ooc: I was waiting on Javia all this time but shrugs....might as well bring Cade back into the picture.

IC:   Hopefully they had everything expected of them in the back of that wagon as the pair pulled up the vehicle near the farmhouse. More men were about, obviously Cade didn't know any of them. Just maybe one was the owner of the ranch though? Hopefully he could then get a firm answer - be that 'yes' or 'no' whether he had gotten hired here. It did seem the man had a lot of hands already.

Mrs. Pike did the introductions, presenting him and Muley.

Cade nodded acknowledgement, "Howdy. Your wife's been real kindly. And a good cook too."

Any bunk?  Well, any that didn't have any gear already tossed on it, claiming it as taken.  Justus looked around the room.  A cot near the stove would be nice and cozy in winter, but then, one by the window would let in a nice breeze in the summer...Or near the door for quick access to the outhouse...

Finally, Justus tossed his saddlebags on a top bunk mid-way between the stove and a window.  The bottom one had been claimed, he wasn't sure by whom, but it didn't really matter, so far he'd been getting along well with everyone.

Later, when things had settled down some, he'd put his gear into one of the many footlockers, and he was looking forward to a night on a soft mattress with a real pillow and a blanket that didn't stink of horse!

Back out in the yard, he looked over the two men, one about his age, and another...well, wizened...who looked to be getting a job.  More hands to spread the work around, the better, right?

Mrs. Pike did the introductions, presenting him and Muley.

Cade nodded acknowledgement, "Howdy. Your wife's been real kindly. And a good cook too."

"Well thanks, son. Cade is it? Well there's work a'plenty to be had, That's fer sure. Be glad ta have ya was you a mind to stay. These boys what brung up the herd, seasoned cowhands, you can lean a lot workin' with the likes of them." Then he looked up at Muley, "An' this here fossil you drug along with ya? He any good at anything 'cept tall tales and the like?"

@Javia @Wayfarer

"Well thanks, son. Cade is it?"

"Yessir, Cade Brodie...not from around here though," the young man nodded, heading off one possible question.

"Well there's work a'plenty to be had, That's fer sure. Be glad ta have ya was you a mind to stay. These boys what brung up the herd, seasoned cowhands, you can lean a lot workin' with the likes of them." Then he looked up at Muley, "An' this here fossil you drug along with ya? He any good at anything 'cept tall tales and the like?"

"I came hopin' for a job, sir...so yessir, I'd love to stay," Cade continued to nod, "I've worked on a ranch before and even been on a cattle drive too. But always willin' ta learn something new if it comes up."

He had to smile at the crack about Muley, though he had thought the two men knew each other? No matter, Muley could speak for himself on this.

"He actually brought me along but go ahead, Muley," Cade grinned, " I do know he sure is good at talkin'."

"Seems like we hit th' jackpot!" Justus declared.  "Makes eatin' all that dust worth while.  Hopefully, th' town matches up."  He glanced at Zane.  "Maybe yer friend'd think about comin' ta work here?" It was something to consider, anyway!

"Gonna be somethin', layin' yer head in th' same place every night, honest pay..."

He knew it wasn't going to be easy, cattle work took long, hard hours, and he'd never really seen snow, much the less have to work in it.

"Any of ya been much in snow?  I ain't so sure Mule's gonna like it, he's more inclined ta warm days an' grazin' in th' fields!"  Well, the horse preferred a slow, ambling pace anyway, so cold was likely not to sit too well with him!

"Why in seventy-three we got caught on the pains outta Abilene Kansas, sorry excuse fer a cow town!" Wheezer began, "Miserable week thet was. Now mind, we had ta improvise shelter and there weren't nothin' dry. Danger if thet weren't a long ride home. But!! This here, a roof over are hades, dry clothes, hot meals, it'll be alright. Reckon this Pike feller'll bring the herd in closer fer us to work. which'll be feedin' and keepin' watch on 'em."

I was holed up in Nebraska one winter," Zane said, "About like this, but not so many hands. Two 'er three of us'd be out with the cows at a time, there was eight 'er ten of us. Weren't so bad, no holes in the roof'a the place, fair ta middlin' grub and plenty'a wood fer the stove. Not too bad at all." He grinned. "Gonna be jest fine Justice. jest fine."

"Reckon once we get our pay an' have some time, I'd best get ta town an' get me some winter gear," Justus commented with a chuckle.  "Can't help it if I happen ta run into a gal'er two while I'm there!" Laughing, he looked around and shook his head.  "With this bunch, I don't think I'll hafta worry 'bout competition!"

He laughed again, taking a step back to be sure he wasn't within swatting distance of anyone!  "I'll just dazzle all them gals with my dashin' smile!  Sorry that they won't need ta even look at th' rest of ya!"

"Son, yer jest so full'a yerself there ain't hardly room in them clothes fer alla ya." Wheezer said, "Now, chances are they ain't no woman in thet town down there'd take a second look at the likes of you, all shabby lookin' an' all."

"I guerss Wheezer here's got himself a point. Best we clean up and don the best duds we got before traipsin' inta town. Don't wanna give this spread a bad name cuz we look like somethin' the cat drug in." Zane added just as Frank Teal stepped up.

"Best you boys get on down'th herd. Keep your eyes peeled, there's been local rustlin' and they ain't afraid to kill doin' it." He said. "Make sure them Winchesters is loaded and close to hand. Be sure ya got spare amma'nition with ya. Grub'll be brought down to ya, and hot 'er I'll know the reason why."

"Boys, hate to do this but since the world saw the dust from this herd, there just might be some nosey so 'n so's come for a look-see. Maybe some other reason. You'll get relieved in four hours." Pike promised. "There' a man 'er men that might be deliverin' three bulls, and that valley is where he was told to make the delivery. Just so's you know."

"Of course I'm full'a myself," Justus grinned broadly, "who wouldn't be, lookin' so good?  An' cleaned up?  Hoo-wee, them gals won't stand a chance!"

He laughed, but then Teal came in and ruined everything!  While he managed not to 'huff', he did roll his eyes.  They'd just gotten here, hadn't even really settled, and the aromas from the kitchen were amazing!

But, he knew this was part of being a ranch hand, and there was no complaining, so he grabbed his hat and headed to the barn with the others.  He'd take Annie out and let Mule have the rest he wasn't going to get just yet!