He had had some success in breaking up a band of cattle thieves which had made existence miserable for Sid Tucker, his employer, and the latter had recommended him to Stafford.

The promise of high wages had been attractive, and so he had come.

He had not expected to surprise any one.

When during his conversation with the tall man in Dry Bottom he had discovered that the latter was the man for whom he was to work he had been surprised himself.

But he had not revealed his surprise.