"But, say, boss, ye couldn't stake me to a drink and
some chuck afore I loosen up me muscles?"
"Your pay will be two dollars a day," said Alan, "but no drinking
goes. Here's a note that will get you something to eat." And
writing a message to Elmer the tramp was soon hurrying to the car
for a meal. A half hour later, with his sleeves rolled up, he
returned, riding alongside Buck on the wagon.
Ned had given the new hand little attention.
Now he looked him over and asked:
"What's your real name?"
"Gus, boss; or, spellin' it out, Gustave Lippe. How's dat for a
handle--Lippe?"
Ned looked at the young man long and sharply.
"One name, they say, is as good as another out here. But I didn't
know tramps got this far west."
"Sure," answered the tramp, "It's long jumps and hard ones. It's me
last excursion dis way."
"Well," said Ned slowly, "you can work for us as long as you are not
too inquisitive."
"Dat's me, boss. I'm de clam till me two dollars per will git me to
de next whistle."
"Then you'd better arrange to board with Buck."
"Dat's me lay, boss, already booked.
Pages:
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77