This sally at his expense sent a hot flush to Bob's cheeks, but, remembering the agent's advice to give back better than he received, he retorted:
"If there were any such jobs around, I should think they'd pay you double wages!"
"Now will you try to get fresh with a tenderfoot?" asked one of the others when their laughter at Bob's sharp rejoinder had subsided.
"I ain't trying to get fresh," returned Higgins. "I'm just feeling the boy out. The sooner he gets used to Fairfax ways, the better."
But Bob's retort evidently inspired in him a greater respect for the boy and he refrained from making any more comments on his personal appearance.
After the interchange of a few general remarks, Bob said:
"I should be very grateful if some of you gentlemen would tell me of a ranch where I can apply for a job. I'd rather like to get one without Mr. Thomas' assistance."
In this request Higgins saw his chance. About ten miles from the settlement there lived a ranchman who was a man of mystery. Though his grazing ground was good and well-watered, and his pay prompt, he had such a temper that few cowboys would stay with him longer than a month or less, and to him Higgins decided to send Bob.
With this purpose, while the others were evidently trying to think of a suitable place for the boy, he said:
"There's only one I can think of and that's John Ford."