Captain Slocum was Don Grierâs protector. He sent for John the Swede. âDonâs going on a long trip,â the captain said, âand youâre going with him. The boy is soft. He knows little about horses and guns, and will have to know a great deal to face the ordeal at the end of the journey. You will be his schoolmaster. You will teach him how to go hungry and thirsty, how to ride day and night. Above all, you will teach him how to shoot and find his target. Do you hear me?â
âI hear you,â said John sullenly. âBut what powerâll I have to make the brat do exactly what I tell him to do?â
âYou have power,â said the captain, âto beat him until the bruises reach the bone. You have power to leave him in the middle of the desert if he wonât understand and obey you.â The captain went on, âHe enters the ride, a boy. On the other end, I expect you to have made him a man.â