"Well, I don't know. Guess maybe, I could use another man."
"Then I'm your best bet. I kin do most anythin' from roping ter cooking."
"What's your handle?"
"Most folks call me Los Varney."
"I thought so but wasn't quite sure," Jeb cried holding out his hand. "Don't you remember me?"
"Blast my eyes if it ain't old Jeb," the man almost shouted grasping the outstretched hand. "The boy said as how yer name was Stebbins but I didn't connect up with yer. Thought yer'd gone East and it must be all of fifteen year since we was up in the Bad Lands."
"It's nearer twenty," Jeb told him still shaking his hand.
"Mebby so, mebby so. Time sure gets away fast when yer get along in years, don't it?"
"It sure does," Jeb agreed. "But how's the world been using you?"
"Oh, 'bout good's I deserve, I reckon. Yer know I never could keep a hold on any coin an' jest now well, I sure need a job."