Chapter 21: Chapter 21

“It was fine, sir,” responded Lee, “a lot different in some ways than cows.”

Birk continued. “I watched you out there. You learn quick and work hard. I think you’ll work out jist fine.”

Lee smiled and nodded his thanks.

“Pay’s five dollars a week. Can go up to as high as ten if you do a good job.” Before even waiting for Lee to assent to that amount, he went on. “Teddy here will show you the bunkhouse. I don’t allow no drinking on the ranch. That gets saved for the weekend if you go to town, although I’d just a soon you didn’t drink at all.”

Lee tried to take in the information and respond in an appropriate manner. “Uh…Mr. Birk, sir, I won’t be needin’ to stay in the bunkhouse. Me and uh…Me and my family is staying with Nate Beurer in town.”

Charlie Birk looked a bit surprised. “A married man, huh? Well, that’s good, good. Been our experience that married men are steadier on the job and are usually God fearing and reverent.”