"Uhuh! I ain't no use for a dog anybody else can handle."
But Bob did not hear the last words. No sooner assured that the savage beast was his, than he called:
"Steady! Chester! Come here, sir!"
Uncertain whether or not to obey, the dog looked from Bob to the horses. But the boy quickly repeated his commands, running toward the hound, and the animal, with a parting snarl at the agent, turned and trotted to the side of his new master, where he took his stand as though waiting to defend him, should it be necessary.
CHAPTER XXI
AT THE RANCH
As the ranchman watched this scene, his face was a study, but he soon forgot it in listening to the conversation between Thomas and Bob.
"Do you think it was quite fair to run away while I was trying to find a pony for you?" asked the agent.
"Don't scold, Hal," returned Bob. "I suppose it wasn't quite fair. But I wanted to surprise you by getting a job myself, without anybody's help."