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Benteen didn’t say yes or no “We’re gonna be holdin’ this herd outside of Fort Worth for about a hile I get supplies and take care of a few personal matters I’ll be needin’ some extra help to spell the boys They’ll have to be dependable”

“You can depend on erly

“It wouldn’t be easy,” Benteen cautioned

“Work’s never easy I can handle anything, though,” Joe Dollarhide boasted

“Have you got a saddle?” His pointed glance drew attention to the chestnut’s bare back

“No,” he adonna buy me one when I draw my first pay”

“I think you’re gonna need so in the meantime,” Benteen murmured dryly “It’s kinda hard holdin’ on to the end of a rope when there’s an eight-hundred-pound steer on the other end who doesn’t want to be there”

“I’ll ster insisted, determined not to lose his chance at the job

It was a fool’s brag, but Benteen let it slide by without coive you a try for a few days If you work out, I’ll sign you on for the rest of the drive Does that sound fair, Joe Dollarhide?”

“You bet!” he exclaimed “You won’t be sorry I promise”

“If you stay on, I’ll pay you thirty dollars a month and found But you can’t coithout a saddle Until you get your own, I better see if we can’t find a spare one for you to use” There was an old one in the barn, if Benteen reht It was the worse for wear, but better than nothing

“I’ll pay for the use of it,” Joe Dollarhide insisted proudly

“Ride on hoht after daybreak to,” Benteen stated “If I’m not here, report to Jessie Trumbo He’ll tell you what to do”

Joe Dollarhide pushed his hand to Benteen to shake on the agreement “I sure do want to thank you for considerin’ hirin’ ood for you It’s time I was seein’ somethin’ more of this world ’sides Texas”

A smile pulled at the corners of Benteen’s mouth as he shook hands with the boy That thirst for excite Despite Joe Dollarhide’s inexperience, there was so about the boy he liked