ent and throwed in with an ex-pugilist and learned the
trade thorough. Since then things come easier. Folks don't open up
the subject more'n a dozen times before they take the hint. And this
summer I fell in with a ju-jutsu sharp--a college-fed Jap that sure
savvied things a white man never dreams except in nightmares. I set at
his feet all summer learning wisdom. I ain't afraid now to wear my
name on my hatband."

"Still, I wouldn't," said Chip dryly. "Hike over and get the haughty
new war-bag, and we'll hit the sod. I've got to be in camp by
dinner-time."

A mile out Pink looked down at his festal garments and smiled. "I
expect I'll be pickings for your Happy Family when they see me in these
war-togs," he remarked.

Chip turned and regarded him meditatively for a minute. "I was just
wondering," he said slowly, "if the Happy Family wouldn't be pickings
for _you_."

Pink dimpled wickedly and said nothing.

The Happy Family were at dinner when Chip and Pink rode up and
dismounted by the bed-tent. Chip and Pink went over to where the
others were sitting in various places and attitudes, and the Happy
Family received them, not with the nudges and winks one might justly
expect, but with decorous silence.

Chip got plate, knife, fork, and spoon and started for the stove.

"Help yourself to the tools, and then come over here and fill up," he
invited Pink, over his shoulder. "We don't stand on ceremony here.
May look queer to you at first, but you'll get used to it."

The Happy Family pricked up its ears and looked guardedly at one
another. This wasn't a chance visitor, then; he was going to work!

Weary, sitting cross-legged in the shade of a wagon-wheel looked up at
Pink, fumbling shyly among the knives and forks, and with deceitful
innocence he whistled absently:

Oh, tell me, pretty maiden,
Are there any more at home like you?

Pink glanced at him quickly, then at the solemn faces of the others,
and retreated hastily inside the tent, where was Chip; and every man of
them knew the stranger had caught Weary's meaning. They smiled
discreetly at their plates and said nothing.

Pink came out with heaped plate and brimming cup, and retired
diffidently to the farthest bit of shade he could find, which brought
him close to Cal Emmett. He sat down gingerly so as not to spill
anything.

"Going to work for the outfit?" asked Cal politely.

"Yes, sir; the overseer gave me a position," answered Pink