"No, but I have charge of it. It's Church property, and as I live jist across the road I have been asked to keep an eye over it an' put all intruders off."
Douglas liked the appearance of this fellow, notwithstanding his pugnacious manner. He had an honest face, and bright blue eyes, in whose depths lurked a merry twinkle. He took it for granted that this was Jake Jukes who wanted a farm hand.
"Come and put me off, then," Douglas quietly remarked, as he rose slowly to his feet. "I am anxious for a little excitement. It will give me an appetite for my breakfast."
"Where are you goin' to git it?" the farmer asked.
"At your place."
"At my place!"
"Certainly. You are Jake Jukes, are you not? You want a man to help with your haying, and I am going to stay."
"Great punkins! How d'ye know who I am?" and Jake looked his astonishment.
"Oh, never mind that. Do you want me? That is more important."
"Well, I do need help very bad, but I must know what wages ye want before I hire ye. I can't make an offer until I find out what ye kin do."