"Son, you run in and help your mother with the milking." He slapped his hands together as though a great joy were in store for the child, who laughed with glee as he hurried across to the stable.
The men waited for Bill to say something, but he only stood twisting a straw about in his mouth and pulling his hat-brim.
Again Andy's courage rose and he walked close to Bill. "To-morrow's pay-day, Bill—eh?"
"Is it? Do tell! Ain't you a discoverer! Say, Andy, you're neglectin' the north pole a little."
This time it was Grouchy who answered, "Well, I want mine," and he viciously dug his knife into the hitching-post.
Bill looked from one to the other. Surely they would be reasonable; he would try them.
"Boys, it's seven years since the boss bought this ranch, and he's had an up-hill fight. Every one's done him. He bought when cattle was higher than they've ever been since, and you know what last winter did for us; but he 'ain't ever hollered, and the top wages he paid you at the start he's been a-payin' you ever since."
"Oh, what's the use!" Shorty interrupted. "The money is owed us. The only question is, do we git it?"
Backed up by Shorty, Grouchy began again, "Well, I want mine."
Only gentle Andy was silent. He could hear little Hal laughing as he played in the cow-shed.