I would have quit
if I hadn't been too much of a coward. But now--"
"Now?" asked Argyl, quickly.
And it was to her that he made his answer, not to her father.
"Now I like it. And I am going to stick--unless I get fired for
incompetency!"
"I like that," said Mr. Crawford, slowly. "Yes, I like that. I was
afraid that it was rather too much for you. It's hard work, Conniston,
and long hours and little pay. But Brayley tells me that you have the
makings of a rattling good cow-hand."
"Thank you, sir. It was very decent of Brayley."
"I ought not to mix business into a social call, I know, but I want to
tell you personally that I am very much pleased with the way you are
tucking in. You asked if any one needed a good man the day you came.
We all do. I do. Why, I always want more of them than I can find. A
young man like you, with your advantages, your education--there are
all kinds of opportunities. Yes, right with me. The West is the place
for young men--provided simply that they are men! That's as true
to-day as it was in forty-nine. And truer. Opportunities are greater,
the need of men is more urgent. Right now, right to-day, I am looking
for a man, a young man, who knows a thing or two about engineering,
who can build bridges and cut irrigation ditches and save me money
doing it." He threw out his hands. "And I can't get him!"
"Will you tell me about the position?" asked Conniston, with keen
interest in voice and eyes alike.
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