He kept Oscar busy until midnight relating the incidents of his life in the foot-hills; but there were some things that happened there which he did not hear from the boy’s lips, for his modesty compelled him to leave them out.
He heard them from the lips of Big Thompson, who finished the story after Oscar had gone to sleep. The ranchman was delighted at what the guide told him, and took his own way to show it.
“Mr. Barker,” said Oscar the next morning at breakfast, “I am greatly indebted to you for your kindness, and I am sorry that I can return you nothing but my hearty thanks. There are your mule and wagon, and if——”
“Don’t want ’em!” exclaimed the ranchman. “I’ve got better. Take ’em up to the post an’ sell ’em for what you can get. Look here, professor,” he added hastily, seeing that the boy was about to speak, “I know I don’t live like one of the royal blood, but I’ve got money for all that; and, if you think you are in danger of running short of funds, say the word and I’ll lend you all you want. You saved Thompson’s life, and whipped Lish the Wolfer in a fair fight; and that shows that you are a boy after my own heart.”
Oscar, who was greatly surprised at this kind offer, could only stammer out his thanks and reply that he did not stand in any need of pecuniary assistance.
“Then perhaps I can help you in another way,” continued the ranchman, who was bent on showing his regard for Oscar. “I can give your brother something to do. I have been unfortunate myself, and I know how it seems to have a helping hand extended in time of trouble. Tom, how would you like to herd sheep?”
“I don’t know. I never tried it. But I am willing to do anything that will bring me an honest living.”
“That’s the sort of spirit I like. I’ll give you forty dollars a month and board, and a pony to ride. Yes or no?”
Tom said “Yes,” of course; and, after a short consultation, it was decided that he should go to the post to sell his furs and see his brother off, and then come back to the ranch on foot, and assume his duties as sheep-herder.
Oscar afterward had a private interview with the ranchman, and left him with the feeling that Tom could not have fallen into better hands.