Eager to begin Western life, Bob quickly took off his new suit and put on a pair of the corduroy trousers and one of the blue flannel shirts Mr. Nichols had bought him and then proudly placed on his head a sombrero.
Standing before the looking glass, he surveyed the effect, saying to himself as he noted the change the costume made in his appearance:
"I don't believe Mr. Dardus or anyone back in New York would know me now."
But not long did he linger gazing at himself.
The voices of the men on the platform were audible and he decided to join the group in the hope that from some chance remark he might learn of a ranch where he could obtain a job as cowboy. For though he was grateful to the agent, Bob wanted to be independent.
CHAPTER XVIII
ON THE TRACK
"Now you look more as though you belonged in Fairfax," declared one of the loungers as Bob joined them.
"All except the clothes and hat," grunted Higgins. "Say, you won't have any trouble getting a job if you go just as you are. Any rancher would hire you to scare coyotes away from the home ranch."