"My dear fellow, didn't I tell you that my servants have all deserted me?" answered the colonel.
"Then, why didn't you go in search of them yourself?"
"Because I don't choose to do work that others are paid to do for me."
"You'll have to act as your own servant if you get anything done," said Oscar. "Suppose you send Roberts down to the blacksmith shop after a jack-screw."
This proposition fairly staggered Roberts, who looked first at Oscar and then at his own spotless livery.
"What harm is there in it?" demanded the boy sharply. "You'll have to do worse things than that before you get back. You had better put your pride in your pocket while you stay in this country, for if you think you are going to keep those clothes looking as nice as they do now you will be disappointed."
"Why can't you send one of your own men?" asked Roberts.
"Because they are not here, and when they arrive they will have to herd the cattle to keep them from straying away. I didn't agree to boss this job—I only offered to help; and seeing that you are not going to do anything about it, I will bid you good-day."
"Stop! stop!" cried the colonel in an imperious tone. "Set your price, and go to work and get the wagon out the best way you can."
"I can't get it out with one team and only three men to do the work. You ought to have had your oxen and servants here bright and early."