"Well, Stephen, here we are." John Tunstall brought his horse and cart to a stop in front of a few small buildings, in the middle of a vast ranch.

The boy sitting beside John glanced up at him with big brown eyes, and said nothing as he nervously took in his surroundings.

"Don't be afraid, Stephen." John motioned to the smallest building. 'That's the bunkhouse. If you have any belongings with you, there's plenty of room to spare.'

The boy once again said nothing, but this time he nodded slightly.

"I'm sorry about your brother, Stephen." John placed his hand comfortingly on Stephen's shoulder. "But, be thankful. It is a wonder that you got away."

The boy looked down and brushed his filthy hair away from an expressionless face.

The sound of horse hooves could suddenly be heard.

John lifted his hand. 'Well, here are the other boys now. Shall I introduce you?' He stepped down from the cart and straightened his jacket.

Stephen followed John's actions, minus straightening his jacket.

Two boys rode up on horses, one with dark, neatly trimmed hair, and a very serious expression on his face. The other had dark skin and flowing black hair. They each carried a rifle on their back.

"Richard, Chavez." John smiled at them.

The one with short hair nodded towards Stephen. "Who's that?"

"This is Stephen." John beckoned Stephen to come forward. "Richard," The boy who had just spoken nodded again. "and Chavez." The one with dark skin made eye contact with Stephen.

Stephen squinted and tilted his hat a little to provide better vision. He instantly came alive at the sight of Chavez. "Oh Christ." He said. "Not a Mexican."

"Welcome, pendejo." Chavez said with mock cheer.

"What'd he just call me?" Stephen exclaimed. "What the hell does pindy-ko mean!"

"Stephen!" John said strictly. "If you wish to stay here, you must use proper manners. Especially towards the other boys."

"I don' take kindly to Mexicans…" Stephen curled his lip.

Chavez's hand crept to the handle of a knife at his waist and Stephen took a challenging step forward

"Stephen, that's enough." John sternly grabbed Stephen's arm.

Stephen stopped advancing, and spit on the ground in front of Chavez's horse. Chavez glared at Stephen.

"Now, I think a proper apology is in order." John commanded.

"Sorry." Stephen muttered.

Chavez nodded in acceptance.

"Now, Richard, would you mind escorting Stephen to the bunkhouse?"

"O' course, Mr. Tunstall." Richard and Chavez both dismounted their horses. Richard handed the reins of his to Chavez. "Could you take him to the stable?"

Chavez led the horses away to the left.

"Come on, boy." Richard took Stephen into the small building on the right.

Inside were four beds, and a small wooden table beside each one. The two beds at the back of the room were obviously occupied.

"The back two are mine an' Chavez's. You can take one of the others." Richard directed.

Stephen looked left and right, and back at Richard.

"Why'ont you have a seat, Stephen?" Richard suggested.

"Steve." He sat on the bed to the right.

"Dick." Richard held out his hand.

Steve shook his hand, and Richard sat down on the bed across from Steve's. Richard looked down at the grime transferred from Steve's hand, and wiped it away on his pants. "This's bed's mine."

"Good." Steve said. "I don't wanter be sleepin' next to a Mexican."

"Hey, now, Chavez is a good guy. What do ya have against Mexicans?" Dick said defensively.

"Yeah, but he'll more'n likely try an' slice one of our necks with that knife o' his, middle o' the night." Steve ignored the question.

"Chavez wouldn't think o' doin' that. You had best be decent to him, Steve." Richard stood up. "Come on now, I'll show you around."

"I think I'll stay 'ere." Steve lay back on his bed.

"Pard'n, but you've got to earn yer stay 'round here." Dick said coldly. "How old are you, 'nyways?"

"Fourteen." Steve murmured.

Richard chuckled slightly.

"You're not much older." Steve snapped.

"I'm sixteen. Chavez's fifteen. Looks like yer gonna be the little guy 'round here." Dick smiled. 'Now, come on, there's plenty o' work to be done.'

"I said, I'll stay 'ere." Steven said menacingly.

'Well, fine, but be ready to start workin' tomorrow, ya hear?' Richard shook his head and left the building.

Steve stared at the ceiling for a while, then buried his head in his pillow and began to sob quietly.