The boy cut him off. “Hey, Jerry,” he called to the foreman, “Here’s another one.” The foreman looked up and spat. “Judas!” he said, “Can’t they keep the bastards at home? I’d put a gun on that river if I was Braid. Well, come along, nig, get a move on and find a shovel. Don’t stand lookin’ at me all day.” The boy went away. Spade found a shovel and started work on the road. The foreman watched him awhile with sarcastic eyes, Spade saw that he, too, wore a pistol. “Christ,” said the foreman, Disgustedly, “Try and put some guts in it there. You’re big enough. That shovel’ll cost five dollars. Remember that⁠—it comes out of your first week’s pay. You’re a free nigger now.” He chuckled. Spade didn’t answer And, after a while, the foreman moved away.