Bud knew him by his resemblance to the old man, who came shuffling bent-backed from the machine-shed as Dave passed.
Pop beckoned, and Dave reined his horse that way and stopped at the shed door.

The two talked for a minute and Dave rode on, passing Bud with a curt nod.

Pop came over to where Bud stood leaning against the corral.
"How are you feeling, dad ?" Bud grinned absently.
"Purty stiff an' sore, boy--my rheumatics is bad to-day." Pop winked solemnly.

"I spoke to Dave about you wantin' a job, and I guess likely Dave'll put you on.

They's plenty to do--hayin' comin' on and all that." He lowered his voice mysteriously, though there was no man save Bud within a hundred feet of him.