We can't leave our camp, six miles south, for almost a year yet; so we have blazed a trail and strung barbed wires securely around this lease.

Before we return to our work, I must put this property in the hands of a reliable, brave, strong man who will guard it every hour of the day, and sleep with one eye open at night.

I shall require the entire length of the trail to be walked at least twice each day, to make sure that our lines are up and that no one has been trespassing." Freckles was leaning forward, absorbing every word with such intense eagerness that he was beguiling the Boss into explanations he had never intended making.
"But why wouldn't that be the finest job in the world for me ?" he pleaded.

"I am never sick.

I could walk the trail twice, three times every day, and I'd be watching sharp all the while." "It's because you are scarcely more than a boy, and this will be a trying job for a work-hardened man," answered McLean.