“That ranch we’re goin’ to is right down there about a quarter mile. We’re gonna go in an’ see the boss. Now, look – I’ll give him the work tickets, but you ain’t gonna say a word. You jus’ stand there and don’t say nothing. If he finds out what a crazy bastard you are, we won’t get no job, but if he sees ya work before he hears ya talk, we’re set.”

– John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. George tells Lennie not to speak to the boss. For he knows that if the boss learns of Lennie’s disability, neither of them will get jobs.