"After the horses have rested a little I counted on starting for Willow Point."
"It strikes me that would be too rough a journey for the old man at this time of the year. We're needin' kids like you in this town, an' I allow you'll find a shelter here till spring. Then, if the settlement don't suit you, it'll be only a case of goin' on when the travellin' is easier."
"Do you mean that we'd better live here?" Dick asked in surprise.
"That's the way some of us have figgered it."
"Can I find work enough to pay our way? You see, daddy won't be in shape to do anything for quite a spell."
"I'll give you a job on my ranch, an' pay fair wages."
"Then we'll be glad to stop."
"All right, my son. You shall take your own time about comin', and I'll hold the job open till you get here. Now I'm allowin' to lend you that broncho, so you can get back in case the old man grows worse. He's a tricky beast; but I reckon you'll handle him without any too much trouble. The only drawback is that I can't furnish a saddle."
"If you can spare the pony, I'll get along without the fixings," Dick replied, his eyes gleaming with delight; for with such a steed he would be able to visit the town at short notice, if it should become necessary.
"I'm allowin' that I've got a saddle he can have for a spell," Mr. Mansfield replied thoughtfully; and although Dick insisted that there was really no need of one, it was brought out.