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150 greater respect for the boy and he refrained from making any more comments on his personal appearance.

After the interchange of a few general remarks, Bob said:

"I should be very grateful if some of you gentlemen would tell me of a ranch where I can apply for a job. I'd rather like to get one without Mr. Thomas' assistance."

In this request Higgins saw his chance. About ten miles from the settlement there lived a ranchman who was a man of mystery. Though his grazing ground was good and well-watered, and his pay prompt, he had such a temper that few cowboys would stay with him longer than a month or less, and to him Higgins decided to send Bob.

With this purpose, while the others were evidently trying to think of a suitable place for the boy, he said:

"There's only one I can think of and that's John Ford."

"Ford?" repeated Bob, his memory instantly recalling what the strange man with the scar had said about Sam and John Ford. "Where does he live?"

"Ten miles due west."

"Now, Higgins, you know better than to send this boy out there. Remember what Hal said about playing tricks on him."