‘Yes, miss,’ was the respectful observation of the redoubtable champion.
‘I am glad to see you back, because I have been wanting you for several days.’
‘What for, miss?’
‘Well, I want to know in the first place, are you engaged anywhere?’
‘Not at present.’
‘Then will you let me engage you for a friend of mine?’
‘I’d like to do anything to please you, miss; but maybe your friend wouldn’t care to have me.’
He said this with a faint smile, as if regretting that she had given herself any trouble on his account.
‘He is not only ready to take you, but is willing to let you select the hands who are to work under you for the whole of the harvest.’
‘That would be agreeable, if there is no bother about the wages.’