Arch tested an iron and put it back in the fire, and looked up. "Well," he said, smiling cheerfully, "we're near through."
"Glad to hear it," replied Johnny. "Are you aimin' to bum around Highbank, or get yoreself a new job an' keep out of mischief?"
"I knowed that parson wouldn't have no good effect on you," growled Arch, "seein' how strong he affected me with my strong mind. What you want to know for? Found somethin' for my idle hands to do?"
"Arnold needs a good man out here steady; two of 'em to start with, an' mebby another later on. I told him that you wasn't worth a cuss; but bein' stubborn he says mebby you'll do."
"I ain't heard no offer yet," grinned Arch, impudently.
"You ought to be glad that folks will let you hang around," retorted Johnny. "What were you gettin' on th' Circle 4?"
"Forty-five," answered Arch. "I ain't no kid, an' I asks for fifty. They couldn't see it; so here I am."
"Fifty is yours; but you better see Arnold first. Are you goin' down to Highbank tomorrow?"
"I am, an' I'm shore set on it," answered Arch, firmly, "An' when I'm set, I'm set solid. I'm goin'; why?"
"I'm glad of it," chuckled Johnny. "You bring back three stampin' irons for this ranch; an' be shore that you can get both ends of 'em on a cow at th' same time."