"Bobtail," responded Lafond with equal brevity. Though young, he already possessed some shrewdness in the reading of character.
Buckley sat down in the shade and relit his pipe.
"Where are you from?" he asked bluntly.
"Ontario."
"Woods?"
"Yes."
"Thought you wasn't no tenderfoot. Ever hit the trail?"
"Not on those plains. In the woods many times."
"We ain't takin' but damn few," went on Buckley dissertatively, "and them that goes has to be right on to their job. No women; good cattle. That's our motto. Reckon you-all fills the bill. Cyan't tell. Got to ask the others."
Lafond knew that this, from a man of Buckley's stamp, was distinct encouragement. At the moment, the other two members came up. Buckley, in a few words, told them of the newcomer's desires and qualifications.