human
Well, you needn't be cross about it; you know yourself that Peter can't be depended on a minute. There he went off yesterday and never fed the pigs their noon slop, and I had to carry it out myself. And my lumbago has bothered me ever since, just like it was going to give me another spell. You can't be here all the time, Billy Louise--leastways you ain't; and Peter--
gpt
Oh, good gracious, mommie! I told you to hire the man if you want him. Only Ward Warren isn't--
human
Isn't--what?
gpt
Isn't the kind of man who wants to hire out to do chores, Billy Louise finished and looked at him straight.
human
Are you? Mommie wants to hire you.
gpt
Oh. Well, I was just about to ask for the job, anyway. He laughed, and the distrust left his eyes.
human
As a matter of fact, I was going over to Jim Larson's to hang out for the rest of the winter and get away from the lonesomeness of the hills. The old Turk's a pretty good friend of mine. But it looks to me as if you two needed something around that looks like a man a heap more than Jim does. I know Peter Howling Dog to a fare-you-well; you'll be all to the good if he forgets to come back. So if you'll stake me to a meal now and then, and a place to sleep, I'll be glad to see you through the winter--or until you get some white man to take my place.