But the camp laugh remained on the side of young Lin till breakfast was ended, when the ranch foreman rode into camp.
Him Lin McLean at once addressed. “I was wantin' to speak to you,” said he.
The experienced foreman noticed the boy's holiday appearance. “I understand you're tired of work,” he remarked.
“Who told you?” asked the bewildered Lin.
The foreman touched the boy's pretty handkerchief. “Well, I have a way of taking things in at a glance,” said he. “That's why I'm foreman, I expect. So you've had enough work?”
“My system's full of it,” replied Lin, grinning. As the foreman stood thinking, he added, “And I'd like my time.”
Time, in the cattle idiom, meant back-pay up to date.
“It's good we're not busy,” said the foreman.
“Meanin' I'd quit all the same?” inquired Lin, rapidly, flushing.
“No—not meaning any offence. Catch up your horse. I want to make the post before it gets hot.”