Woodrow laughed.
"I see. You'll only have three dogs under your orders here."
"Not that I want——"
"Yes, you do—we all do. You'll get power enough, Brendon, if 'tis in you. Power comes out of ourselves. Go ahead and do your work. Perhaps, six months hence, you'll be so powerful that we shall have to part company—eh?"
"I know my job very well."
"Of course you do. I shouldn't want you otherwise. If your will is as strong as your legs and arms, you ought to have a farm of your own before long. How old are you?"
"Twenty-five, master."
"I'd give Ruddyford twice over to have your limbs."
"They are so good as yours, while you pay for 'em."
"Go ahead, then. Take a tramp round before dinner, and see what you think of those heifers up the hill. I've had an offer for them, but don't feel quite satisfied. Tell me what you reckon they are worth—taking the whole five-and-twenty together."