Tom glanced up just in time to see that smile.  “Somehow, I don’t quite like the looks of Mr. Black,” Reade decided.

“What is your especial line of work, Mr. Black?” Thurston continued.

“Anything in usual field work, sir.”

“This letter states that you expect one hundred and twenty-five dollars a month.”

“Then the letter is correct, sir.”

“All right, Mr. Black; we’ll put you at work and let you prove that you’re worth it,” smiled Mr. Thurston pleasantly.

“How soon shall I go to work, sir?” asked Black.

“I expect my assistant, Mr. Blaisdell, here in about an hour.  I’ll send you out with him when he returns to field.”

“Then, if you’re through with me at present, sir, I’ll step outside and be within call.”

Tom and his chief were again alone.  Reade kept steadily on with his work, and no word was spoken for half an hour.  Then there came a commotion in camp, for four drovers came in with two dozen horses that had been ordered for the use of the engineering party.

“Step outside, Reade, and see the horses, if you care to do so,” suggested Mr. Thurston, reaching for his sombrero.

“Thank you, sir; but the horses will keep, and I’m greatly interested in finishing my drawing so that I can take up more work.”

“That young cub, Reade, is no idler.” thought the chief, as he stepped into the open.

Tom kept steadily at work.

Ten minutes later, Thurston still being absent, Eugene Black strolled into the tent.  He glanced at Tom’s drawing with some contempt, then inquired: 

“Drawing, boy?”

“Why, not?” laughed Tom.  “I’m only one of the stable boys, and, as you can see, I’m currying a horse.”

“Stop that sort of nonsense with me, right at the start,” flashed Black angrily, striding closer.  “I don’t allow boys to be fresh with me.”

“Where’s the boy?” drawled Tom, turning slightly, for a better view \ of the stranger’s face.

“You’re one,” snapped Black.

“What are you?” Tom asked curiously.

“I’m an engineer.”

“If that is anything to be chesty about, then I’m an engineer also,” Reade replied, rising.

“Sit down, boy!” commanded Black angrily.

The trace of frown on Reade’s face disappeared.  He smiled good-humoredly as he observed.

“Black, I’m a bit uncertain about you.”

“Mister Black, boy!” warned the other, his dark eyes snapping.  “Why are you uncertain about me?”

“I’m wondering,” purred Tom gently, “whether you are just trying to be offensive, or whether you don’t know any better than to talk and act the way you do?”

“You young puppy, I’ll teach you something right now,” cried Black, stepping closer and raising a clenched fist.

“Look out,” begged Tom.  “You’ll upset my drawing table.”

Eugene Black closed in, striking out.  Reade who felt that the situation didn’t call for any fighting, retreated, still smiling.