"The next afternoon, George and Lennie arrive at the ranch and are ushered into their bunk-house by an old man, whose name we later learn is Candy. He works as a swamper, mopping the floors, and has lost his right hand in some accident. He tells George and Lennie that the Boss is angry about their failure to turn up on time, but also says that generally the Boss is not a bad man."
"When the Boss arrives to meet them, George explains why they are late, and the Boss seems to understand although he is not happy. The Boss asks George and Lennie's particulars and writes them down, but he is suspicious about George, whom he thinks is tricking Lennie out of his pay. George lies to the Boss, telling him that Lennie is his retarded cousin. The Boss is satisfied, and tells them to go out to work after dinner."
4
"After the Boss has left, George talks to Lennie, who had forgotten his vow not to say anything to the Boss. George chastises him for this failure. They converse a little more, until George finds old Candy eavesdropping on them. He is worried because Candy now knows that Lennie is not really George's retarded cousin, but Candy reassures George that he will not tell anybody else."
" "
"Just then, Curley, the Boss' son enters the bunk-house, and rudely asks where his father is. After Candy tells him, Curley notices George and Lennie. For some reason he immediately hates Lennie, and almost starts a fight. When Curley leaves, Candy explains that Curley, being rather diminutive in size,"
"*hates big guys."
5
"However, Candy warns that Curley is dangerous despite his size, because he knows how to box. Candy also remarks that Curley's behaviour seems to have worsened since his marriage."
" "
"George is very worried by the encounter with Curley, and sees trouble ahead. He reminds Lennie that if he ever gets into trouble he should run down to the brush by the river and wait for George."
" "
"Curley's wife appears and says she is looking for Curley. While George and Curley's wife talk, Lennie stares at her, entranced. When she has left, George angrily scolds Lennie, telling him to stay away from Curley's wife."
3
"Later, Lennie and George meet Slim. He is a jerkline skinner on the ranch, and has earned a lot of respect from everybody. They also meet Carlson. Both men seem friendly, and after talking for a while, Carlson and Slim go to dinner. While they were talking, Slim had revealed that his dog had just had puppies. Lennie is excited, because he has always wanted a puppy to pet."
" "
"Once again Curley enters the bunk-house, this time looking for his wife. After he leaves, George and Lennie go and get their dinner."
