer, the vice-president of the company informs
me."

"Six years of experience," smiled the newcomer, showing his white,
handsome teeth.

Tom glanced up just in time to see that smile. "Somehow, I don't
quite like the looks of Mr. Black," Reade decided.

"What is your especial line of work, Mr. Black?" Thurston continued.

"Anything in usual field work, sir."

"This letter states that you expect one hundred and twenty-five
dollars a month."

"Then the letter is correct, sir."

"All right, Mr. Black; we'll put you at work and let you prove
that you're worth it," smiled Mr. Thurston pleasantly.

"How soon shall I go to work, sir?" asked Black.

"I expect my assistant, Mr. Blaisdell, here in about an hour.
I'll send you out with him when he returns to field."

"Then, if you're through with me at present, sir, I'll step outside
and be within call."

Tom and his chief were again alone. Reade kept steadily on with
his work, and no word was spoken for half an hour. Then there
came a commotion in camp, for four drovers came in with two dozen
horses that had been ordered for the use of the engineering party.

"Step outside, Reade, and see the horses, if you care to do so,"
suggested Mr. Thurston, reaching for his sombrero.

"Thank you, sir; but the horses will keep, and I'm greatly interested
in finishing my drawing so that I can take up more work."

"That young cub, Reade, is no idler." thought the chief, as he
stepped into the open.

Tom kept steadily at work.

Ten minutes later, Thurston still being absent, Eugene Black strolled
into the tent. He glanced at Tom's drawing with some contempt,
then inquired:

"Drawing, boy?"

"Why, not?" laughed Tom. "I'm only one of the stable boys, and,
as you