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diff --git a/old/13194-h/13194-h.htm b/old/13194-h/13194-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..708bc32 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/13194-h/13194-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,26393 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> + +<html> +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> + + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Rules of the Game, by Stewart Edward White.</title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + BODY{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%;} + // --> + </style> +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Rules of the Game, by Stewart Edward White + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Rules of the Game + +Author: Stewart Edward White + +Release Date: August 16, 2004 [EBook #13194] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RULES OF THE GAME *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Beginners Projects, Maria Khomenko and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + +</pre> + + <img src="images/rgfrontis.jpg" + alt= + "He worked desperately. The heat of the flames began to scorch his face and hands."> + <br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="THE_RULES_OF_THE_GAME"></a> + + <h2>THE RULES OF THE GAME</h2> + + <h3>BY</h3> + + <h2>STEWART EDWARD WHITE</h2> + + <h4>1910</h4><br> + + + <p>Illustrated By Lejaren A. Hiller</p><br> + + + <p>INCLUDING THAT OF TRANSLATION INTO FOREIGN LANGUAGES, + INCLUDING THE SCANDINAVIAN, 1909, 1910, BY JAMES HORSBURGH, JR, + 1910, BY DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY PUBLISHED, OCTOBER, + 1910</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="AUTHOR'S_NOTE"></a> + + <h2>AUTHOR'S NOTE</h2><br> + + + <p><i>The geography in this novel may easily be recognized by + one familiar with the country. For that reason it is necessary + to state that the characters therein are in no manner to be + confused with the people actually inhabiting and developing + that locality. The Power Company promoted by Baker has + absolutely nothing to do with any Power Company utilizing any + streams: the delectable Plant never exercised his talents in + Sierra North. The author must decline to acknowledge any + identifications of the sort. Plant and Baker and all the rest + are, however, only to a limited extent fictitious characters. + What they did and what they stood for is absolutely + true.</i></p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="ILLUSTRATIONS"></a> + + <h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2><br> + + + <p>He worked desperately. The heat of the flames began to + scorch his face and hands.</p> + + <p>The men calmly withdrew the long ribbon of steel and stood + to one side.</p> + + <p>"I beg pardon," said he. The girl turned.</p> + + <p>Bob found it two hours' journey down.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="PART_ONE"></a> + + <h2>PART ONE</h2><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="I"></a> + + <h2>I</h2><br> + + + <p>Late one fall afternoon, in the year 1898, a train paused + for a moment before crossing a bridge over a river. From it + descended a heavy-set, elderly man. The train immediately + proceeded on its way.</p> + + <p>The heavy-set man looked about him. The river and the + bottom-land growths of willow and hardwood were hemmed in, as + far as he could see, by low-wooded hills. Only the railroad + bridge, the steep embankment of the right-of-way, and a small, + painted, windowless structure next the water met his eye as the + handiwork of man. The windowless structure was bleak, deserted + and obviously locked by a strong padlock and hasp. + Nevertheless, the man, throwing on his shoulder a canvas + duffle-bag with handles, made his way down the steep railway + embankment, across a plank over the ditch, and to the edge of + the water. Here he dropped his bag heavily, and looked about + him with an air of comical dismay.</p> + + <p>The man was probably close to sixty years of age, but florid + and vigorous. His body was heavy and round; but so were his + arms and legs. An otherwise absolutely unprepossessing face was + rendered most attractive by a pair of twinkling, humorous blue + eyes, set far apart. Iron-gray hair, with a tendency to curl + upward at the ends, escaped from under his hat. His movements + were slow and large and purposeful.</p> + + <p>He rattled the padlock on the boathouse, looked at his + watch, and sat down on his duffle-bag. The wind blew strong up + the river; the baring branches of the willows whipped loose + their yellow leaves. A dull, leaden light stole up from the + east as the afternoon sun lost its strength.</p> + + <p>By the end of ten minutes, however, the wind carried with it + the creak of rowlocks. A moment later a light, flat duck-boat + shot around the bend and drew up at the float.</p> + + <p>"Well, Orde, you confounded old scallywattamus," remarked + the man on the duffle-bag, without moving, "is this your notion + of meeting a train?"</p> + + <p>The oarsman moored his frail craft and stepped to the float. + He was about ten years the other's junior, big of frame, tanned + of skin, clear of eye, and also purposeful of movement.</p> + + <p>"This boathouse," he remarked incisively, "is the property + of the Maple County Duck Club. Trespassers will be prosecuted. + Get off this float."</p> + + <p>Then they clasped hands and looked at each other.</p> + + <p>"It's surely like old times to see you again, Welton," Orde + broke the momentary silence. "It's been—let's + see—fifteen years, hasn't it? How's Minnesota?"</p> + + <p>"Full of ducks," stated Welton emphatically, "and if you + haven't anything but mud hens and hell divers here, I'm going + to sue you for getting me here under false pretences. I want + ducks."</p> + + <p>"Well, I'll get the keeper to shoot you some," replied Orde, + soothingly, "or you can come out and see me kill 'em if you'll + sit quiet and not rock the boat. Climb aboard. It's getting + late."</p> + + <p>Welton threw aboard his duffle-bag, and, with a dexterity + marvellous in one apparently so unwieldy, stepped in astern. + Orde grinned.</p> + + <p>"Haven't forgotten how to ride a log, I reckon?" he + commented.</p> + + <p>Welton exploded.</p> + + <p>"Look here, you little squirt!" he cried, "I'd have you know + I'm riding logs yet. I don't suppose you'd know a log if you'd + see one, you' soft-handed, degenerate, old riverhog, you! A + golf ball's about your size!"</p> + + <p>"No," said Orde; "a fat old hippopotamus named Welton is + about my size—as I'll show you when we land at the + Marsh!"</p> + + <p>Welton grinned.</p> + + <p>"How's Mrs. Orde and the little boy?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Orde is fine and dandy, and the 'little boy,' as you + call him, graduated from college last June," Orde replied.</p> + + <p>"You don't say!" cried Welton, genuinely astounded. "Why, of + course, he must have! Can he lick his dad?"</p> + + <p>"You bet he can—or could if his dad would give him a + chance. Why, he's been captain of the football team for two + years."</p> + + <p>"And football's the only game I'd come out of the woods to + see," said Welton. "I must have seen him up at Minneapolis when + his team licked the stuffing out of our boys; and I remember + his name. But I never thought of him as little + Bobby—because—well, because I always did remember + him as little Bobby."</p> + + <p>"He's big Bobby, now, all right," said Orde, "and that's one + reason I wanted to see you; why I asked you to run over from + Chicago next time you came down. Of course, there <i>are</i> + ducks, too."</p> + + <p>"There'd better be!" said Welton grimly.</p> + + <p>"I want Bob to go into the lumber business, same as his dad + was. This congressman game is all right, and I don't see how I + can very well get out of it, even if I wanted to. But, Welton, + I'm a Riverman, and I always will be. It's in my bones. I want + Bob to grow up in the smell of the woods—same as his dad. + I've always had that ambition for him. It was the one thing + that made me hesitate longest about going to Washington. I + looked forward to <i>Orde & Son</i>."</p> + + <p>He was resting on his oars, and the duck-boat drifted + silently by the swaying brown reeds.</p><br> + + + <p>Welton nodded.</p> + + <p>"I want you to take him and break him in. I'd rather have + you than any one I know. You're the only one of the outsiders + who stayed by the Big Jam," Orde continued. "Don't try to + favour him—that's no favour. If he doesn't make good, + fire him. Don't tell any of your people that he's the son of a + friend. Let him stand on his own feet. If he's any good we'll + work him into the old game. Just give him a job, and keep an + eye on him for me, to see how well he does."</p> + + <p>"Jack, the job's his," said Welton. "But it won't do him + much good, because it won't last long. We're cleaned up in + Minnesota; and have only an odd two years on some odds and ends + we picked up in Wisconsin just to keep us busy."</p> + + <p>"What are you going to do then?" asked Orde, quietly dipping + his oars again.</p> + + <p>"I'm going to retire and enjoy life."</p> + + <p>Orde laughed quietly.</p> + + <p>"Yes, you are!" said he. "You'd have a high old time for a + calendar month. Then you'd get uneasy. You'd build you a big + house, which would keep you mad for six months more. Then you'd + degenerate to buying subscription books, and wheezing around a + club and going by the cocktail route. You'd look sweet + retiring, now, wouldn't you?"</p> + + <p>Welton grinned back, a trifle ruefully.</p> + + <p>"You can no more retire than I can," Orde went on. "And as + for enjoying life, I'll trade jobs with you in a minute, you + ungrateful old idiot."</p> + + <p>"I know it, Jack," confessed Welton; "but what can I do? I + can't pick up any more timber at any price. I tell you, the + game is played out. We're old mossbacks; and our job is + done."</p> + + <p>"I have five hundred million feet of sugar pine in + California. What do you say to going in with me to + manufacture?"</p> + + <p>"The hell you have!" cried Welton, his jaw dropping. "I + didn't know that!"</p> + + <p>"Neither does anybody else. I bought it twenty years ago, + under a corporation name. I was the whole corporation. Called + myself the Wolverine Company."</p> + + <p>"You own the Wolverine property, do you?"</p> + + <p>"Yes; ever hear of it?"</p> + + <p>"I know where it is. I've been out there trying to get hold + of something, but you have the heart of it."</p> + + <p>"Thought you were going to retire," Orde pointed out.</p> + + <p>"The property's all right, but I've some sort of notion the + title is clouded."</p> + + <p>"Why?"</p> + + <p>"Can't seem to remember; but I must have come against some + record somewhere. Didn't pay extra much attention, because I + wasn't interested in that piece. Something to do with + fraudulent homesteading, wasn't it?"</p> + + <p>Orde dropped his oars across his lap to fill and light a + pipe.</p> + + <p>"That title was deliberately clouded by an enemy to prevent + my raising money at the time of the Big Jam, when I was + pinched," said he. "Frank Taylor straightened it out for me. + You can see him. As a matter of fact, most of that land I + bought outright from the original homesteaders, and the rest + from a bank. I was very particular. There's one 160 I wouldn't + take on that account."</p> + + <p>"Well, that's all right," said Welton, his jolly eyes + twinkling. "Why the secrecy?"</p> + + <p>"I wanted a business for Bob when he should grow up," + explained Orde; "but I didn't want any of this 'rich man's son' + business. Nothing's worse for a boy than to feel that + everything's cut and dried for him. He is to understand that he + must go to work for somebody else, and stand strictly on his + own feet, and make good on his own efforts. That's why I want + you to break him in."</p> + + <p>"All right. And about this partnership?"</p> + + <p>"I want you to take charge. I can't leave Washington. We'll + get down to details later. Bob can work for you there the same + as here. By and by, we'll see whether to tell him or not."</p> + + <p>The twilight had fallen, and the shores of the river were + lost in dusk. The surface of the water itself shone with an + added luminosity, reflecting the sky. In the middle distance + twinkled a light, beyond which in long stretches lay the sombre + marshes.</p> + + <p>"That's the club," said Orde. "Now, if you disgrace me, you + old duffer, I'll use you as a decoy!"</p> + + <p>A few moments later the two men, opening the door of the + shooting-box, plunged into a murk of blue tobacco smoke. A + half-dozen men greeted them boisterously. These were just about + to draw lots for choice of blinds on the morrow. A savoury + smell of roasting ducks came from the tiny kitchen where + Weber—punter, keeper, duck-caller and + cook—exercised the last-named function. Welton drew last + choice, and was commiserated on his bad fortune. No one offered + to give way to the guest, however. On this point the rules of + the Club were inflexible.</p> + + <p>Luckily the weather changed. It turned cold; the wind blew a + gale. Squalls of light snow swept the marshes. Men chattered + and shivered, and blew on their wet fingers, but in from the + great open lake came myriads of water-fowl, seeking shelter, + and the sport was grand.</p> + + <p>"Well, old stick-in-the-mud," said Orde as, at the end of + two days, the men thawed out in a smoking car, "ducks enough + for you?"</p> + + <p>"Jack," said Welton solemnly, "there are no ducks in + Minnesota. They've all come over here. I've had the time of my + life. And about that other thing: as soon as our woods work is + under way, I'll run out to California and look over the + ground—see how easy it is to log that country. Then we + can talk business. In the meantime, send Bob over to the + Chicago office. I'll let Harvey break him in a little on the + office work until I get back. When will he show up?"</p> + + <p>Orde grinned apologetically.</p> + + <p>"The kid has set his heart on coaching the team this fall, + and he don't want to go to work until after the season," said + he. "I'm just an old fool enough to tell him he could wait. I + know he ought to be at it now—you and I were, long before + his age; but----"</p> + + <p>"Oh, shut up!" interrupted Welton, his big body shaking all + over with mirth. "You talk like a copy-book. I'm not a + constituent, and you needn't run any bluffs on me. You're + tickled to death with that boy, and you are hoping that team + will lick the everlasting daylights out of Chicago, + Thanksgiving; and you wouldn't miss the game or have Bob out of + the coaching for the whole of California; and you know it. Send + him along when you get ready."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="II"></a> + + <h2>II</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob Orde, armed with a card of introduction to Fox, Welton's + office partner, left home directly after Thanksgiving. He had + heard much of Welton & Fox in the past, both from his + father and his father's associates. The firm name meant to him + big things in the past history of Michigan's industries, and + big things in the vague, large life of the Northwest. + Therefore, he was considerably surprised, on finding the firm's + Adams Street offices, to observe their comparative + insignificance.</p> + + <p>He made his way into a narrow entry, containing merely a + high desk, a safe, some letter files, and two bookkeepers. + Then, without challenge, he walked directly into a large + apartment, furnished as simply, with another safe, a + typewriter, several chairs, and a large roll-top desk. At the + latter a man sprawled, reading a newspaper. Bob looked about + for a further door closed on an inner private office, where the + weighty business must be transacted. There was none. The tall, + broad, lean young man hesitated, looking about him with a + puzzled expression in his earnest young eyes. Could this be the + heart and centre of those vast and far-reaching activities he + had heard so much about?</p> + + <p>After a moment the man in the revolving chair looked up + shrewdly over his paper. Bob felt himself the object of an + instant's searching scrutiny from a pair of elderly steel-gray + eyes.</p> + + <p>"Well?" said the man, briefly.</p> + + <p>"I am looking for Mr. Fox," explained Bob.</p> + + <p>"I am Fox."</p> + + <p>The young man moved forward his great frame with the easy, + loose-jointed grace of the trained athlete. Without comment he + handed his card of introduction to the seated man. The latter + glanced at it, then back to the young fellow before him.</p> + + <p>"Glad to see you, Mr. Orde," he unbent slightly. "I've been + expecting you. If you're as good a man as your father, you'll + succeed. If you're not as good a man as your father, you may + get on—well enough. But you've got to be some good on + your own account. We'll see." He raised his voice slightly. + "Jim!" he called.</p> + + <p>One of the two bookkeepers appeared in the doorway.</p> + + <p>"This is young Mr. Orde," Fox told him. "You knew his father + at Monrovia and Redding."</p> + + <p>The bookkeeper examined Bob dispassionately.</p> + + <p>"Harvey is our head man here," went on Fox. "He'll take + charge of you."</p> + + <p>He swung his leg over the arm of his chair and resumed his + newspaper. After a few moments he thrust the crumpled sheet + into a huge waste basket and turned to his desk, where he + speedily lost himself in a mass of letters and papers.</p> + + <p>Harvey disappeared. Bob stood for a moment, then took a seat + by the window, where he could look out over the smoky city and + catch a glimpse of the wintry lake beyond. As nothing further + occurred for some time, he removed his overcoat, and gazed + about him with interest on the framed photographs of logging + scenes and camps that covered the walls. At the end of ten + minutes Harvey returned from the small outer office. Harvey + was, perhaps, fifty-five years of age, exceeding methodical, + very competent.</p> + + <p>"Can you run a typewriter?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>"A little," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well, copy this, with a carbon duplicate."</p> + + <p>Bob took the paper Harvey extended to him. He found it to be + a list, including hundreds of items. The first few lines were + like this:</p> + + <p>Sec. 4 T, 6 N.R., 26 W S.W. 1/4 of N.W. 1/4<br> + <span style="layout-flow: horizontal; margin-left: 1.25em;">4 + 6 26 + N.W. 1/4 of N.W. 1/4</span><br> + <span style= + "layout-flow: horizontal; margin-left: 1.25em;">4 + 6 26 + S.W. 1/4 of S.W. 1/4</span><br> + <span style= + "layout-flow: horizontal; margin-left: 1.25em;">5 + 6 26 + S.W. 1/4 of N.W. 1/4</span><br> + <span style= + "layout-flow: horizontal; margin-left: 1.25em;">5 + 6 26 + S.E. 1/4 of N.W. 1/4</span></p> + + <p>After an interminable sequence, another of the figures would + change, or a single letter of the alphabet would shift. And so + on, column after column. Bob had not the remotest notion of + what it all meant, but he copied it and handed the result to + Harvey. In a few moments Harvey returned.</p> + + <p>"Did you verify this?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"What?" Bob inquired.</p> + + <p>"Verify it, check it over, compare it," snapped Harvey, + impatiently.</p> + + <p>Bob took the list, and with infinite pains which, + nevertheless, could not prevent him from occasionally losing + the place in the bewilderment of so many similar figures, he + managed to discover that he had omitted three and miscopied + two. He corrected these mistakes with ink and returned the list + to Harvey. Harvey looked sourly at the ink marks, and gave the + boy another list to copy.</p> + + <p>Bob found this task, which lasted until noon, fully as + exhilarating as the other. When he returned his copies he + ventured an inquiry.</p> + + <p>"What are these?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Descriptions," snapped Harvey.</p> + + <p>In time he managed to reason out the fact that they were + descriptions of land; that each item of the many hundreds meant + a separate tract. Thus the first line of his first copy, + translated, would have read as follows:</p> + + <p>"The southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section + number four, township number six, north, range number + twenty-six, west."</p> + + <p>—And that it represented forty acres of timber land. + The stupendous nature of such holdings made him gasp, and he + gasped again when he realized that each of his mistakes meant + the misplacement on the map of enough for a good-sized farm. + Nevertheless, as day succeeded day, and the lists had no end, + the mistakes became more difficult to avoid. The S, W, E, and N + keys on the typewriter bothered him, hypnotized him, forced him + to strike fantastic combinations of their own. Once Harvey + entered to point out to him an impossible N.S.</p> + + <p>Over his lists Harvey, the second bookkeeper, and Fox held + long consultations. Then Bob leaned back in his office chair to + examine for the hundredth time the framed photographs of + logging crews, winter scenes in the forest, record loads of + logs; and to speculate again on the maps, deer heads, and + hunting trophies. At first they had appealed to his + imagination. Now they had become too familiar. Out the window + were the palls of smoke, gigantic buildings, crevasse-like + streets, and swirling winds of Chicago.</p> + + <p>Occasionally men would drift in, inquiring for the heads of + the firm. Then Fox would hang one leg over the arm of his + swinging chair, light a cigar, and enter into desultory + conversation. To Bob a great deal of time seemed thus to be + wasted. He did not know that big deals were decided in + apparently casual references to business.</p> + + <p>Other lists varied the monotony. After he had finished the + tax lists he had to copy over every description a second time, + with additional statistics opposite each, like this:</p> + + <p>S.W. 1/4 of N.W. 1/4, T. 4 N.R., 17, W. Sec. 32,<br> + <span style="layout-flow: horizontal; margin-left: 3em;">W.P. + 68, N. 16, H. 5.</span></p><br> + + <p>The last characters translated into: "White pine, 68,000 + feet; Norway pine, 16,000 feet; hemlock, 5,000 feet," and that + inventoried the standing timber on the special forty acres.</p> + + <p>And occasionally he tabulated for reference long statistics + on how Camp 14 fed its men for 32 cents a day apiece, while + Camp 32 got it down to 27 cents.</p> + + <p>That was all, absolutely all, except that occasionally they + sent him out to do an errand, or let him copy a wordy contract + with a great many <i>whereases</i> and <i>wherefores</i>.</p> + + <p>Bob little realized that nine-tenths of this + timber—all that wherein S P (sugar pine) took the place + of W P—was in California, belonged to his own father, and + would one day be his. For just at this time the principal + labour of the office was in checking over the estimates on the + Western tract.</p> + + <p>Bob did his best because he was a true sportsman, and he had + entered the game, but he did not like it, and the slow, sleepy + monotony of the office, with its trivial tasks which he did not + understand, filled him with an immense and cloying languor. The + firm seemed to be dying of the sleeping sickness. Nothing ever + happened. They filed their interminable statistics, and + consulted their interminable books, and marked squares off + their interminable maps, and droned along their monotonous, + unimportant life in the same manner day after day. Bob was used + to out-of-doors, used to exercise, used to the animation of + free human intercourse. He watched the clock in spite of + himself. He made mistakes out of sheer weariness of spirit, and + in the footing of the long columns of figures he could not + summon to his assistance the slow, painstaking enthusiasm for + accuracy which is the sole salvation of those who would get the + answer. He was not that sort of chap.</p> + + <p>But he was not a quitter, either. This was life. He tried + conscientiously to do his best in it. Other men did; so could + he.</p> + + <p>The winter moved on somnolently. He knew he was not making a + success. Harvey was inscrutable, taciturn, not to be + approached. Fox seemed to have forgotten his official + existence, although he was hearty enough in his morning + greetings to the young man. The young bookkeeper, Archie, was + more friendly, but even he was a being apart, alien, one of the + strangely accurate machines for the putting down and docketing + of these innumerable and unimportant figures. He would have + liked to know and understand Bob, just as the latter would have + liked to know and understand him, but they were separated by a + wide gulf in which whirled the nothingnesses of training and + temperament. However, Archie often pointed out mistakes to Bob + before the sardonic Harvey discovered them. Harvey never said + anything. He merely made a blue pencil mark in the margin, and + handed the document back. But the weariness of his smile!</p> + + <p>One day Bob was sent to the bank. His business there was + that of an errand boy. Discovering it to be sleeting, he + returned for his overcoat. Harvey was standing rigid in the + door of the inner office, talking to Fox.</p> + + <p>"He has an ingrained inaccuracy. He will never do for + business," Bob caught.</p> + + <p>Archie looked at him pityingly.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="III"></a> + + <h2>III</h2><br> + + + <p>The winter wore away. Bob dragged himself out of bed every + morning at half-past six, hurried through a breakfast, caught a + car—and hoped that the bridge would be closed. Otherwise + he would be late at the office, which would earn him Harvey's + marked disapproval. Bob could not see that it mattered much + whether he was late or not. Generally he had nothing whatever + to do for an hour or so. At noon he ate disconsolately at a + cheap saloon restaurant. At five he was free to go out among + his own kind—with always the thought before him of the + alarm clock the following morning.</p> + + <p>One day he sat by the window, his clean, square chin in his + hand, his eyes lost in abstraction. As he looked, the winter + murk parted noiselessly, as though the effect were prearranged; + a blue sky shone through on a glint of bluer water; and, wonder + of wonders, there through the grimy dirty roar of Adams Street + a single, joyful robin note flew up to him.</p> + + <p>At once a great homesickness overpowered him. He could see + plainly the half-sodden grass of the campus, the budding trees, + the red "gym" building, and the crowd knocking up flies. In a + little while the shot putters and jumpers would be out in their + sweaters. Out at Regents' Field the runners were getting into + shape. Bob could almost hear the creak of the rollers smoothing + out the tennis courts; he could almost recognize the voices of + the fellows perching about, smell the fragrant reek of their + pipes, savour the sweet spring breeze. The library clock boomed + four times, then clanged the hour. A rush of feet from all the + recitation rooms followed as a sequence, the opening of doors, + the murmur of voices, occasionally a shout. Over it sounded the + sharp, half-petulant advice of the coaches and the little + trainer to the athletes. It was getting dusk. The campus was + emptying. Through the trees shone lights. And Bob looked up, as + he had so often done before, to see the wonder of the great + dome against the afterglow of sunset.</p> + + <p>Harvey was examining him with some curiosity.</p> + + <p>"Copied those camp reports?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>Bob glanced hastily at the clock. He had been dreaming over + an hour.</p> + + <p>A little later Fox came in; and a little after that Harvey + returned bringing in his hand the copies of the camp reports, + but instead of taking them directly to Bob for correction, as + had been his habit, he laid them before Fox. The latter picked + them up and examined them. In a moment he dropped them on his + desk.</p> + + <p>"Do you mean to tell me," he demanded of Harvey, "that + <i>seventeen</i> only ran ten thousand? Why, it's preposterous! + Saw it myself. It has a half-million on it, if there's a stick. + Let's see Parsons's letter."</p> + + <p>While Harvey was gone, Fox read further in the copy.</p> + + <p>"See here, Harvey," he cried, "something's dead wrong. We + never cut all this hemlock. Why, hemlock's 'way down."</p> + + <p>Harvey laid the original on the desk. After a second Fox's + face cleared.</p> + + <p>"Why, this is all right. There were 480,000 on + <i>seventeen</i>. And that hemlock seems to have got in the + wrong column. You want to be a little more careful, Jim. Never + knew that to happen before. Weren't out with the boys last + night, were you?"</p> + + <p>But Harvey refused to respond to frivolity.</p> + + <p>"It's never happened before because I never let it happen + before," he replied stiffly. "There have been mistakes like + that, and worse, in almost every report we've filed. I've cut + them out. Now, Mr. Fox, I don't have much to say, but I'd + rather do a thing myself than do it over after somebody else. + We've got a good deal to keep track of in this office, as you + know, without having to go over everybody else's work too."</p> + + <p>"H'm," said Fox, thoughtfully. Then after a moment, "I'll + see about it."</p> + + <p>Harvey went back to the outer office, and Fox turned at once + to Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well, how is it?" he asked. "How did it happen?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know," replied Bob. "I'm trying, Mr. Fox. Don't + think it isn't that. But it's new to me, and I can't seem to + get the hang of it right away."</p> + + <p>"I see. How long you been here?"</p> + + <p>"A little over four months."</p> + + <p>Fox swung back in his chair leisurely.</p> + + <p>"You must see you're not fair to Harvey," he announced. + "That man carries the details of four businesses in his head, + he practically does the clerical work for them all, and he + never seems to hurry. Also, he can put his hand without + hesitation on any one of these documents," he waved his hand + about the room. "I can't."</p> + + <p>He stopped to light the stub of a long-extinct cigar.</p> + + <p>"I can't make it hard for that sort of man. So I guess we'll + have to take you out of the office. Still, I promised Welton to + give you a good try-out. Then, too, I'm not satisfied in my own + mind. I can see you are trying. Either you're a damn fool or + this college education racket has had the same effect on you as + on most other young cubs. If you're the son of your father, you + can't be entirely a damn fool. If it's the college education, + that will probably wear off in time. Anyhow, I think I'll take + you up to the mill. You can try the office there. Collins is + easy to get on with, and of course there isn't the same + responsibility there."</p> + + <p>In the buffeting of humiliation Bob could not avoid a + fleeting inner smile over this last remark. Responsibility! In + this sleepy, quiet backwater of a tenth-floor office, full of + infinite little statistics that led nowhere, that came to no + conclusion except to be engulfed in dark files with hundreds of + their own kind, aimless, useless, annoying as so many gadflies! + Then he set his face for the further remarks.</p> + + <p>"Navigation will open this week," Fox's incisive tones went + on, "and our hold-overs will be moved now. It will be busy + there. We shall take the eight o'clock train to-night." He + glanced sharply at Bob's lean, set face. "I assume you'll + go?"</p> + + <p>Bob was remembering certain trying afternoons on the field + when as captain, and later as coach, he had told some very + high-spirited boys what he considered some wholesome truths. He + was remembering the various ways in which they had taken his + remarks.</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir," he replied.</p> + + <p>"Well, you can go home now and pack up," said Fox. "Jim!" he + shot out in his penetrating voice; then to Harvey, "Make out + Orde's check."</p> + + <p>Bob closed his desk, and went into the outer office to + receive his check. Harvey handed it to him without comment, and + at once turned back to his books. Bob stood irresolute a + moment, then turned away without farewell.</p> + + <p>But Archie followed him into the hall.</p> + + <p>"I'm mighty sorry, old man," he whispered, furtively. "Did + you get the G.B.?"</p> + + <p>"I'm going up to the mill office," replied Bob.</p> + + <p>"Oh!" the other commiserated him. Then with an effort to see + the best side, "Still you could hardly expect to jump right + into the head office at first. I didn't much think you could + hold down a job here. You see there's too much doing here. + Well, good-bye. Good luck to you, old man."</p> + + <p>There it was again, the insistence on the responsibility, + the activity, the importance of that sleepy, stuffy little + office with its two men at work, its leisure, its aimlessness. + On his way to the car-line Bob stopped to look in at an open + door. A dozen men were jumping truck loads of boxes here and + there. Another man in a peaked cap and a silesia coat, with a + pencil behind his ear and a manifold book sticking out of his + pocket shouted orders, consulted a long list, marked boxes and + scribbled in a shipping book. Dim in the background huge + freight elevators rose and fell, burdened with the mass of + indeterminate things. Truck horses, great as elephants, + magnificently harnessed with brass ornaments, drew drays, big + enough to carry a small house, to the loading platform where + they were quickly laden and sent away. From an opened upper + window came the busy click of many typewriters. Order in + apparent confusion, immense activity at a white heat, great + movement, the clanging of the wheels of commerce, the + apparition and embodiment of restless industry—these + appeared and vanished, darted in and out, were plain to be seen + and were vague through the murk and gloom. Bob glanced up at + the emblazoned sign. He read the firm's name of well-known + wholesale grocers. As he crossed the bridge and proceeded out + Lincoln Park Boulevard two figures rose to him and stood side + by side. One was the shipping clerk in his peaked cap and + silesia coat, hurried, busy, commanding, full of + responsibility; the other was Harvey, with his round, black + skull cap, his great, gold-bowed spectacles, entering minutely, + painstakingly, deliberately, his neat little figures in a neat, + large book.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="IV"></a> + + <h2>IV</h2><br> + + + <p>The train stopped about noon at a small board town. Fox and + Bob descended. The latter drew his lungs full of the sparkling + clear air and felt inclined to shout. The thing that claimed + his attention most strongly was the dull green band of the + forest, thick and impenetrable to the south, fringing into + ragged tamaracks on the east, opening into a charming vista of + a narrowing bay to the west. Northward the land ran down to + sandpits and beyond them tossed the vivid white and blue of the + Lake. Then when his interest had detached itself from the + predominant note of the imminent wilderness, predominant less + from its physical size—for it lay in remote + perspective—than from a certain indefinable and + psychological right of priority, Bob's eye was at once drawn to + the huge red-painted sawmill, with its very tall smokestacks, + its row of water barrels along the ridge, its uncouth and + separate conical sawdust burner, and its long lines of elevated + tramways leading out into the lumber yard where was piled the + white pine held over from the season before. As Bob looked, a + great, black horse appeared on one of these aerial tramways, + silhouetted against the sky. The beast moved accurately, his + head held low against his chest, his feet lifted and planted + with care. Behind him rumbled a whole train of little cars each + laden with planks. On the foremost sat a man, his shoulders + bowed, driving the horse. They proceeded slowly, leisurely, + without haste, against the brightness of the sky. The spider + supports below them seemed strangely inadequate to their mass, + so that they appeared in an occult manner to maintain their + elevation by some buoyancy of their own, some quality that + sustained them not only in their distance above the earth but + in a curious, decorative, extra-human world of their own. After + a moment they disappeared behind the tall piles of lumber.</p> + + <p>Against the sky, now, the place of the elephantine black + horse and the little tram cars and the man was taken by the + masts of ships lying beyond. They rose straight and tall, their + cordage like spider webs, in a succession of regular spaces + until they were lost behind the mill. From the exhaust of the + mill's engine a jet of white steam shot up sparkling. Close on + its apparition sounded the exultant, high-keyed shriek of the + saw. It ceased abruptly. Then Bob became conscious of a heavy + <i>rud, thud</i> of mill machinery.</p> + + <p>All this time he and Fox were walking along a narrow board + walk, elevated two or three feet above the sawdust-strewn + street. They passed the mill and entered the cool shade of the + big lumber piles. Along their base lay half-melted snow. Soggy + pools soaked the ground in the exposed places. Bob breathed + deep of the clear air, keenly conscious of the freshness of it + after the murky city. A sweet and delicate odour was abroad, an + odour elusive yet pungent, an aroma of the open. The young man + sniffed it eagerly, this essence of fresh sawdust, of new-cut + pine, of sawlogs dripping from the water, of faint old + reminiscence of cured lumber standing in the piles of the year + before, and more fancifully of the balsam and spruce, the + hemlock and pine of the distant forest.</p> + + <p>"Great!" he cried aloud, "I never knew anything like it! + What a country to train in!"</p> + + <p>"All this lumber here is going to be sold within the next + two months," said Fox with the first approach to enthusiasm Bob + had ever observed in him. "All of it. It's got to be carried + down to the docks, and tallied there, and loaded in those + vessels. The mill isn't much—too old-fashioned. We saw + with 'circulars' instead of band-saws. Not like our Minnesota + mills. We bought the plant as it stands. Still we turn out a + pretty good cut every day, and it has to be run out and + piled."</p> + + <p>They stepped abruptly, without transition, into the town. A + double row of unpainted board shanties led straight to the + water's edge. This row was punctuated by four buildings + different from the rest—a huge rambling structure with a + wide porch over which was suspended a large bell; a neatly + painted smaller building labelled "Office"; a trim house + surrounded by what would later be a garden; and a + square-fronted store. The street between was soft and springy + with sawdust and finely broken shingles. Various side streets + started out bravely enough, but soon petered out into stump + land. Along one of them were extensive stables.</p> + + <p>Bob followed his conductor in silence. After an interval + they mounted short steps and entered the office.</p> + + <p>Here Bob found himself at once in a small entry railed off + from the main room by a breast-high line of pickets strong + enough to resist a battering-ram. A man he had seen walking + across from the mill was talking rapidly through a tiny wicket, + emphasizing some point on a soiled memorandum by the indication + of a stubby forefinger. He was a short, active, blue-eyed man, + very tanned. Bob looked at him with interest, for there was + something about him the young man did not recognize, something + he liked—a certain independent carriage of the head, a + certain self-reliance in the set of his shoulders, a certain + purposeful directness of his whole personality. When he caught + sight of Fox he turned briskly, extending his hand.</p> + + <p>"How are you, Mr. Fox?" he greeted. "Just in?"</p> + + <p>"Hullo, Johnny," replied Fox, "how are things? I see you're + busy."</p> + + <p>"Yes, we're busy," replied the man, "and we'll keep + busy."</p> + + <p>"Everything going all right?"</p> + + <p>"Pretty good. Poor lot of men this year. A good many of the + old men haven't showed up this year—some sort of pull-out + to Oregon and California. I'm having a little trouble with them + off and on."</p> + + <p>"I'll bet on you to stay on top," replied Fox easily. "I'll + be over to see you pretty soon."</p> + + <p>The man nodded to the bookkeeper with whom he had been + talking, and turned to go out. As he passed Bob, that young man + was conscious of a keen, gimlet scrutiny from the blue eyes, a + scrutiny instantaneous, but which seemed to penetrate his very + flesh to the soul of him. He experienced a distinct physical + shock as at the encountering of an elemental force.</p> + + <p>He came to himself to hear Fox saying:</p> + + <p>"That's Johnny Mason, our mill foreman. He has charge of all + the sawing, and is a mighty good man. You'll see more of + him."</p> + + <p>The speaker opened a gate in the picket railing and stepped + inside.</p> + + <p>A long shelf desk, at which were high stools, backed up + against the pickets; a big round stove occupied the centre; a + safe crowded one corner. Blue print maps decorated the walls. + Coarse rope matting edged with tin strips protected the floor. + A single step down through a door led into a painted private + office where could be seen a flat table desk. In the air hung a + mingled odour of fresh pine, stale tobacco, and the closeness + of books.</p> + + <p>Fox turned at once sharply to the left and entered into + earnest conversation with a pale, hatchet-faced man of + thirty-five, whom he addressed as "Collins." In a moment he + turned, beckoning Bob forward.</p> + + <p>"Here's a youngster for you, Collins," said he, evidently + continuing former remarks. "Young Mr. Orde. He's been in our + home office awhile, but I brought him up to help you out. He + can get busy on your tally sheets and time checks and tally + boards, and sort of ease up the strain a little."</p> + + <p>"I can use him, right now," said Collins, nervously + smoothing back a strand of his pale hair. "Glad to meet you, + Mr. Orde. These 'jumpers' ... and that confounded mixed stuff + from <i>seventeen</i> ..." he trailed off, his eye glazing in + the abstraction of some inner calculation, his long, nervous + fingers reaching unconsciously toward the soiled memoranda left + by Mason.</p> + + <p>"Well, I'll set you to work," he roused himself, when he + perceived that the two were about to leave him. And almost + before they had time to turn away he was busy at the papers, + his pencil, beautifully pointed, running like lightning down + the long columns, pausing at certain places as though by + instinct, hovering the brief instant necessary to calculation, + then racing on as though in pursuit of something elusive.</p> + + <p>As they turned away a slow, cool voice addressed them from + behind the stove.</p> + + <p>"Hullo, bub!" it drawled.</p> + + <p>Fox's face lighted and he extended both hands.</p> + + <p>"Well, Tally!" he cried. "You old snoozer!"</p> + + <p>The man was upward of sixty years of age, but straight and + active. His features were tanned a deep mahogany, and carved by + the years and exposure into lines of capability and good + humour. In contrast to this brown his sweeping white moustache + and bushy eyebrows, blenched flaxen by the sun, showed + strongly. His little blue eyes twinkled, and fine wrinkles at + their corners helped the twinkles. His long figure was so + heavily clothed as to be concealed from any surmise, except + that it was gaunt and wiry. Hands gnarled, twisted, veined, + brown, seemed less like flesh than like some skilful Japanese + carving. On his head he wore a visored cap with an + extraordinary high crown; on his back a rather dingy coat cut + from a Mackinaw blanket; on his legs trousers that had been + "stagged" off just below the knees, heavy German socks, and + shoes nailed with sharp spikes at least three-quarters of an + inch in length.</p> + + <p>"Thought you were up in the woods!" Fox was exclaiming. + "Where's Fagan?"</p> + + <p>"He's walkin' white water," replied the old man.</p> + + <p>"Things going well?"</p> + + <p>"Damn poor," admitted Tally frankly. "That is to say, the + Whitefish branch is off. There's trouble with the men. They're + a mixed lot. Then there's old Meadows. He's assertin' his + heaven-born rights some more. It's all right. We're on their + backs. Other branches just about down."</p> + + <p>There followed a rapid exchange of which Bob could make + little—talk of flood water, of "plugging" and "pulling," + of "winging out," of "white water." It made no sense, and yet + somehow it thrilled him, as at times the mere roll of Greek + names used to arouse in his breast vague emotions of grandeur + and the struggle of mighty forces.</p> + + <p>Still talking, the two men began slowly to move toward the + inner office. Suddenly Fox seemed to remember his companion's + existence.</p> + + <p>"By the way, Jim," he said, "I want you to know one of our + new men, young Mr. Orde. You've worked for his father. This is + Jim Tally, and he's one of the best rivermen, the best + woodsman, the best boss of men old Michigan ever turned out. He + walked logs before I was born."</p> + + <p>"Glad to know you, Mr. Orde," said Tally, quite + unmoved.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="V"></a> + + <h2>V</h2><br> + + + <p>The two left Bob to his own devices. The old riverman and + the astonishingly thawed and rejuvenated Mr. Fox disappeared in + the private office. Bob proffered a question to the busy + Collins, discovered himself free until afternoon, and so went + out through the office and into the clear open air.</p> + + <p>He headed at once across the wide sawdust area toward the + mill and the lake. A great curiosity, a great interest filled + him. After a moment he found himself walking between tall, + leaning stacks of lumber, piled crosswise in such a manner that + the sweet currents of air eddied through the interstices + between the boards and in the narrow, alley-like spaces between + the square and separate stacks. A coolness filled these + streets, a coolness born of the shade in which they were cast, + the freshness of still unmelted snow lying in patches, the + quality of pine with its faint aromatic pitch smell and its + suggestion of the forest. Bob wandered on slowly, his hands in + his pockets. For the time being his more active interest was in + abeyance, lulled by the subtle, elusive phantom of grandeur + suggested in the aloofness of this narrow street fronted by its + square, skeleton, windowless houses through which the wind + rattled. After a little he glimpsed blue through the alleys + between. Then a side street offered, full of sun. He turned + down it a few feet, and found himself standing over an inlet of + the lake.</p> + + <p>Then for the first time he realized that he had been walking + on "made ground." The water chugged restlessly against the + uneven ends of the lath-like slabs, thousands of them laid, + side by side, down to and below the water's surface. They + formed a substructure on which the sawdust had been heaped. + Deep shadows darted from their shelter and withdrew, following + the play of the little waves. The lower slabs were black with + the wet, and from them, too, crept a spicy odour set free by + the moisture. On a pile head sat an urchin fishing, with a long + bamboo pole many sizes too large for him. As Bob watched, he + jerked forth diminutive flat sunfish.</p> + + <p>"Good work!" called Bob in congratulation.</p> + + <p>The urchin looked up at the large, good-humoured man and + grinned.</p> + + <p>Bob retraced his steps to the street on which he had started + out. There he discovered a steep stairway, and by it mounted to + the tramway above. Along this he wandered for what seemed to + him an interminable distance, lost as in a maze among the + streets and byways of this tenantless city. Once he stepped + aside to give passage to the great horse, or one like him, and + his train of little cars. The man driving nodded to him. Again + he happened on two men unloading similar cars, and passing the + boards down to other men below, who piled them skilfully, two + end planks one way, and then the next tier the other, in + regular alternation. They wore thick leather aprons, and square + leather pieces strapped across the insides of their hands as a + protection against splinters. These, like all other especial + accoutrements, seemed to Bob somehow romantic, to be desired, + infinitely picturesque. He passed on with the clear, + yellow-white of the pine boards lingering back of his + retina.</p> + + <p>But now suddenly his sauntering brought him to the water + front. The tramway ended in a long platform running parallel to + the edge of the docks below. There were many little cars, both + in the process of unloading and awaiting their turn. The place + swarmed with men, all busily engaged in handing the boards from + one to another as buckets are passed at a fire. At each point + where an unending stream of them passed over the side of each + ship, stood a young man with a long, flexible rule. This he + laid rapidly along the width of each board, and then as rapidly + entered a mark in a note-book. The boards seemed to move fairly + of their own volition, like a scutellate monster of many + joints, crawling from the cars, across the dock, over the side + of the ship and into the black hold where presumably it coiled. + There were six ships; six, many-jointed monsters creeping to + their appointed places under the urging of these their masters; + six young men absorbed and busy at the tallying; six crews + panoplied in leather guiding the monsters to their lairs. Here, + too, the sun-warmed air arose sluggish with the aroma of pitch, + of lumber, of tar from the ships' cordage, of the wetness of + unpainted wood. Aloft in the rigging, clear against the sky, + were sailors in contrast of peaceful, leisurely industry to + those who toiled and hurried below. The masts swayed gently, + describing an arc against the heavens. The sailors swung easily + to the motion. From below came the quick dull sounds of planks + thrown down, the grind of car wheels, the movement of feet, the + varied, complex sound of men working together, the clapping of + waters against the structure. It was confusing, confusing as + the noise of many hammers. Yet two things seemed to steady it, + to confine it, keep it in the bounds of order, to prevent it + from usurping more than its meet and proper proportion. One was + the tingling lake breeze singing through the rigging of the + ship; the other was the idle and intermittent whistling of one + of the sailors aloft. And suddenly, as though it had but just + commenced, Bob again became aware of the saw shrieking in + ecstasy as it plunged into a pine log.</p> + + <p>The sound came from the left, where at once he perceived the + tall stacks showing above the lumber piles, and the plume of + white steam glittering in the sun. In a moment the steam fell, + and the shriek of the saw fell with it. He turned to follow the + tramway, and in so doing almost bumped into Mason, the mill + foreman.</p> + + <p>"They're hustling it in," said the latter. "That's right. + Can't give me yard room any too soon. The drive'll be down next + month. Plenty doing then. Damn those Dutchmen!"</p> + + <p>He spoke abstractedly, as though voicing his inner thoughts + to himself, unconscious of his companion. Then he roused + himself.</p> + + <p>"Going to the mill?" he asked. "Come on."</p> + + <p>They walked along the high, narrow platform overlooking the + water front and the lading of the ships. Soon the trestles + widened, the tracks diverging like the fingers of a hand on the + broad front to the second story of the mill. Mason said + something about seeing the whole of it, and led the way along a + narrow, railed outside passage to the other end of the + structure.</p> + + <p>There Bob's attention was at once caught by a great water + enclosure of logs, lying still and sluggish in the manner of + beasts resting. Rank after rank, tier after tier, in strange + patterns they lay, brown and round, with the little strips of + blue water showing between like a fantastic pattern. While Bob + looked, a man ran out over them. He was dressed in short + trousers, heavy socks, and spiked boots, and a faded blue + shirt. The young man watched with interest, old memories of his + early boyhood thronging back on him, before his people had + moved from Monrovia and the "booms." The man ran erratically, + but with an accurate purpose. Behind him the big logs bent in + dignified reminiscence of his tread, and slowly rolled over; + the little logs bobbed frantically in a turmoil of white water, + disappearing and reappearing again and again, sleek and wet as + seals. To these the man paid no attention, but leaped easily + on, pausing on the timbers heavy enough to support him, barely + spurning those too small to sustain his weight. In a moment he + stopped abruptly without the transitorial balancing Bob would + have believed necessary, and went calmly to pushing mightily + with a long pike-pole. The log on which he stood rolled under + the pressure; the man quite mechanically kept pace with its + rolling, treading it in correspondence now one way, now the + other. In a few moments thus he had forced the mass of logs + before him toward an inclined plane leading to the second story + of the mill.</p> + + <p>Up this ran an endless chain armed with teeth. The man + pushed one of the logs against the chain; the teeth bit; at + once, shaking itself free of the water, without apparent + effort, without haste, calmly and leisurely as befitted the + dignity of its bulk, the great timber arose. The water dripped + from it, the surface streamed, a cheerful <i>patter, patter</i> + of the falling drops made itself heard beneath the mill noises. + In a moment the log disappeared beneath projecting eaves. + Another was just behind it, and behind that yet another, and + another, like great patient beasts rising from the coolness of + a stream to follow a leader through the narrowness, of pasture + bars. And in the booms, up the river, as far as the eye could + see, were other logs awaiting their turn. And beyond them the + forest trees, straight and tall and green, dreaming of the time + when they should follow their brothers to the ships and go out + into the world.</p> + + <p>Mason was looking up the river.</p> + + <p>"I've seen the time when she was piled thirty feet high + there, and the freshet behind her. That was ten year back."</p> + + <p>"What?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"A jam!" explained Mason.</p> + + <p>He ducked his head below his shoulders and disappeared + beneath the eaves of the mill. Bob followed.</p> + + <p>First it was dusky; then he saw the strip of bright yellow + sunlight and the blue bay in the opening below the eaves; then + he caught the glitter and whirr of the two huge saws, moving + silently but with the deadly menace of great speed on their + axes. Against the light in irregular succession, alternately + blotting and clearing the foreground at the end of the mill, + appeared the ends of the logs coming up the incline. For a + moment they poised on the slant, then fell to the level, and + glided forward to a broad platform where they were ravished + from the chain and rolled into line.</p> + + <p>Bob's eyes were becoming accustomed to the gloom. He made + out pulleys, belts, machinery, men. While he watched a black, + crooked arm shot vigorously up from the floor, hurried a log to + the embrace of two clamps, rolled it a little this way, a + little that, hovered over it as though in doubt as to whether + it was satisfactorily placed, then plunged to unknown depths as + swiftly and silently as it had come. So abrupt and purposeful + were its movements, so detached did it seem from control, that, + just as when he was a youngster, Bob could not rid his mind of + the notion that it was possessed of volition, that it led a + mysterious life of its own down there in the shadows, that it + was in the nature of an intelligent and agile beast trained to + apply its powers independently.</p> + + <p>Bob remembered it as the "nigger," and looked about for the + man standing by a lever.</p> + + <p>A momentary delay seemed to have occurred, owing to some + obscure difficulty. The man at the lever straightened his back. + Suddenly all that part of the floor seemed to start forward + with extraordinary swiftness. The log rushed down on the + circular saw. Instantly the wild, exultant shriek arose. The + car went on, burying the saw, all but the very top, from which + a stream of sawdust flew up and back. A long, clean slab fell + to a succession of revolving rollers which carried it, passing + it from one to the other, far into the body of the mill. The + car shot back to its original position in front of the saw. The + saw hummed an undersong of strong vibration. Again it ploughed + its way the length of the timber. This time a plank with bark + edges dropped on the rollers. And when the car had flown back + to its starting point the "nigger" rose from obscurity to turn + the log half way around.</p> + + <p>They picked their way gingerly on. Bob looked back. Against + the light the two graceful, erect figures, immobile, but + carried back and forth over thirty feet with lightning + rapidity; the brute masses of the logs; the swift decisive + forays of the "nigger," the unobtrusive figures of the other + men handling the logs far in the background; and the bright, + smooth, glittering, dangerous saws, clear-cut in outline by + their very speed, humming in anticipation, or shrieking like + demons as they bit—these seemed to him to swell in the + dim light to the proportions of something gigantic, + primeval—to become forces beyond the experience of + to-day, typical of the tremendous power that must be invoked to + subdue the equally tremendous power of the wilderness.</p> + + <p>He and Mason together examined the industriously working + gang-saws, long steel blades with the up-and-down motion of + cutting cord-wood. They passed the small trimming saws, where + men push the boards between little round saws to trim their + edges. Bob noticed how the sawdust was carried away + automatically, and where the waste slabs went. They turned + through a small side room, strangely silent by contrast to the + rest, where the filer did his minute work. He was an old man, + the filer, with steel-rimmed, round spectacles, and he held Bob + some time explaining how important his position was.</p> + + <p>They emerged finally to the broad, open platform with the + radiating tram-car tracks. Here Bob saw the finished boards + trundled out on the moving rollers to be transferred to the + cars.</p> + + <p>Mason left him. He made his way slowly back toward the + office, noticing on the way the curious pairs of huge wheels + beneath which were slung the heavy timbers or piles of boards + for transportation at the level of the ground.</p> + + <p>At the edge of the lumber piles Bob looked back. The noises + of industry were in his ears; the blur of industry before his + eyes; the clean, sweet smell of pine in his nostrils. He saw + clearly the row of ships and the many-jointed serpent of boards + making its way to the hold, the sailors swinging aloft; the + miles of ruminating brown logs, and the alert little man + zigzagging across them; the shadow of the mill darkening the + water, and the brown leviathan timbers rising dripping in + regular succession from them; the whirr of the deadly circular + saws, and the calm, erect men dominating the cars that darted + back and forth; and finally the sparkling white steam spraying + suddenly against the intense blue of the sky. Here was + activity, business, industry, the clash of forces. He admired + the quick, compact alertness of Johnny Mason; he joyed in the + absorbed, interested activity of the brown young men with the + scaler's rules; he envied a trifle the muscle-stretching, + physical labour of the men with the leather aprons and + hand-guards, piling the lumber. It was good to draw in deep + breaths of this air, to smell deeply of he aromatic odours of + the north.</p> + + <p>Suddenly the mill whistle began to blow. Beneath the noise + he could hear the machinery beginning to run down. From all + directions men came. They converged in the central alley, + hundreds of them. In a moment Bob was caught up in their + stream, and borne with them toward the weather-stained shanty + town.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="VI"></a> + + <h2>VI</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob followed this streaming multitude to the large structure + that had earlier been pointed out to him as the boarding house. + It was a commodious affair with a narrow verandah to which led + steps picked out by the sharp caulks of the rivermen's boots. A + round stove held the place of honour in the first room. Benches + flanked the walls. At one end was a table-sink, and tin + wash-basins, and roller towels. The men were splashing and + blowing in the plunge-in-all-over fashion of their class. They + emerged slicked down and fresh, their hair plastered wet to + their foreheads. After a moment a fat and motherly woman made + an announcement from a rear room. All trooped out.</p> + + <p>The dining room was precisely like those Bob remembered from + recollections of the river camps of his childhood. There were + the same long tables covered with red oilcloth, the same pine + benches worn smooth and shiny, the same thick crockery, and the + same huge receptacles steaming with hearty—and + well-cooked—food. Nowhere does the man who labours with + his hands fare better than in the average lumber camp. Forest + operations have a largeness in conception and execution that + leads away from the habit of the mean, small and foolish + economics. At one side, and near the windows, stood a smaller + table. The covering of this was turkey-red cloth with white + pattern; it boasted a white-metal "caster"; and possessed real + chairs. Here Bob took his seat, in company with Fox, Collins, + Mason, Tally and the half-dozen active young fellows he had + seen handling the scaling rules near the ships.</p> + + <p>At the men's tables the meal was consumed in a silence which + Bob learned later came nearer being obligatory than a matter of + choice. Conversation was discouraged by the good-natured fat + woman, Mrs. Hallowell. Talk delayed; and when one had dishes to + wash----</p> + + <p>The "boss's table" was more leisurely. Bob was introduced to + the sealers. They proved to be, with one exception, young + fellows of twenty-one or two, keen-eyed, brown-faced, alert and + active. They impressed Bob as belonging to the clerk class, + with something added by the outdoor, varied life. Indeed, later + he discovered them to be sons of carpenters, mechanics and + other higher-class, intelligent workingmen; boys who had gone + through high school, and perhaps a little way into the business + college; ambitious youngsters, each with a different idea in + the back of his head. They had in common an air of capability, + of complete adequacy for the task in life they had selected. + The sixth sealer was much older and of the riverman type. He + had evidently come up from the ranks.</p> + + <p>There was no general conversation. Talk confined itself + strictly to shop. Bob, his imagination already stirred by the + incidents of his stroll, listened eagerly. Fox was getting in + touch with the whole situation.</p> + + <p>"The main drive is down," Tally told him, "but the Cedar + Branch hasn't got to the river yet. What in blazes did you want + to buy that little strip this late in the day for?"</p> + + <p>"Had to take it—on a deal," said Fox briefly. "Why? Is + it hard driving? I've never been up there. Welton saw to all + that."</p> + + <p>"It's hell. The pine's way up at the headwaters. You have to + drive her the whole length of the stream, through a mixed + hardwood and farm country. Lots of patridges and mossbacks, but + no improvements. Not a dam the whole length of her. Case of hit + the freshet water or get hung."</p> + + <p>"Well, we've done that kind of a job before."</p> + + <p>"Yes, <i>before</i>!" Tally retorted. "If I had a half-crew + of good, old-fashioned white-water birlers, I'd rest easy. But + we don't have no crews like we used to. The old bully boys have + all moved out west—or died."</p> + + <p>"Getting old—like us," bantered Fox. "Why haven't you + died off too, Jim?"</p> + + <p>"I'm never going to die," stated the old man, "I'm going to + live to turn into a grindstone and wear out. But it's a fact. + There's plenty left can ride a log all right, but they're a + tough lot. It's too close here to Marion."</p> + + <p>"That <i>is</i> too bad," condoled Fox, "especially as I + remember so well what a soft-spoken, lamb-like little tin angel + you used to be, Jim."</p> + + <p>Fox, who had quite dropped his old office self, winked at + Bob. The latter felt encouraged to say:</p> + + <p>"I had a course in college on archaeology. Don't remember + much about it, but one thing. When they managed to decipher the + oldest known piece of hieroglyphics on an Assyrian brick, what + do you suppose it turned out to be?"</p> + + <p>"Give it up, Brudder Bones," said Tally, dryly, "what was + it?"</p> + + <p>Bob flushed at the old riverman's tone, but went on.</p> + + <p>"It was a letter from a man to his son away at school. In it + he lamented the good old times when he was young, and gave it + as his opinion that the world was going to the dogs."</p> + + <p>Tally grinned slowly; and the others burst into a shout of + laughter.</p> + + <p>"All right, bub," said the riverman good-humouredly. "But + that doesn't get me a new foreman." He turned to Fox. "Smith + broke his leg; and I can't find a man to take charge. I can't + go. The main drive's got to be sorted."</p> + + <p>"There ought to be plenty of good men," said Fox.</p> + + <p>"There are, but they're at work."</p> + + <p>"Dicky Darrell is over at Marion," spoke up one of the + scalers.</p> + + <p>"Roaring Dick," said Tally sarcastically, "—but + there's no denying he's a good man in the woods. But if he's at + Marion, he's drunk; and if he's drunk, you can't do nothing + with him."</p> + + <p>"I heard it three days ago," said the scaler.</p> + + <p>Tally ruminated. "Well," he concluded, "maybe he's about + over with his bust. I'll run over this afternoon and see what I + can do with him. If Tom Welton would only tear himself apart + from California, we'd get on all right."</p> + + <p>A scraping back of benches and a tramp of feet announced the + nearly simultaneous finishing of feeding at the men's tables. + At the boss's table everyone seized an unabashed toothpick. + Collins addressed Bob.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Fox and I have so much to go over this afternoon," said + he, "that I don't believe I'll have time to show you. Just look + around a little."</p> + + <p>On the porch outside Bob paused. After a moment he became + aware of a figure at his elbow. He turned to see old Jim Tally + bent over to light his pipe behind the mahogany of his curved + hand.</p> + + <p>"Want to take in Marion, bub?" he enquired.</p> + + <p>"Sure!" cried Bob heartily, surprised at this mark of + favour.</p> + + <p>"Come on then," said the old riverman, "the lightning + express is gettin' anxious for us."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="VII"></a> + + <h2>VII</h2><br> + + + <p>They tramped to the station and boarded the single passenger + car of the accommodation. There they selected a forward seat + and waited patiently for the freight-handling to finish and for + the leisurely puffing little engine to move on. An hour later + they descended at Marion. The journey had been made in an + almost absolute silence. Tally stared straight ahead, and + sucked at his little pipe. To him, apparently, the journey was + merely something to be endured; and he relapsed into that + patient absent-mindedness developed among those who have to + wait on forces that will not be hurried. Bob's remarks he + answered in monosyllables. When the train pulled into the + station, Tally immediately arose, as though released by a + spring.</p> + + <p>Bob's impressions of Marion were of great mills and + sawdust-burners along a wide river; of broad, sawdust-covered + streets; of a single block of good, brick stores on a main + thoroughfare which almost immediately petered out into the + vilest and most ramshackle frame "joints"; of wide side streets + flanked by small, painted houses in yards, some very neat + indeed. Tally walked rapidly by the respectable business + blocks, but pushed into the first of the unkempt frame saloons + beyond. Bob followed close at his heels. He found himself in a + cheap bar-room, its paint and varnish scarred and marred, its + floor sawdust-covered, its centre occupied by a huge stove, its + walls decorated by several pictures of the nude.</p> + + <p>Four men were playing cards at an old round table, hacked + and bruised and blackened by time. One of them was the + barkeeper, a burly individual with black hair plastered in a + "lick" across his forehead. He pushed back his chair and ducked + behind the bar, whence he greeted the newcomers. Tally + proffered a question. The barkeeper relaxed from his + professional attitude, and leaned both elbows on the bar. The + two conversed for a moment; then Tally nodded briefly and went + out. Bob followed.</p> + + <p>This performance was repeated down the length of the street. + The stage-settings varied little; same oblong, painted rooms; + same varnished bars down one side; same mirrors and bottles + behind them; same sawdust-strewn floors; same pictures on the + walls; same obscure, back rooms; same sleepy card games by the + same burly but sodden type of men. This was the off season. + Profits were now as slight as later they would be heavy. Tim + talked with the barkeepers low-voiced, nodded and went out. + Only when he had systematically worked both sides of the street + did he say anything to his companion.</p> + + <p>"He's in town," said Tally; "but they don't know where."</p> + + <p>"Whither away?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Across the river."</p> + + <p>They walked together down a side street to a long wooden + bridge. This rested on wooden piers shaped upstream like the + prow of a ram in order to withstand the battering of the logs. + It was a very long bridge. Beneath it the swift current of the + river slipped smoothly. The breadth of the stream was divided + into many channels and pockets by means of brown poles. Some of + these were partially filled with logs. A clear channel had been + preserved up the middle. Men armed with long pike-poles were + moving here and there over the booms and the logs themselves, + pushing, pulling, shoving a big log into this pocket, another + into that, gradually segregating the different brands belonging + to the different owners of the mills below. From the quite + considerable height of the bridge all this lay spread out + mapwise up and down the perspective of the stream. The smooth, + oily current of the river, leaden-hued and cold in the light of + the early spring, hurried by on its way to the lake, swiftly, + yet without the turmoil and fuss of lesser power. Downstream, + as far as Bob could see, were the huge mills' with their + flanking lumber yards, the masts of their lading ships, their + black sawdust-burners, and above all the pure-white, triumphant + banners of steam that shot straight up against the gray of the + sky.</p> + + <p>Tally followed the direction of his gaze.</p> + + <p>"Modern work," he commented. "Band saws. No circulars there. + Two hundred thousand a day"; with which cryptic utterance he + resumed his walk.</p> + + <p>The opposite side of the river proved to be a smaller + edition of the other. Into the first saloon Tally pushed.</p> + + <p>It resembled the others, except that no card game was in + progress. The barkeeper, his feet elevated, read a pink paper + behind the bar. A figure slept at the round table, its head in + its arms. Tally walked over to shake this man by the + shoulder.</p> + + <p>In a moment the sleeper raised his head. Bob saw a little, + middle-aged man, not over five feet six in height, slenderly + built, yet with broad, hanging shoulders. His head was an + almost exact inverted pyramid, the base formed by a mop of + red-brown hair, and the apex represented by a very pointed + chin. Two level, oblong patches of hair made eyebrows. His face + was white and nervous. A strong, hooked nose separated a pair + of red-brown eyes, small and twinkling, like a chipmunk's. Just + now they were bloodshot and vague.</p> + + <p>"Hullo, Dicky Darrell," said Tally.</p> + + <p>The man struggled to his feet, knocking over the chair, and + laid both hands effusively on Tally's shoulders.</p> + + <p>"Jim!" he cried thickly. "Good ole Jim! Glad to see you! + Hav' drink!"</p> + + <p>Tally nodded, and, to Bob's surprise, took his place at the + bar.</p> + + <p>"Hav' 'nother!" cried Darrell. "God! I'm glad to see you! + Nobody in town."</p> + + <p>"All right," agreed Tally pacifically; "but let's go across + the river to Dugan's and get it."</p> + + <p>To this Darrell readily agreed. They left the saloon. Bob, + following, noticed the peculiar truculence imparted to + Darrell's appearance by the fact that in walking he always held + his hands open and palms to the front. Suddenly Darrell became + for the first time aware of his presence. The riverman whirled + on him, and Bob became conscious of something as distinct as a + physical shock as he met the impact of an electrical nervous + energy. It passed, and he found himself half smiling down on + this little, white-faced man with the matted hair and the + bloodshot, chipmunk eyes.</p> + + <p>"Who'n hell's this!" demanded Darrell savagely.</p> + + <p>"Friend of mine," said Tally. "Come on."</p> + + <p>Darrell stared a moment longer. "All right," he said at + last.</p> + + <p>All the way across the bridge Tally argued with his + companion.</p> + + <p>"We've got to have a foreman on the Cedar Branch, Dick," he + began, "and you're the fellow."</p> + + <p>To this Darrell offered a profane, emphatic and contemptuous + negative. With consummate diplomacy Tally led his mind from + sullen obstinacy to mere reluctance. At the corner of Main + Street the three stopped.</p> + + <p>"But I don't want to go yet, Jim," pleaded Darrell, almost + tearfully. "I ain't had all my 'time' yet."</p> + + <p>"Well," said Tally, "you've been polishing up the flames of + hell for four days pretty steady. What more do you want?"</p> + + <p>"I ain't smashed no rig yet," objected Darrell.</p> + + <p>Tally looked puzzled.</p> + + <p>"Well, go ahead and smash your rig and get done with it," he + said.</p> + + <p>"A' right," said Darrell cheerfully.</p> + + <p>He started off briskly, the others following. Down a side + street his rather uncertain gait led them, to the wide-open + door of a frame livery stable. The usual loungers in the usual + tipped-back chairs greeted him.</p> + + <p>"Want m' rig," he demanded.</p> + + <p>A large and leisurely man in shirt sleeves lounged out from + the office and looked him over dispassionately.</p> + + <p>"You've been drunk four days," said he, "have you the + price?"</p> + + <p>"Bet y'," said Dick, cheerfully. He seated himself on the + ground and pulled off his boot from which he extracted a pulpy + mass of greenbacks. "Can't fool me!" he said cunningly. "Always + save 'nuff for my rig!"</p> + + <p>He shoved the bills into the liveryman's hands. The latter + straightened them out, counted them, thrust a portion into his + pocket, and handed the rest back to Darrell.</p> + + <p>"There you are," said he. He shouted an order into the + darkness of the stable.</p> + + <p>An interval ensued. The stableman and Tally waited + imperturbably, without the faintest expression of interest in + anything evident on their immobile countenances. Dicky Darrell + rocked back and forth on his heels, a pleased smile on his + face.</p> + + <p>After a few moments the stable boy led out a horse hitched + to the most ramshackle and patched-up old side-bar buggy Bob + had ever beheld. Darrell, after several vain attempts, managed + to clamber aboard. He gathered up the reins, and, with + exaggerated care, drove into the middle of the street.</p> + + <p>Then suddenly he rose to his feet, uttered an ear-piercing + exultant yell, hurled the reins at the horse's head and began + to beat the animal with his whip. The horse, startled, bounded + forward. The buggy jerked. Darrell sat down violently, but was + at once on his feet, plying the whip. The crazed man and the + crazed horse disappeared up the street, the buggy careening + from side to side, Darrell yelling at the top of his lungs. The + stableman watched him out of sight.</p> + + <p>"Roaring Dick of the Woods!" said he thoughtfully at last. + He thrust his hand in his pocket and took out the wad of + greenbacks, contemplated them for a moment, and thrust them + back. He caught Tally's eye. "Funny what different ideas men + have of a time," said he.</p> + + <p>"Do this regular?" inquired Tally dryly.</p> + + <p>"Every year."</p> + + <p>Bob got his breath at last.</p> + + <p>"Why!" he cried. "What'll happen to him! He'll be killed + sure!"</p> + + <p>"Not him!" stated the stableman emphatically. "Not Dicky + Darrell! He'll smash up good, and will crawl out of the wreck, + and he'll limp back here in just about one half-hour."</p> + + <p>"How about the horse and buggy?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, we'll catch the horse in a day or two—it's a + spoiled colt, anyway—and we'll patch up the buggy if + she's patchable. If not, we'll leave it. Usual programme."</p> + + <p>The stableman and Tally lit their pipes. Nobody seemed much + interested now that the amusement was over. Bob owned a boyish + desire to follow the wake of the cyclone, but in the presence + of this imperturbability, he repressed his inclination.</p> + + <p>"Some day the damn fool will bust his head open," said the + liveryman, after a ruminative pause.</p> + + <p>"I shouldn't think you'd rent him a horse," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"He pays," yawned the other.</p> + + <p>At the end of the half-hour the liveryman dove into his + office for a coat, which he put on. This indicated that he + contemplated exercising in the sun instead of sitting still in + the shade.</p> + + <p>"Well, let's look him up," said he. "This may be the time he + busts his fool head."</p> + + <p>"Hope not," was Tally's comment; "can't afford to lose a + foreman."</p> + + <p>But near the outskirts of town they met Roaring Dick limping + painfully down the middle of the road. His hat was gone and he + was liberally plastered with the soft mud of early spring.</p> + + <p>Not one word would he vouchsafe, but looked at them all + malevolently. His intoxication seemed to have evaporated with + his good spirits. As answer to the liveryman's question as to + the whereabouts of the smashed rig, he waved a comprehensive + hand toward the suburbs. At insistence, he snapped back like an + ugly dog.</p> + + <p>"Out there somewhere," he snarled. "Go find it! What the + hell do I care where it is? It's mine, isn't it? I paid you for + it, didn't I? Well, go find it! You can have it!"</p> + + <p>He tramped vigorously back toward the main street, a + grotesque figure with his red-brown hair tumbled over his + white, nervous countenance of the pointed chin, with his hooked + nose, and his twinkling chipmunk eyes.</p> + + <p>"He'll hit the first saloon, if you don't watch out," Bob + managed to whisper to Tally.</p> + + <p>But the latter shook his head. From long experience he knew + the type.</p> + + <p>His reasoning was correct. Roaring Dick tramped doggedly + down the length of the street to the little frame depot. There + he slumped into one of the hard seats in the waiting-room, + where he promptly slept. Tally sat down beside him and withdrew + into himself. The twilight fell. After an apparently + interminable interval a train rumbled in. Tally shook his + companion. The latter awakened just long enough to stumble + aboard the smoking car, where, his knees propped up, his chin + on his breast, he relapsed into deep slumber.</p> + + <p>They arrived at the boarding house late in the evening. Mrs. + Hallowell set out a cold supper, to which Bob was ready to do + full justice. Ten minutes later he found himself in a tiny box + of a bedroom, furnished barely. He pushed open the window and + propped it up with a piece of kindling. The earth had fallen + into a very narrow silhouette, and the star-filled heavens + usurped all space, crowding the world down. Against the sky the + outlines stood significant in what they suggested and + concealed—slumbering roof-tops, the satiated mill glowing + vaguely somewhere from her banked fires, the blackness and mass + of silent lumber yards, the mysterious, hushing fingers of the + ships' masts, and then low and vague, like a narrow strip of + velvet dividing these men's affairs from the star-strewn + infinite, the wilderness. As Bob leaned from the window the + bigness of these things rushed into his office-starved spirit + as air into a vacuum. The cold of the lake breeze entered his + lungs. He drew a deep breath of it. For the first time in his + short business experience he looked forward eagerly to the + morrow.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="VIII"></a> + + <h2>VIII</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob was awakened before daylight by the unholy shriek of a + great whistle. He then realized that for some time he had been + vaguely aware of kindling and stove sounds. The bare little + room had become bitterly cold. A gray-blackness represented the + world outside. He lighted his glass lamp and took a hasty, + shivering sponge bath in the crockery basin. Then he felt + better in the answering glow of his healthy, straight young + body; and a few moments later was prepared to enjoy a fragrant, + new-lit, somewhat smoky fire in the big stove outside his door. + The bell rang. Men knocked ashes from their pipes and arose; + other men stamped in from outside. The dining room was + filled.</p> + + <p>Bob took his seat, nodding to the men. A slightly grumpy + silence reigned. Collins and Fox had not yet appeared. Bob saw + Roaring Dick at the other table, rather whiter than the day + before, but carrying himself boldly in spite of his poor head. + As he looked, Roaring Dick caught his eye. The riverman + evidently did not recognize having seen the young stranger the + day before; but Bob was again conscious of the quick impact of + the man's personality, quite out of proportion to his + diminutive height and slender build. At the end of ten minutes + the men trooped out noisily. Shortly a second whistle blew. At + the signal the mill awoke. The clang of machinery, beginning + slowly, increased in tempo. The exultant shriek of the saws + rose to heaven. Bob, peering forth into the young daylight, + caught the silhouette of the elephantine tram horse, high in + the air, bending his great shoulders to the starting of his + little train of cars.</p> + + <p>Not knowing what else to do, Bob sauntered to the office. It + was locked and dark. He returned to the boarding house, and sat + down in the main room. The lamps became dimmer. Finally the + chore boy put them out. Then at last Collins appeared, followed + closely by Fox.</p> + + <p>"You didn't get up to eat with the men?" the bookkeeper + asked Bob a trifle curiously. "You don't need to do that. We + eat with Mrs. Hallowell at seven."</p> + + <p>At eight o'clock the little bookkeeper opened the office + door and ushered Bob in to the scene of his duties.</p> + + <p>"You're to help me," said Collins concisely. "I have the + books. Our other duties are to make out time checks for the + men, to answer the correspondence in our province, to keep + track of camp supplies, and to keep tab on shipments and the + stock on hand and sawed each day. There's your desk. You'll + find time blanks and everything there. The copying press is in + the corner. Over here is the tally board," He led the way to a + pine bulletin, perhaps four feet square, into which were + screwed a hundred or more small brass screw hooks. From each + depended a small pine tablet or tag inscribed with many + figures. "Do you understand a tally board?" Collins asked.</p> + + <p>"No," replied Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well, these screw hooks are arranged just like a map of the + lumber yards. Each hook represents one of the lumber + piles—or rather the location of a lumber pile. The tags + hanging from them represent the lumber piles themselves; + see?"</p> + + <p>"Sure," said Bob. Now that he understood he could follow out + on this strange map the blocks, streets and alleys of that + silent, tenantless city.</p> + + <p>"On these tags," pursued Collins, "are figures. These + figures show how much lumber is in each pile, and what kind it + is, and of what quality. In that way we know just what we have + and where it is. The sealers report to us every day just what + has been shipped out, and what has been piled from the mill. + From their reports we change the figures on the tags. I'm going + to let you take care of that."</p> + + <p>Bob bestowed his long figure at the desk assigned him, and + went to work. He was interested, for it was all new to him. Men + were constantly in and out on all sorts of errands. Fox came to + shake hands and wish him well; he was off on the ten o'clock + train. Bob checked over a long invoice of camp supplies; + manipulated the copying press; and, under Collins's + instructions, made out time checks against the next pay day. + The insistence of details kept him at the stretch until noon + surprised him.</p> + + <p>After dinner and a breath of fresh air, he plunged again + into his tasks. Now he had the scalers' noon reports to + transfer to the tally board. He was intensely interested by the + novelty of it all; but even this early he encountered his old + difficulties in the matter of figures. He made no mistakes, but + in order to correlate, remember and transfer correctly he was + forced to an utterly disproportionate intensity of application. + To the tally board he brought more absolute concentration and + will-power than did Collins to all his manifold tasks. So + evidently painstaking was he, that the little bookkeeper + glanced at him sharply once or twice. However, he said + nothing.</p> + + <p>When darkness approached the bookkeeper closed his ledger + and came over to Bob's desk. In ten minutes he ran deftly over + Bob's afternoon work; re-checking the supply invoices, + verifying the time checks, comparing the tallies with the + scalers' reports. So swiftly and accurately did he accomplish + this, with so little hesitation and so assured a belief in his + own correctness that the really taxing job seemed merely a bit + of light mental gymnastics after the day's work.</p> + + <p>"Good!" he complimented Bob; "everything's correct."</p> + + <p>Bob nodded, a little gloomily. It might be correct; but he + was very tired from the strain of it.</p> + + <p>"It'll come easier with practice," said Collins; "always + difficult to do a new thing."</p> + + <p>The whistle blew. Bob went directly to his room and sat down + on the edge of his bed. In spite of Collins's kindly meant + reassurances, the iron of doubt had entered his soul. He had + tried for four months, and was no nearer facility than when he + started.</p> + + <p>"If a man hadn't learned better than that, I'd have called + him a dub and told him to get off the squad," he said to + himself, a little bitterly. He thought a moment. "I guess I'm + tired. I must buck up. If Collins and Archie can do it, I can. + It's all in the game. Of course, it takes time and training. + Get in the game!"</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="IX"></a> + + <h2>IX</h2><br> + + + <p>This was on Tuesday. During the rest of the week Bob worked + hard. Even a skilled man would have been kept busy by the + multitude of details that poured in on the little office. Poor + Bob was far from skilled. He felt as awkward amid all these + swift and accurate activities as he had when at sixteen it + became necessary to force his overgrown frame into a crowded + drawing room. He tried very hard, as he always did with + everything. When Collins succinctly called his attention to a + discrepancy in his figurings, he smiled his slow, winning, + troubled smile, thrust the hair back from his clear eyes, and + bent his lean athlete's frame again to the labour. He soon + discovered that this work demanded speed as well as accuracy. + "And I need a ten-acre lot to turn around in," he told himself + half humorously. "I'm a regular ice-wagon."</p> + + <p>He now came to look back on his college triumphs with an + exaggerated but wholesome reaction. His athletic prowess had + given him great prominence in college circles. Girls had been + flattered at his attention; his classmates had deferred to his + skill and experience; his juniors had, in the manner of college + boys, looked up to him as to a demi-god. Then for the few + months of the football season the newspapers had made of him a + national character. His picture appeared at least once a week; + his opinions were recorded; his physical measurements carefully + detailed. When he appeared on the streets and in hotel lobbies, + people were apt to recognize him and whisper furtively to one + another. Bob was naturally the most modest youth in the world, + and he hated a "fuss" after the delightfully normal fashion of + normal boys, but all this could not fail to have its subtle + effect. He went out into the world without conceit, but + confident of his ability to take his place with the best of + them.</p> + + <p>His first experience showed him wholly second in natural + qualifications, in ability to learn, and in training to men + subordinate in the business world.</p> + + <p>"I'm just plain dub," he told himself. "I thought myself + some pumpkins and got all swelled up inside because good' food + and leisure and heredity gave me a husky build! Football! What + good does that do me here? Four out of five of these rivermen + are huskier than I am. Me a business man! Why I can't seem even + to learn the first principles of the first job of the whole + lot! I've <i>got</i> to!" he admonished; himself grimly. "I + <i>hate</i> a fellow who doesn't make good!"' and with a very + determined set to his handsome chin he hurled the whole force + of his young energies at those elusive figures that somehow + <i>would</i> lie.</p> + + <p>The week slipped by in this struggle. It was much worse than + in the Chicago office. There Bob was allowed all the time he + thought he needed. Here one task followed close on the heels of + another, without chance for a breathing space or room to take + bearings. Bob had to do the best he could, commit the result to + a merciful providence, and seize the next job by the + throat.</p> + + <p>One morning he awoke with a jump to find it was seven + o'clock. He had heard neither whistle, and must have overslept! + Hastily he leaped into his clothes, and rushed out into the + dining room. There he found the chore-boy leisurely feeding a + just-lighted kitchen fire. To Bob's exclamation of astonishment + he looked up.</p> + + <p>"Sunday," he grinned; "breakfus' at eight."</p> + + <p>The week had gone without Bob's having realized the + fact.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Hallowell came in a moment later, smiling at the + winning, handsome young man in her fat and good-humoured + manner. Bob was seized with an inspiration.</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Hallowell," he said persuasively, "just let me rummage + around for five minutes, will you?"</p> + + <p>"You that hungry?" she chuckled. "Law! I'll have breakfast + in an hour."</p> + + <p>"It isn't that," said Bob; "but I want to get some air + to-day. I'm not used to being in an office. I want to steal a + hunk of bread, and a few of your good doughnuts and a slice of + cheese for breakfast and lunch."</p> + + <p>"A cup of hot coffee would do you more good," objected Mrs. + Hallowell.</p> + + <p>"Please," begged Bob, "and I won't disturb a thing."</p> + + <p>"Oh, land! Don't worry about that," said Mrs. Hallowell, + "there's teamsters and such in here all times of the day and + night. Help yourself."</p> + + <p>Five minutes later, Bob, swinging a riverman's canvas lunch + bag, was walking rapidly up the River Trail. He did not know + whither he was bound; but here at last was a travelled way. It + was a brilliant blue and gold morning, the air crisp, the sun + warm. The trail led him first across a stretch of stump-dotted + wet land with pools and rounded rises, green new grass, and + trickling streamlets of recently melted snow. Then came a + fringe of scrub growth woven into an almost impenetrable + tangle—oaks, poplars, willows, cedar, tamarack—and + through it all an abattis of old slashing—with its + rotting, fallen stumps, its network of tops, its soggy + root-holes, its fallen, uprooted trees. Along one of these + strutted a partridge. It clucked at Bob, but refused to move + faster, lifting its feet deliberately and spreading its fanlike + tail. The River Trail here took to poles laid on rough horses. + The poles were old and slippery, and none too large. Bob had to + walk circumspectly to stay on them at all. Shortly, however, he + stepped off into the higher country of the hardwoods. Here the + spring had passed, scattering her fresh green. The tops of the + trees were already in half-leaf; the lower branches just + budding, so that it seemed the sowing must have been from + above. Last year's leaves, softened and packed by the snow, + covered the ground with an indescribably beautiful and + noiseless carpet. Through it pushed the early blossoms of the + hepatica. Grackles whistled clearly. Distant redwings gave + their celebrated imitation of a great multitude. Bluebirds + warbled on the wing. The busier chickadees and creepers + searched the twigs and trunks, interpolating occasional + remarks. The sun slanted through the forest.</p> + + <p>Bob strode on vigorously. His consciousness received these + things gratefully, and yet he was more occupied with a sense of + physical joy and harmony with the world of out-of-doors than + with an analysis of its components. At one point, however, he + paused. The hardwoods had risen over a low hill. Now they + opened to show a framed picture of the river, distant and + below. In contrast to the modulated browns of the tree-trunks, + the new green and lilac of the undergrowth and the far-off + hills across the way, it showed like a patch of burnished blue + steel. Logs floated across the vista, singly, in scattered + groups, in masses. Again, the river was clear. While Bob + watched, a man floated into view. He was standing bolt upright + and at ease on a log so small that the water lapped over its + top. From this distance Bob could but just make it out. The man + leaned carelessly on his peavy. Across the vista he floated, + graceful and motionless, on his way from the driving camp to + the mill.</p> + + <p>Bob gave a whistle of admiration, and walked on.</p> + + <p>"I wish some of our oarsmen could see that," he said to + himself. "They're always guying the fellows that tip over their + cranky little shells."</p> + + <p>He stopped short.</p> + + <p>"I couldn't do it," he cried aloud; "nor I couldn't learn to + do it. I sure <i>am</i> a dub!"</p> + + <p>He trudged on, his spirits again at the ebb. The brightness + of the day had dimmed. Indeed, physically, a change had taken + place. Over the sun banked clouds had drawn. With the + disappearance of the sunlight a little breeze, before but a + pleasant and wandering companion to the birds, became cold and + draughty. The leaf carpet proved to be soggy; and as for the + birds themselves, their whistles suddenly grew plaintive as + though with the portent of late autumn.</p> + + <p>This sudden transformation, usual enough with every passing + cloud in the childhood of the spring, reacted still further on + Bob's spirits. He trudged doggedly on. After a time a gleam of + water caught his attention to the left. He deserted the River + Trail, descended a slope, pushed his way through a thicket of + tamaracks growing out from wire grass and puddles, and found + himself on the shores of a round lake.</p> + + <p>It was a small body of water, completely surrounded by tall, + dead brown grasses. These were in turn fringed by melancholy + tamaracks. The water was dark slate colour, and ruffled angrily + by the breeze which here in the open developed some slight + strength. It reminded Bob of a "bottomless" lake pointed out + many years before to his childish credulity. A lonesome hell + diver flipped down out of sight as Bob appeared.</p> + + <p>The wet ground swayed and bent alarmingly under his tread. A + stub attracted him. He perched on the end of it, his feet + suspended above the wet, and abandoned himself to reflection. + The lonesome diver reappeared. The breeze rustled the dead + grasses and the tamaracks until they seemed to be shivering in + the cold.</p> + + <p>Bob was facing himself squarely. This was his first grapple + with the world outside. To his direct American mind the problem + was simplicity in the extreme. An idler is a contemptible + being. A rich idler is almost beneath contempt. A man's life + lies in activity. Activity, outside the artistic and + professional, means the world of business. All teaching at home + and through the homiletic magazines, fashionable at that + period, pointed out but one road to success in this + world—the beginning at the bottom, as Bob was doing; + close application; accuracy; frugality; honesty; fair dealing. + The homiletic magazines omitted idealism and imagination; but + perhaps those qualities are so common in what some people are + pleased to call our humdrum modern business life that they were + taken for granted. If a young man could not succeed in this + world, something was wrong with him. Can Bob be blamed that in + this baffling and unsuspected incapacity he found a great + humility of spirit? In his fashion he began to remember + trifling significances which at the time had meant little to + him. Thus, a girl had once told him, half seriously:</p> + + <p>"Yes, you're a nice boy, just as everybody tells you; a + nice, big, blundering, stupid, Newfoundland-dog boy."</p> + + <p>He had laughed good-humouredly, and had forgotten. Now he + caught at one word of it. That might explain it; he was just + plain stupid! And stupid boys either played polo or drove fancy + horses or ran yachts—or occupied ornamental—too + ornamental—desks for an hour or so a day. Bob remembered + how, as a small boy, he used to hold the ends of the reins + under the delighted belief that he was driving his father's + spirited pair.</p> + + <p>"I've outgrown holding the reins, thank you," he said aloud + in disgust. At the sound of his voice the diver disappeared. + Bob laughed and felt a trifle better.</p> + + <p>He reviewed himself dispassionately. He could not but admit + that he had tried hard enough, and that he had courage. It was + just a case of limitation. Bob, for the first time, bumped + against the stone wall that hems us in on all sides—save + toward the sky.</p> + + <p>He fell into a profound discouragement; a discouragement + that somehow found its prototype in the mournful little lake + with its leaden water, its cold breeze, its whispering, dried + marsh grasses, its funereal tamaracks, and its lonesome + diver.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="X"></a> + + <h2>X</h2><br> + + + <p>But Bob was no quitter. The next morning he tramped down to + the office, animated by a new courage. Even stupid boys learn, + he remembered. It takes longer, of course, and requires more + application. But he was strong and determined. He remembered + Fatty Hayes, who took four years to make the team—Fatty, + who couldn't get a signal through his head until about time for + the next play, and whose great body moved appreciable seconds + after his brain had commanded it; Fatty Hayes, the "scrub's" + chopping block for trying out new men on! And yet he did make + the team in his senior year. Bob acknowledged him a very good + centre, not brilliant, but utterly sure and safe.</p> + + <p>Full of this dogged spirit, he tackled the day's work. It + was a heavy day's work. The mill was just hitting its stride, + the tall ships were being laden and sent away to the four + winds, buyers the country over were finishing their contracts. + Collins, his coat off, his sleeve protectors strapped closely + about his thin arms, worked at an intense white heat. He wasted + no second of time, nor did he permit discursive interruption. + His manner to those who entered the office was civil but curt. + Time was now the essence of the contract these men had with + life.</p> + + <p>About ten o'clock he turned from a swift contemplation of + the tally board.</p> + + <p>"Orde!" said he sharply.</p> + + <p>Bob disentangled himself from his chair.</p> + + <p>"Look there," said the bookkeeper, pointing a long and + nervous finger at three of the tags he held in his hand.</p> + + <p>"There's three errors." He held out for inspection the + original sealers' report which he had dug out of the files.</p> + + <p>Bob looked at the discrepant figures with amazement. He had + checked the tags over twice, and both times the error had + escaped his notice. His mind, self-hypnotized, had passed them + over in the same old fashion. Yet he had taken especial pains + with that list.</p> + + <p>"I happened, just happened, to check these back myself," + Collins was saying rapidly. "If I hadn't, we'd have made that + contract with Robinson on the basis of what these tags show. We + haven't got that much seasoned uppers, nor anything like it. If + you've made many more breaks like this, if we'd contracted with + Robinson for what we haven't got or couldn't get, we'd be in a + nice mess—and so would Robinson!"</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry," murmured Bob. "I'll try to do better."</p> + + <p>"Won't do," said Collins briefly. "You aren't big enough for + the job. I can't get behind, checking over your work. This + office is too rushed as it is. Can't fool with blundering + stupidity."</p> + + <p>Bob flushed at the word.</p> + + <p>"I guess you'd better take your time," went on Collins. "You + may be all right, for all I know, but I haven't got time to + find out."</p> + + <p>He rang a bell twice, and snatched down the telephone + receiver.</p> + + <p>"Hullo, yards, send up Tommy Gould to the office. I want him + to help me. I don't give a damn for the scaling. You'll have to + get along somehow. The five of you ought to hold that down. + Send up Gould, anyhow." He slammed up the receiver, muttering + something about incompetence. Bob for a moment had a strong + impulse to retort, but his anger died. He saw that Collins was + not for the moment thinking of him at all as a human being, as + a personality—only as a piece of this great, swiftly + moving machine, that would not run smoothly. The fact that he + had come under Fox's convoy evidently meant nothing to the + little bookkeeper, at least for the moment. Collins was + entirely accustomed to hiring and discharging men. When + transplanted to the frontier industries, even such automatic + jobs as bookkeeping take on new duties and + responsibilities.</p> + + <p>Bob, after a moment of irresolution, reached for his + hat.</p> + + <p>"That will be all, then?" he asked.</p> + + <p>Collins came out of the abstraction into which he had + fallen.</p> + + <p>"Oh—yes," he said. "Sorry, but of course we can't take + chances on these things being right."</p> + + <p>"Of course not," said Bob steadily.</p> + + <p>"You just need more training," went on Collins with some + vague idea of being kind to this helpless, attractive young + fellow. "I learned under Harry Thorpe that results is all a man + looks at in this business."</p> + + <p>"I guess that's right," said Bob. "Good-bye."</p> + + <p>"Good-bye," said Collins over his shoulder. Already he was + lost in the rapid computations and calculations that filled his + hours.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XI"></a> + + <h2>XI</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob left the office and tramped blindly out of town. His + feet naturally led him to the River Trail. Where the path + finally came out on the banks of the river, he sat down and + delivered himself over to the gloomiest of reflections.</p> + + <p>He was aroused finally by a hearty greeting from behind him. + He turned without haste, surprise or pleasure to examine the + new comer.</p> + + <p>Bob saw surveying him a man well above sixty, heavy-bodied, + burly, big, with a square face, heavy-jowled and homely, with + deep blue eyes set far apart, and iron gray hair that curled at + the ends. With the quick, instinctive sizing-up developed on + the athletic field, Bob thought him coarse-fibred, jolly, a + little obtuse, but strong—very strong with the strength + of competent effectiveness. He was dressed in a slouch hat, a + flannel shirt, a wrinkled old business suit and mud-splashed, + laced half-boots.</p> + + <p>"Well, bub," said this man, "enjoying the scenery?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Bob with reserve. He was in no mood for casual + conversation, but the stranger went on cheerfully.</p> + + <p>"Like it pretty well myself, hereabouts." He filled and + lighted a pipe. "This is a good time of year for the woods; no + mosquitos, pretty warm, mighty nice overhead. Can't say so much + for underfoot." He lifted and surveyed one foot comically, and + Bob noticed that his shoes were not armed with the riverman's + long, sharpened spikes. "Pretty good hunting here in the fall, + and fishing later. Not much now. Up here to look around a + little?"</p> + + <p>"No, not quite," said Bob vaguely.</p> + + <p>"This ain't much of a pleasure resort, and a stranger's a + pretty unusual thing," said the big man by way of half-apology + for his curiosity. "Up buying, I suppose—or maybe + selling?"</p> + + <p>Bob looked up with a beginning of resentment against this + apparent intrusion on his private affairs. He met the + good-humoured, jolly eyes. In spite of himself he half + smiled.</p> + + <p>"Not that either," said he.</p> + + <p>"You aren't in the company's employ?" persisted the stranger + with an undercurrent of huge delight in his tone, as though he + were playing a game that he enjoyed.</p> + + <p>Bob threw back his head and laughed. It was a short laugh + and a bitter one.</p> + + <p>"No," said he shortly, "—not now. I've just been + fired."</p> + + <p>The big man promptly dropped down beside him on the log.</p> + + <p>"Don't say!" he cried; "what's the matter?"</p> + + <p>"The matter is that I'm no good," said Bob evenly, and + without the slightest note of complaint.</p> + + <p>"Tell me about it," suggested the big man soberly after a + moment. "I'm pretty close to Fox. Perhaps----."</p> + + <p>"It isn't a case of pull," Bob interrupted him pleasantly. + "It's a case of total incompetence."</p> + + <p>"That's a rather large order for a husky boy like you," said + the older man with a sudden return to his undertone of + bantering jollity.</p> + + <p>"Well, I've filled it," said Bob. "That's the one job I've + done good and plenty."</p> + + <p>"Haven't stolen the stove, have you?"</p> + + <p>"Might better. It couldn't be any hotter than Collins."</p> + + <p>The stranger chuckled.</p> + + <p>"He <i>is</i> a peppery little cuss," was his comment. "What + did you do to him?"</p> + + <p>Bob told him, lightly, as though the affair might be + considered humorous. The stranger became grave.</p> + + <p>"That all?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>Bob's self-disgust overpowered him.</p> + + <p>"No," said he, "not by a long shot." In brief sentences he + told of his whole experience since entering the business world. + When he had finished, his companion puffed away for several + moments in silence.</p> + + <p>"Well, what you going to do about it?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"I don't know," Bob confessed. "I've got to tell father I'm + no good. That is the only thing I can see ahead to now. It will + break him all up, and I don't blame him. Father is too good a + man himself not to feel this sort of a thing."</p> + + <p>"I see," said the stranger. "Well, it may come out in the + wash," he concluded vaguely after a moment. Bob stared out at + the river, lost in the gloomy thoughts his last speech had + evoked. The stranger improved the opportunity to look the young + man over critically from head to foot.</p> + + <p>"I see you're a college man," said he, indicating Bob's + fraternity pin.</p> + + <p>"Yes," replied the young man listlessly. "I went to the + University."</p> + + <p>"That so!" said the stranger, "well, you're ahead of me. I + never got even to graduate at the high school."</p> + + <p>"Am I?" said Bob.</p> + + <p>"What did you do at college?" inquired the big man.</p> + + <p>"Oh, usual classical course, Greek, Latin, Pol Ec.----"</p> + + <p>"I don't mean what you learned. What did you <i>do?</i>"</p> + + <p>Bob reflected.</p> + + <p>"I don't believe I did a single earthly thing except play a + little football," he confessed.</p> + + <p>"Oh, you played football, did you? That's a great game! I'd + rather see a good game of football than a snake fight. Make the + 'varsity?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Where did you play?"</p> + + <p>"Halfback."</p> + + <p>"Pretty heavy for a 'half,' ain't you?"</p> + + <p>"Well—I train down a little—and I managed to get + around."</p> + + <p>"Play all four years?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Like it?"</p> + + <p>Bob's eye lit up. "Yes!" he cried. Then his face fell. "Too + much, I guess," he added sadly.</p> + + <p>For the first time the twinkle, in the stranger's eye found + vocal expression. He chuckled. It was a good, jolly, + subterranean chuckle from deep in his throat, and it shook all + his round body to its foundations.</p> + + <p>"Who bossed you?" he asked, "—your captain, I mean. + What sort of a fellow was he? Did you get along with him all + right?"</p> + + <p>"Had to," Bob grinned wryly; "you see they happened to make + me captain."</p> + + <p>"Oh, they happened to, did they? What is your name?"</p> + + <p>"Orde."</p> + + <p>The stranger gurgled again.</p> + + <p>"You're just out then. You must have captained those big + scoring teams."</p> + + <p>"They were good teams. I was lucky," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Didn't I see by the papers that you went back to coach last + fall?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"I've been away and couldn't keep tab. How did you come + out?"</p> + + <p>"Pretty well."</p> + + <p>"Win all your games?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"That's good. Thought you were going to have a hard row to + hoe. Before I went away the papers said most of the old men had + graduated, and the material was very poor. How did you work + it?"</p> + + <p>"The material was all right," Bob returned, relaxing a + trifle in the interest of this discussion. "It was only a + little raw, and needed shaking into shape."</p> + + <p>"And you did the shaking."</p> + + <p>"I suppose so; but you see it didn't amount to much because + I'd had a lot of experience in being captain."</p> + + <p>The stranger chuckled one of his jolly subterranean chuckles + again. He arose to his feet.</p> + + <p>"Well, I've got to get along to town," said he.</p> + + <p>"I'll trot along, too," said Bob.</p> + + <p>They tramped back in silence by the River Trail. On the pole + trail across the swamp the stranger walked with a graceful and + assured ease in spite of his apparently unwieldy build. As the + two entered one of the sawdust-covered streets, they were + hailed by Jim Mason.</p> + + <p>"Why, Mr. Welton!" he cried, "when did you get in and where + did you come from?"</p> + + <p>"Just now, Jim," Welton answered. "Dropped off at the tank, + and walked down to see how the river work was coming + on."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XII"></a> + + <h2>XII</h2><br> + + + <p>Toward dusk Welton entered the boarding house where Bob was + sitting rather gloomily by the central stove. The big man + plumped himself down into a protesting chair, and took off his + slouch hat. Bob saw his low, square forehead with the peculiar + hair, black and gray in streaks, curling at the ends.</p> + + <p>"Why don't you take a little trip with me up to the Cedar + Branch?" he asked Bob without preamble. "No use your going home + right now. Your family's in Washington; and will be for a month + or so yet."</p> + + <p>Bob thought it over.</p> + + <p>"Believe I will," he decided at last.</p> + + <p>"Do so!" cried Welton heartily. "Might as well see a little + of the life. Don't suppose you ever went on a drive with your + dad when you were a kid?"</p> + + <p>"No," said Bob, "I used to go up to the booms with + him—I remember them very well; but we moved up to Redding + before I was old enough to get about much."</p> + + <p>Welton nodded his great head.</p> + + <p>"Good old days," he commented; "and let me tell you, your + dad was one of the best of 'em. Jack Orde is a name you can + scare fresh young rivermen with yet," he added with a laugh. + "Well, pack your turkey to-night; we'll take the early train + to-morrow."</p> + + <p>That evening Bob laid out what he intended to take with him, + and was just about to stuff it into a pair of canvas bags when + Tommy Gould, the youngest scaler, pushed open the door.</p> + + <p>"Hello!" he smiled engagingly; "where are you going? Been + transferred from the office?"</p> + + <p>"On drive," said Bob, diplomatically ignoring the last + question.</p> + + <p>Tommy sat down on the edge of the bed and laughed until he + was weak. Bob stared at him.</p> + + <p>"Is there anything funny?" he inquired at last.</p> + + <p>"Did you say on drive?" inquired Tommy feebly.</p> + + <p>"Certainly."</p> + + <p>"With that?" Tommy pointed a wavering finger at the pile of + duffle.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter with it?" inquired Bob, a trifle + uncertainly.</p> + + <p>"Oh, <i>it's</i> all right. Only wait till Roaring Dick sees + it. I'd like to see his face."</p> + + <p>"Look here, Tommy," said Bob with decision, "this isn't + fair. I've never been on drive before, and you know it. Now + tell me what's wrong or I'll wring your fool neck."</p> + + <p>"You can't take all that stuff," Tommy explained, wiping his + eyes. "Why, if everybody had all that mess, how do you suppose + it would be carried?"</p> + + <p>"I've only got the barest necessities," objected Bob.</p> + + <p>"Spread out your pile," Tommy commanded. "There. Take those. + Now forget the rest."</p> + + <p>Bob surveyed the single change of underwear and the extra + socks with comical dismay. Next morning when he joined Welton + he discovered that individual carrying a tooth brush in his + vest pocket and a pair of woolen socks stuffed in his coat. + These and a sweater were his only baggage. Bob's "turkey," + modest as it was, seemed to represent effete luxury in + comparison.</p> + + <p>"How long will this take?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"The drive? About three weeks," Welton told him. "You'd + better stay and see it. It isn't much of a drive compared with + the old days; but in a very few years there won't be any drives + at all."</p> + + <p>They boarded a train which at the end of twenty minutes came + to a stop. Bob and Welton descended. The train moved on, + leaving them standing by the track.</p> + + <p>The remains of the forest, overgrown with scrub oak and + popple thickets pushed down to the right of way. A road, deep + with mud and water, beginning at this point, plunged into the + wilderness. That was all.</p> + + <p>Welton thrust his hands in his pockets and splashed + cheerfully into the ankle-deep mud. Bob shouldered his little + bag and followed. Somehow he had vaguely expected some sort of + conveyance.</p> + + <p>"How far is it?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Oh, ten or twelve miles," said Welton.</p> + + <p>Bob experienced a glow of gratitude to the blithe Tommy + Gould. What would he have done with that baggage out here in + this lonesome wilderness of unbroken barrens and mud?</p> + + <p>The day was beautiful, but the sun breaking through the skin + of last night's freezing, softened the ground until the going + was literally ankle-deep in slush. Welton, despite his weight, + tramped along cheerfully in the apparently careless + indifference of the skilled woods walker. Bob followed, but he + used more energy. He was infinitely the older man's superior in + muscle and endurance, yet he realized, with respect and + admiration, that in a long or difficult day's tramp through the + woods Welton would probably hold him, step for step.</p> + + <p>The road wound and changed direction entirely according to + expedient. It was a "tote road" merely, cutting across these + barrens by the directest possible route. Deep mire holes, roots + of trees, an infrequent boulder, puddles and cruel ruts + diversified the way. Occasional teeth-rattling stretches of + "corduroy" led through a swamp.</p> + + <p>"I don't see how a team can haul a load over this!" Bob + voiced his marvel, after a time.</p> + + <p>"It don't," said Welton. "The supplies are all hauled while + the ground is frozen. A man goes by hand now."</p> + + <p>In the swamps and bottom lands it was a case of slip, slide + and wallow. The going was trying on muscle and wind. To right + and left stretched mazes of white popples and willows tangled + with old berry vines and the abattis of the slashings. Water + stood everywhere. To traverse that swamp a man would have to + force his way by main strength through the thick growth, would + have to balance on half-rotted trunks of trees, wade and + stumble through pools of varying depths, crawl beneath or climb + over all sorts of obstructions in the shape of uproots, spiky + new growths, and old tree trunks. If he had a gun in his hands, + he would furthermore be compelled, through all the vicissitudes + of making his way, to hold it always at the balance ready for + the snap shot. For a ruffed grouse is wary, and flies like a + bullet for speed, and is up and gone almost before the roar of + its wings has aroused the echoes. Through that veil of branches + a man must shoot quickly, instinctively, from any one of the + many positions in which the chance of the moment may have + caught him. Bob knew all about this sort of country, and his + pulses quickened to the call of it.</p> + + <p>"Many partridge?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Lots," replied Welton; "but the country's too confounded + big to hunt them in. Like to hunt?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing better," said Bob.</p> + + <p>After a time the road climbed out of the swamp into the + hardwoods, full of warmth and light and new young green, and + the voices of many creatures; with the soft, silent carpet of + last autumn's brown, the tiny patches of melting snow, and the + pools with dead leaves sunk in them and clear surfaces over + which was mirrored the flight of birds.</p> + + <p>Welton puffed along steadily. He did not appear to talk + much, and yet the sum of his information was considerable.</p> + + <p>"That road," he said, pointing to a dim track, "goes down to + Thompson's. He's a settler. Lives on a little lake.</p> + + <p>"There's a deer," he remarked, "over in that thicket against + the hill."</p> + + <p>Bob looked closely, but could see nothing until the animal + bounded away, waving the white flag of its tail.</p> + + <p>"Settlers up here are a confounded nuisance," went on Welton + after a while. "They're always hollering for what they call + their 'rights.' That generally means they try to hang up our + drive. The average mossback's a hard customer. I'd rather try + to drive nails in a snowbank than tackle driving logs through a + farm country. They never realize that we haven't got time to + talk it all out for a few weeks. There's one old cuss now + that's making us trouble about the water. Don't want to open up + to give us a fair run through the sluices of his dam. Don't + seem to realize that when we start to go out, we've got to go + out in a <i>hurry</i>, spite o' hell and low water."</p> + + <p>He went on, in his good-natured, unexcited fashion, to + inveigh against the obstinacy of any and all mossbacks. There + was no bitterness in it, merely a marvel over an inexplicable, + natural phenomenon.</p> + + <p>"Suppose you <i>didn't</i> get all the logs out this year," + asked Bob, at length. "Of course it would be a nuisance; but + couldn't you get them next year?"</p> + + <p>"That's the trouble," Welton explained. "If you leave them + over the summer, borers get into them, and they're about a + total loss. No, my son, when you start to take out logs in this + country, you've got to <i>take them out!</i>"</p> + + <p>"That's what I'm going in here for now," he explained, after + a moment. "This Cedar Branch is an odd job we had to take over + from another firm. It is an unimproved river, and difficult to + drive, and just lined with mossbacks. The crew is a mixed + bunch—some old men, some young toughs. They're a hard + crowd, and one not like the men on the main drive. It really + needs either Tally or me up here; but we can't get away for + this little proposition. He's got Darrell in charge. Darrell's + a good man on a big job. Then he feels his responsibility, + keeps sober and drives his men well. But I'm scared he won't + take this little drive serious. If he gets one drink in him, + it's all off!"</p> + + <p>"I shouldn't think it would pay to put such a man in + charge," said Bob, more as the most obvious remark than from + any knowledge or conviction.</p> + + <p>"Wouldn't you?" Welton's eyes twinkled. "Well, son, after + you've knocked around a while you'll find that every man is + good for something somewhere. Only you can't put a square peg + in a round hole."</p> + + <p>"How much longer will the high water last?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Hard to say."</p> + + <p>"Well, I hope you get the logs out," Bob ventured.</p> + + <p>"Sure we'll get them out!" replied Welton confidently. + "We'll get them out if we have to go spit in the creek!" With + which remark the subject was considered closed.</p> + + <p>About four o'clock of the afternoon they came out on a low + bluff overlooking a bottom land through which flowed a little + stream twenty-five or thirty feet across.</p> + + <p>"That's the Cedar Branch," said Welton, "and I reckon that's + one of the camps up where you see that smoke."</p> + + <p>They deserted the road and made their way through a fringe + of thin brush to the smoke. Bob saw two big tents, a + smouldering fire surrounded by high frames on which hung a few + drying clothes, a rough table, and a cooking fire over which + bubbled tremendous kettles and fifty-pound lard tins suspended + from a rack. A man sat on a cracker box reading a fragment of + newspaper. A boy of sixteen squatted by the fire.</p> + + <p>This man looked up and nodded, as Welton and his companion + approached.</p> + + <p>"Where's the drive, doctor?" asked the lumberman.</p> + + <p>"This is the jam camp," replied the cook. "The jam's + upstream a mile or so. Rear's back by Thompson's + somewheres."</p> + + <p>"Is there a jam in the river?" asked Bob with interest. "I'd + like to see it."</p> + + <p>"There's a dozen a day, probably," replied Welton; "but in + this case he just means the head of the drive. We call that the + 'jam.'"</p> + + <p>"I suppose Darrell's at the rear?" Welton asked the + cook.</p> + + <p>"Yep," replied that individual, rising to peer into one of + his cavernous cooking utensils.</p> + + <p>"Who's in charge here?"</p> + + <p>"Larsen"</p> + + <p>"H'm," said Welton. "Well," he added to himself, "he's slow, + safe and sure, anyway."</p> + + <p>He led the way to one of the tents and pulled aside the + flap. The ground inside was covered by a welter of tumbled + blankets and clothes.</p> + + <p>"Nice tidy housekeeping," he grinned at Bob. He picked out + two of the best blankets and took them outside where he hung + them on a bush and beat them vigorously.</p> + + <p>"There," he concluded, "now they're ours."</p> + + <p>"What about the fellows who had 'em before?" inquired + Bob.</p> + + <p>"They probably had about eight apiece; and if they hadn't + they can bunk together."</p> + + <p>Bob walked to the edge of the stream. It was not very wide, + yet at this point it carried from three to six or eight feet of + water, according to the bottom. A few logs were stranded along + shore. Two or three more floated by, the forerunners of the + drive. Bob could see where the highest water had flung debris + among the bushes, and by that he knew that the stream must be + already dropping from its freshet.</p> + + <p>It was now late in the afternoon. The sun dipped behind a + cold and austere hill-line. Against the sky showed a fringe of + delicate popples, like spray frozen in the rise. The heavens + near the horizon were a cold, pale yellow of unguessed lucent + depths, that shaded above into an equally cold, pale green. Bob + thrust his hands in his pockets and turned back to where the + drying fire, its fuel replenished, was leaping across the + gathering dusk.</p> + + <p>Immediately after, the driving crews came tramping in from + upstream. They paid no attention to the newcomers, but dove + first for the tent, then for the fire. There they began to pull + off their lower garments, and Bob saw that most of them were + drenched from the waist down. The drying racks were soon + steaming with wet clothes.</p> + + <p>Welton fell into low conversation with an old man, straight + and slender as a Norway pine, with blue eyes, flaxen hair, + eyebrows and moustache. This was Larsen, in charge of the jam, + honest, capable in his way, slow of speech, almost childlike of + glance. After a few minutes Welton rejoined Bob.</p> + + <p>"He's a square peg, all right," he muttered, more to himself + than to his companion. "He's a good riverman, but he's no river + boss. Too easy-going. Well, all he has to do is to direct the + work, luckily. If anything really goes wrong, Darrell would be + down in two jumps."</p> + + <p>"Grub pile!" remarked the cook conversationally.</p> + + <p>The men seized the utensils from a heap of them, and began + to fill their plates from the kettles on the table.</p> + + <p>"Come on, bub," said Welton, "dig in! It's a long time till + breakfast!"</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XIII"></a> + + <h2>XIII</h2><br> + + + <p>The cook was early a foot next morning. Bob, restless with + the uneasiness of the first night out of doors, saw the flicker + of the fire against the tent canvas long before the first signs + of daylight. In fact, the gray had but faintly lightened the + velvet black of the night when the cook thrust his head inside + the big sleeping tents to utter a wild yell of reveille.</p> + + <p>The men stirred sleepily, stretched, yawned, finally kicked + aside their blankets. Bob stumbled into the outer air. The + chill of early morning struck into his bones. Teeth chattering, + he hurried to the river bank where he stripped and splashed his + body with the bracing water. Then he rubbed down with the + little towel Tommy Gould had allowed him. The reaction in this + chill air was slow in coming—Bob soon learned that the + early cold bath out of doors is a superstition—and he + shivered from time to time as he propped up his little mirror + against a stump. Then he shaved, anointing his face after the + careful manner of college boys. This satisfactorily completed, + he fished in his duffle bag to find his tooth brush and soap. + His hair he arranged painstakingly with a pair of military + brushes. He further manipulated a nail-brush vigorously, and + ended with manicuring his nails. Then, clean, vigorous, fresh, + but somewhat chilly, he packed away his toilet things and + started for camp.</p> + + <p>Whereupon, for the first time, he became aware of one of the + rivermen, pipe clenched between his teeth, watching him + sardonically.</p> + + <p>Bob nodded, and made as though to pass.</p> + + <p>"Oh, bub!" said the older man.</p> + + <p>Bob stopped.</p> + + <p>"Say," drawled the riverman, "air you as much trouble to + yourself <i>every</i> day as this?"</p> + + <p>Bob laughed, and dove for camp. He found it practically + deserted. The men had eaten breakfast and departed for work. + Welton greeted him.</p> + + <p>"Well, bub," said he, "didn't know but we'd lost you. Feed + your face, and we'll go upstream."</p> + + <p>Bob ate rapidly. After breakfast Welton struck into a + well-trodden foot trail that led by a circuitous route up the + river bottom, over points of land, around swamps. Occasionally + it forked. Then, Welton explained, one fork was always a short + cut across a bend, while the other followed accurately the + extreme bank of the river. They took this latter and longest + trail, always, in order more closely to examine the state of + the drive. As they proceeded upstream they came upon more and + more logs, some floating free, more stranded gently along the + banks. After a time they encountered the first of the driving + crew. This man was standing on an extreme point, leaning on his + peavy, watching the timbers float past. Pretty soon several + logs, held together by natural cohesion, floated to the bend, + hesitated, swung slowly and stopped. Other logs, following, + carromed gently against them and also came to rest.</p> + + <p>Immediately the riverman made a flying leap to the nearest. + He hit it with a splash that threw the water high to either + side, immediately caught his equilibrium, and set to work with + his peavy. He seemed to know just where to bend his efforts. + Two, then three, logs, disentangled from the mass, floated + away. Finally, all moved slowly forward. The riverman intent on + his work, was swept from view.</p> + + <p>"After he gets them to running free, he'll come ashore," + said Welton, in answer to Bob's query. "Oh, just paddle ashore + with his peavy. Then he'll come back up the trail. This bend is + liable to jam, and so we have to keep a man here."</p> + + <p>They walked on and on, up the trail. Every once in a while + they came upon other members of the jam crew, either watching, + as was the first man, at some critical point, or working in + twos and threes to keep the reluctant timbers always moving. At + one place six or eight were picking away busily at a jam that + had formed bristling quite across the river. Bob would have + liked to stop to watch; but Welton's practised eye saw nothing + to it.</p> + + <p>"They're down to the key log, now," he pronounced. "They'll + have it out in a jiffy."</p> + + <p>Inside of two miles or so farther they left behind them the + last member of the jam crew and came upon an outlying scout of + the "rear." Then Welton began to take the shorter trails. At + the end of another half-hour the two plumped into the full + activity of the rear itself.</p> + + <p>Bob saw two crews of men, one on either bank, busily engaged + in restoring to the current the logs stranded along the shore. + In some cases this merely meant pushing them afloat by means of + the peavies. Again, when the timbers had gone hard aground, + they had to be rolled over and over until the deeper water + caught them. In extreme cases, when evidently the freshet water + had dropped away from them, leaving them high and dry, a number + of men would clamp on the jaws of their peavies and carry the + logs bodily to the water. In this active work the men were + everywhere across the surface of the river. They pushed and + heaved from the instability of the floating logs as easily as + though they had possessed beneath their feet the advantages of + solid land. When they wanted to go from one place to another + across the clear water they had various methods of propelling + themselves—either broad on, by rolling the log treadwise, + or endways by paddling, or by jumping strongly on one end. The + logs dipped and bobbed and rolled beneath them; the water + flowed over their feet; but always they seemed to maintain + their balance unconsciously, and to give their whole attention + to the work in hand. They worked as far as possible from the + decks of logs, but did not hesitate, when necessary, to plunge + even waist-deep into the icy current. Behind them they left a + clear river.</p> + + <p>Like most exhibitions of superlative skill, all this would + have seemed to an uninitiated observer like Bob an easy task, + were it not for the misfortunes of one youth. That boy was + about half the time in the water. He could stand upright on a + log very well as long as he tried to do nothing else. This + partial skill undoubtedly had lured him to the drive. But as + soon as he tried to work, he was in trouble. The log commenced + to roll; he to struggle for his balance. It always ended with a + mighty splash and a shout of joy from every one in sight, as + the unfortunate youth soused in all over. Then, after many + efforts, he dragged himself out, his garments heavy and + dripping, and cautiously tried to gain the perpendicular. This + ordinarily required several attempts, each of which meant + another ducking as the treacherous log rolled at just the wrong + instant. The boy was game, though, and kept at it earnestly in + spite of repeated failure.</p> + + <p>Welton watched two repetitions of this performance.</p> + + <p>"Dick!" he roared across the tumult of sound.</p> + + <p>Roaring Dick, whose light, active figure had been seen + everywhere across the logs, looked up, recognized Welton, and + zigzagged skilfully ashore. He stamped the water from his + shoes.</p> + + <p>"Why don't you fire that kid ashore?" demanded Welton. "Do + you want to drown him? He's so cold now he don't know where's + his feet?"</p> + + <p>Roaring Dick glanced carelessly at the boy. The latter had + succeeded in gaining the shallows, where he was trying to roll + over a stranded log. His hands were purple and swollen; his + face puffed and blue; violent shivers shook him from head to + foot; his teeth actually chattered when, for a moment, he + relaxed his evident intention to stick it through without + making a sign. All his movements were slow and awkward, and his + dripping clothes clung tight to his body.</p> + + <p>"Oh, him!" said Roaring Dick in reply. "I didn't pay no more + attention to him than to one of these yere hell divers. He + ain't no <i>good</i>, so I clean overlooked him. Here, you!" he + cried suddenly.</p> + + <p>The boy looked up, Bob saw him start convulsively, and knew + that he had met the impact of that peculiar dynamic energy in + Roaring Dick's nervous face. He clambered laboriously from the + shallows, the water draining from the bottom of his "stagged" + trousers.</p> + + <p>"Get to camp," snapped Dick. "You're laid off."</p> + + <p>"Why did you ever take such a man on in the first place?" + asked Welton.</p> + + <p>"He was here when I come," replied Roaring Dick, + indifferently, "and, anyway, he's bound he's goin to be a + river-hog. You couldn't keep him out with a fly-screen."</p> + + <p>"How're things going?" inquired Welton.</p> + + <p>"All right," said Roaring Dick. "This ain't no drive to have + things goin' wrong. A man could run a hand-organ, a quiltin' + party and this drive all to once and never drop a stitch."</p> + + <p>"How about old Murdock's dam? Looks like he might make + trouble."</p> + + <p>"Ain't got to old Murdock yet," said Roaring Dick. "When we + do, we'll trim his whiskers to pattern. Don't you worry none + about Murdock."</p> + + <p>"I don't," laughed Welton. "But, Dick, what are all these + deadheads I see in the river? Our logs are all marked, aren't + they?"</p> + + <p>"They's been some jobbing done way below our rollways," said + Roaring Dick, "and the mossbacks have been taking 'em out long + before our drive got this far. Them few deadheads we've picked + up along the line; mossbacks left 'em stranded. They ain't very + many."</p> + + <p>"I'll send up a marking hammer, and we'll brand them. + Finders keepers."</p> + + <p>"Sure," said Roaring Dick.</p> + + <p>He nodded and ran out over the logs. The work leaped. + Wherever he went the men took hold as though reanimated by an + electric current.</p> + + <p>"Dick's a driver," said Welton, reflectively, "and he gets + out the logs. But I'm scared he don't take this little job + serious."</p> + + <p>He looked out over the animated scene for a moment in + silence. Then he seemed suddenly to remember his companion.</p> + + <p>"Well, son," said he, "that's called 'sacking' the river. + The rear crew is the place of honour, let me tell you. The old + timers used to take a great pride in belonging to a crack rear + on a big drive. When you get one side of the river working + against the other, it's great fun. I've seen some fine races in + my day."</p> + + <p>At this moment two men swung up the river trail, bending to + the broad tump lines that crossed the tops of their heads. + These tump lines supported rather bulky wooden boxes running + the lengths of the men's backs. Arrived at the rear, they + deposited their burdens. One set to building a fire; the other + to unpacking from the boxes all the utensils and receptacles of + a hearty meal. The food was contained in big lard tins. It was + only necessary to re-heat it. In ten minutes the usual call of + "grub pile" rang out across the river. The men came ashore. + Each group of five or six built its little fire. The wind + sucked aloft these innumerable tiny smokes, and scattered them + in a thin mist through the trees.</p> + + <p>Welton stayed to watch the sacking until after three + o'clock. Then he took up the river trail to the rear camp. This + Bob found to be much like the other, but larger.</p> + + <p>"Ordinarily on drive we have a wanigan," said Welton. "A + wanigan's a big scow. It carries the camp and supplies to + follow the drive. Here we use teams; and it's some of a job, + let me tell you! The roads are bad, and sometimes it's a long + ways around. Hard sledding, isn't it Billy?" he inquired of the + teamster, who was warming his hands by the fire.</p> + + <p>"Well, I always get there," the latter replied with some + pride. "From the Little Fork here I only tipped over six times, + all told."</p> + + <p>The cook, who had been listening near by, grunted.</p> + + <p>"Only time I wasn't with you, Billy," said he; "that's why + you got the nerve to tell that!"</p> + + <p>"It's a fact!" insisted the driver.</p> + + <p>The young fellow who had been ordered off the river sat + alone by the drying-fire. Now that he had warmed up and dried + off, he was seen to be a rather good-looking boy, dark-skinned, + black-eyed, with overhanging, thick, straight brows, like a + line from temple to temple. These gave him either the sullen, + biding look of an Indian or an air of set determination, as the + observer pleased. Just now he contemplated the fire rather + gloomily.</p> + + <p>Welton sat down on the same log with him.</p> + + <p>"Well, bub," said the old riverman good-naturedly, "so you + thought you'd like to be a riverman?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir," replied the boy, with a certain sullen + reserve.</p> + + <p>"Where did you think you learned to ride a log?"</p> + + <p>"I've been around a little at the booms."</p> + + <p>"I see. Well, it's a different proposition when you come to + working on 'em in fast water."</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir."</p> + + <p>"Where you from?"</p> + + <p>"Down Greenville way."</p> + + <p>"Farm?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir."</p> + + <p>"Back to the farm now, eh?"</p> + + <p>"I suppose so."</p> + + <p>"Don't like the notion, eh?"</p> + + <p>"No!" cried the boy, with a flash of passion.</p> + + <p>"Still like to tackle the river?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir," replied the young fellow, again encased in his + sullen apathy.</p> + + <p>"If I send you back to-morrow, would you like to tackle it + again?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes!" said the boy eagerly. "I didn't have any sort of + a show when you saw me to-day! I can do a heap better than + that. I was froze through and couldn't handle myself."</p> + + <p>Welton grinned.</p> + + <p>"What you so stuck on getting wet for?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>"I dunno," replied the boy vaguely. "I just like the + woods."</p> + + <p>"Well, I got no notion of drownding you off in the first + white water we come across," said Welton; "but I tell you what + to do: you wait around here a few days, helping the cook or + Billy there, and I'll take you down to the mill and put you on + the booms where you can practise in still water with a + pike-pole, and can go warm up in the engine room when you fall + off. Suit you?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir. Thank you," said the boy quietly; but there was a + warm glow in his eye.</p> + + <p>By now it was nearly dark.</p> + + <p>"Guess we'll bunk here to-night," Welton told Bob + casually.</p> + + <p>Bob looked his dismay.</p> + + <p>"Why, I left everything down at the other camp," he cried, + "even my tooth brush and hair brush!"</p> + + <p>Welton looked at him comically.</p> + + <p>"Me, too," said he. "We won't neither of us be near as much + trouble to ourselves to-morrow, will we?"</p> + + <p>So he had overheard the riverman's remark that morning. Bob + laughed.</p> + + <p>"That's right," approved Welton, "take it easy. Necessities + is a great comfort, but you can do without even them."</p> + + <p>After supper all sprawled around a fire. Welton's big bulk + extended in the acme of comfort. He puffed his pipe straight up + toward the stars, and swore gently from time to time when the + ashes dropped back into his eyes.</p> + + <p>"Now that's a good kid," he said, waving a pipe toward the + other fire where the would-be riverman was helping wash the + dishes. "He'll never be a first-class riverman, but he's a good + kid."</p> + + <p>"Why won't he make a good riverman?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Same reason you wouldn't," said Welton bluntly. "A good + white water man has to start younger. Besides, what's the use? + There won't be any rivermen ten year from now. Say, you," he + raised his voice peremptorily, "what do you call yourself?"</p> + + <p>The boy looked up startled, saw that he was indicated, + stammered, and caught his voice.</p> + + <p>"John Harvey, sir," he replied.</p> + + <p>"Son of old John who used to be on the Marquette back in the + seventies?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir; I suppose so."</p> + + <p>"He ought to be a good kid: he comes of good stock," + muttered Welton; "but he'll never be a riverman. No use trying + to shove that shape peg in a round hole!"</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XIV"></a> + + <h2>XIV</h2><br> + + + <p>Near noon of the following day a man came upstream to report + a jam beyond the powers of the outlying rivermen. Roaring Dick, + after a short absence for examination, returned to call off the + rear. All repaired to the scene of obstruction.</p> + + <p>Bob noticed the slack water a mile or so above the jam. The + river was quite covered with logs pressed tight against each + other by the force of the interrupted current, but still + floating. A little farther along the increasing pressure had + lifted some of them clear of the water. They upended slightly, + or lay in hollows between the others. Still farther downstream + the salient features of a jam multiplied. More timbers stuck + out at angles from the surface; some were even lifted bodily. + An abattis formed, menacing and formidable, against which even + the mighty dynamics of the river pushed in vain. Then at last + the little group arrived at the "breast" itself—a sullen + and fearful tangle like a gigantic pile of jackstraws. Beneath + it the diminished river boiled out angrily. By the very fact of + its lessened volume Bob could guess at the pressure above. + Immediately the rivermen ran out on this tangle, and, after a + moment devoted to inspection, set to work with their peavies. + Bob started to follow, but Welton held him back.</p> + + <p>"It's dangerous for a man not used to it. The jam may go out + at any time, and when she goes, she goes sky-hooting."</p> + + <p>But in the event his precaution turned out useless. All day + the men rolled logs into the current below the dam. The + <i>click!</i> clank! clank! of their peavies sounded like the + valves of some great engine, so regular was the periodicity of + their metallic recurrence. They made quite a hole in the + breast; and several times the jam shrugged, creaked and + settled, but always to a more solid look. Billy, the teamster, + brought down his horses. By means of long blocks and tackle + they set to yanking out logs from certain places specified by + Roaring Dick. Still the jam proved obstinate.</p> + + <p>"I hate to do it," said Roaring Dick to Welton; "but it's a + case of powder."</p> + + <p>"Tie into it," agreed Welton. "What's a few smashed logs + compared to hanging the drive?"</p> + + <p>Dick nodded. He picked up a little canvas lunch bag from a + stump where, earlier in the day, he had hung it, and from it + extracted several sticks of giant powder, a length of fuse and + several caps. These he prepared. Then he and Welton walked out + over the jam, examining it carefully, and consulting together + at length. Finally Roaring Dick placed his charge far down in + the interstices, lit the fuse and walked calmly ashore. The men + leisurely placed themselves out of harm's way. Welton joined + Bob behind a big burned stub.</p> + + <p>"Will that start her sure?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Depends on whether we guessed right on the key log," said + Welton.</p> + + <p>A great roar shook the atmosphere. Straight up into the air + spurted the cloud of the explosion. Through the white smoke Bob + could see the flame and four or five big logs, like upleaping, + dim giants. Then he dodged back from the rain of bark and + splinters.</p> + + <p>The immediate effect on the jam was not apparent. It fell + forward into the opening made by the explosion, and a light but + perceptible movement ran through the waiting timbers up the + river. But the men, running out immediately, soon made it + evident that the desired result had been attained. Their + efforts now seemed to gain definite effects. An uneasiness ran + through the hitherto solid structure of the jam. Timbers + changed position. Sometimes the whole river seemed to start + forward a foot or so, but before the eye could catch the + motion, it had again frozen to immobility.</p> + + <p>"That fetched the key logs, all right," said Welton, + watching.</p> + + <p>Then all at once about half the breast of the jam fell + forward into the stream. Bob uttered an involuntary cry. But + the practised rivermen must have foreseen this, for none were + caught. At once the other logs at the breast began to topple of + their own accord into the stream. The splashes threw the water + high like the explosions of shells, and the thundering of the + falling and grinding timbers resembled the roar of artillery. + The pattern of the river changed, at first almost + imperceptibly, then more and more rapidly. The logs in the + centre thrust forward, those on the wings hung back. Near the + head of the jam the men worked like demons. Wherever the + timbers caught or hesitated for a moment in their slow crushing + forward, there a dozen men leaped savagely, to jerk, heave and + pry with their heavy peavies. Continually under them the + footing shifted; sullen logs menaced them with crushing or + complete engulfment in their grinding mill. Seemingly they paid + no attention to this, but gave all their energies to the work. + In reality, whether from calculation or merely from the + instinct that grows out of long experience, they must have + pre-estimated every chance.</p> + + <p>"What bully team work!" cried Bob, stirred to + enthusiasm.</p> + + <p>Now the motion quickened. The centre of the river rushed + forward; the wings sucked in after from either side. A roar and + battling of timbers, jets of spray, the smoke of waters filled + the air. Quite coolly the rivermen made their way ashore, their + peavies held like balancing poles across their bodies. Under + their feet the logs heaved, sank, ground together, tossed above + the hurrying under-mass, tumultuous as a close-packed drove of + wild horses. The rivermen rode them easily. For an appreciable + time one man perched on a stable timber watching keenly ahead. + Then quite coolly he leaped, made a dozen rapid zigzag steps + forward, and stopped. The log he had quitted dropped sullenly + from sight, and two closed, grinding, where it had been. In + twenty seconds every man was safely ashore.</p> + + <p>The river caught its speed. Hurried on by the pressure of + water long dammed back, the logs tumbled forward. Rank after + rank they swept past, while the rivermen, leaning on the shafts + of their peavies, passed them in review.</p> + + <p>"That was luck," Welton's voice broke in on Bob's + contemplation. "It's just getting dark. Couldn't have done it + without the dynamite. It splinters up a little timber, but we + save money, even at that."</p> + + <p>"Billy doesn't carry that with the other supplies, does he?" + asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Sure," said Welton; "rolls it up in the bedding, or + something. Well, John Harvey, Junior," said he to that youth, + "what do you think of it? A little different driving this white + water than pushing logs with a pike pole down a slack-water + river like the Green, hey?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir," the boy nodded out of his Indian stolidity.</p> + + <p>"You see now why a man has to start young to be a riverman," + Welton told Bob, as they bent their steps toward camp. "Poor + little John Harvey out on that jam when she broke would have + stood about as much chance as a beetle at a woodpecker prayer + meeting."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XV"></a> + + <h2>XV</h2><br> + + + <p>Two days later Welton returned to the mill. At his + suggestion Bob stayed with the drive. He took his place quietly + as a visitor, had the good sense to be unobtrusive, and so was + tolerated by the men. That is to say, he sat at the camp fires + practically unnoticed, and the rivermen talked as though he + were not there. When he addressed any of them they answered him + with entire good humour, but ordinarily they paid no more + attention to him than they did to the trees and bushes that + chanced to surround the camp.</p> + + <p>The drive moved forward slowly. Sometimes Billy packed up + every day to set forth on one of his highly adventurous drives; + again camp stayed for some time in the same place. Bob amused + himself tramping up and down the river, reviewing the + operations. Occasionally Roaring Dick, in his capacity of river + boss, accompanied the young fellow. Why, Bob could not imagine, + for the alert, self-contained little riverman trudged along in + almost entire silence, his keen chipmunk eyes spying restlessly + on all there was to be seen. When Bob ventured a remark or + comment, he answered by a grunt or a monosyllable. The grunt or + the monosyllable was never sullen or hostile or contemptuous; + merely indifferent. Bob learned to economize speech, and so got + along well with his strange companion.</p> + + <p>By the end of the week the drive entered a cleared farm + country. The cultivation was crude and the clearing partial. + Low-wooded hills dotted with stumps of the old forest + alternated with willow-grown bottom-lands and dense swamps. The + farmers lived for the most part in slab or log houses earthed + against the winter cold. Fences were of split rails laid "snake + fashion." Ploughing had to be in and out between the blackened + stumps on the tops of which were piled the loose rocks picked + from the soil as the share turned them up. Long, unimproved + roads wandered over the hills, following roughly the section + lines, but perfectly willing to turn aside through some man's + field in order to avoid a steep grade or soft going. These + things the rivermen saw from their stream exactly as a trainman + would see them from his right-of-way. The river was the + highway, and rarely was it considered worth while to climb the + low bluffs out of the bottom-land through which it flowed.</p> + + <p>In the long run it landed them in a town named Twin Falls. + Here were a water-power dam and some small manufactories. Here, + too, were saloons and other temptations for rivermen. Camp was + made above town. In the evening the men, with but few + exceptions, turned in to the sleeping tent at the usual hour. + Bob was much surprised at this; but later he came to recognize + it as part of a riverman's peculiar code. Until the drive + should be down, he did not feel himself privileged to "blow off + steam." Even the exceptions did not get so drunk they could not + show up the following morning to take a share in sluicing the + drive through the dam.</p> + + <p>All but Roaring Dick. The latter did not appear at all, and + was reported "drunk a-plenty" by some one who had seen him + early that morning. Evidently the river boss did not "take this + drive serious." His absence seemed to make no difference. The + sluicing went forward methodically.</p> + + <p>"He'll show up in a day or two," said the cook with entire + indifference, when Bob inquired of him.</p> + + <p>That evening, however, four or five of the men disappeared, + and did not return. Such was the effect of an evil example on + the part of the foreman. Larsen took charge. In almost unbroken + series the logs shot through the sluiceways into the river + below, where they were received by the jam crew and started on + the next stage of their long journey to the mills. In a day the + dam was passed. One of the younger men rode the last log + through the sluiceway, standing upright as it darted down the + chute into the eddy below. The crowd of townspeople cheered. + The boy waved his hat and birled the log until the spray + flew.</p> + + <p>But hardly was camp pitched two miles below town when one of + the jam crew came upstream to report a difficulty. Larsen at + once made ready to accompany him down the river trail, and Bob, + out of curiosity, went along, too.</p> + + <p>"It's mossbacks," the messenger explained, "and them + deadheads we been carrying along. They've rigged up a little + sawmill down there, where they're cutting what the farmers haul + in to 'em. And then, besides, they've planted a bunch of piles + right out in the middle of the stream and boomed in their side, + and they're out there with pike-poles, nailin' onto every stick + of deadhead that comes along."</p> + + <p>"Well, that's all right," said Larsen. "I guess they got a + right to them as long as we ain't marked them."</p> + + <p>"They can have their deadheads," agreed the riverman, "but + their piles have jammed our drive and hung her."</p> + + <p>"We'll break the jam," said Larsen.</p> + + <p>Arrived at the scene of difficulty, Bob looked about him + with great interest. The jam was apparently locked hard and + fast against a clump of piles driven about in the centre of the + stream. These had evidently been planted as the extreme outwork + of a long shunting boom. Men working there could shunt into the + sawmill enclosure that portion of the drive to which they could + lay claim. The remainder could proceed down the open channel to + the left. That was the theory. Unfortunately, this division of + the river's width so congested matters that the whole drive had + hung.</p> + + <p>The jam crew were at work, but even Bob's unpractised eye + saw that their task was stupendous. Even should they succeed in + loosening the breast, there could be no reason to suppose the + performance would not have to be repeated over and over again + as the close-ranked drive came against the obstacle.</p> + + <p>Larsen took one look, then made his way across to the other + side and down to the mill. Bob followed. The little sawmill was + going full blast under the handling of three men and a boy. + Everything was done in the most primitive manner, by main + strength, awkwardness, and old-fashioned tools.</p> + + <p>"Who's boss?" yelled Larsen against the clang of the + mill.</p> + + <p>A slow, black-bearded man stepped forward.</p> + + <p>"What can I do for you?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Our drive's hung up against your boom," yelled Larsen.</p> + + <p>The man raised his hand and the machinery was suddenly + stilled.</p> + + <p>"So I perceive," said he.</p> + + <p>"Your boom-piles are drove too far out in the stream."</p> + + <p>"I don't know about that," objected the mossback.</p> + + <p>"I do," insisted Larsen. "Nobody on earth could keep from + jamming, the way you got things fixed."</p> + + <p>"That's none of my business," said the man steadily.</p> + + <p>"Well, we'll have to take out that fur clump of piles to get + our jam broke."</p> + + <p>"I don't know about that," repeated the man.</p> + + <p>Larsen apparently paid no attention to this last remark, but + tramped back to the jam. There he ordered a couple of men out + with axes, and others with tackle. But at that moment the three + men and the boy appeared. They carried three shotguns and a + rifle.</p> + + <p>"That's about enough of that," said the bearded man, + quietly. "You let my property alone. I don't want any trouble + with you men, but I'll blow hell out of the first man that + touches those piles. I've had about enough of this riverhog + monkey-work."</p> + + <p>He looked as though he meant business, as did his + companions. When the rivermen drew back, he took his position + atop the disputed clump of piles, his shotgun across his + knees.</p> + + <p>The driving crew retreated ashore. Larsen was plainly + uncertain.</p> + + <p>"I tell you, boys," said he, "I'll get back to town. You + wait."</p> + + <p>"Guess I'll go along," suggested Bob, determined to miss no + phase of this new species of warfare.</p> + + <p>"What you going to do?" he asked Larsen when they were once + on the trail.</p> + + <p>"I don't know," confessed the older man, rubbing his cap. + "I'm just goin' to see some lawyer, and then I'm goin' to + telegraph the Company. I wish Darrell was in charge. I don't + know what to do. You can't expect those boys to run a chance of + gittin' a hole in 'em."</p> + + <p>"Do you believe they'd shoot?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"I believe so. It's a long chance, anyhow."</p> + + <p>But in Twin Falls they received scant sympathy and + encouragement. The place was distinctly bucolic, and as such + opposed instinctively to larger mills, big millmen, lumber, + lumbermen and all pertaining thereunto. They tolerated the + drive because, in the first place they had to; and in the + second place there was some slight profit to be made. But the + rough rivermen antagonized them, and they were never averse to + seeing these buccaneers of the streams in difficulties. Then, + too, by chance the country lawyers Larsen consulted happened to + be attorneys for the little sawmill men. Larsen tried in his + blundering way to express his feeling that "nobody had a right + to hang our drive." His explanations were so involved and + futile that, without thinking, Bob struck in.</p> + + <p>"Surely these men have no right to obstruct as they do. + Isn't there some law against interfering with navigation?"</p> + + <p>"The stream is not navigable," returned the lawyer + curtly.</p> + + <p>Bob's memory vouchsafed a confused recollection of something + read sometime, somewhere.</p> + + <p>"Hasn't a stream been declared navigable when logs can be + driven in it?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Are you in charge of this drive?" the lawyer asked, turning + on him sharply.</p> + + <p>"Why—no," confessed Bob.</p> + + <p>"Have you anything to do with this question?"</p> + + <p>"I don't believe I have."</p> + + <p>"Then I fail to see why I should answer your questions," + said the lawyer, with finality. "As to your question," he went + on to Larsen with equal coldness, "if you have any doubts as to + Mr. Murdock's rights in the stream, you have the recourse of a + suit at law to settle that point, and to determine the damages, + if any."</p> + + <p>Bob found himself in the street with Larsen.</p> + + <p>"But they haven't got no right to stop our drive <i>dead</i> + that way," expostulated the old man.</p> + + <p>Bob's temper was somewhat ruffled by his treatment at the + hands of the lawyer.</p> + + <p>"Well, they've done it, whether they have the right to or + not," he said shortly; "what next?"</p> + + <p>"I guess I'll telegraph Mr. Welton," said Larsen.</p> + + <p>He did so. The two returned to camp. The rivermen were + loafing in camp awaiting Larsen's reappearance. The jam was as + before. Larsen walked out on the logs. The boy, seated on the + clump of piles, gave a shrill whistle. Immediately from the + little mill appeared the brown-bearded man and his two + companions. They picked their way across the jam to the piles, + where they roosted, their weapons across their knees, until + Larsen had returned to the other bank.</p> + + <p>"Well, Mr. Welton ought to be up in a couple of days, if he + ain't up the main river somewheres," said Larsen.</p> + + <p>"Aren't you going to do anything in the meantime?" asked + Bob.</p> + + <p>"What can I do?" countered Larsen.'</p> + + <p>The crew had nothing to say one way or the other, but + watched with a cynical amusement the progress of affairs. They + smoked, and spat, and squatted on their heels in the Indian + taciturnity of their kind when for some reason they withhold + their approval. That evening, however, Bob happened to be lying + at the campfire next two of the older men. As usual, he smoked + in unobtrusive silence, content to be ignored if only the men + would act in their accustomed way, and not as before a + stranger.</p> + + <p>"Wait; hell!" said one of the men to the other. "Times is + certainly gone wrong! If they had anything like an oldtime + river boss in charge, they'd come the Jack Orde on this + lay-out."</p> + + <p>Bob pricked up his ears at this mention of his father's + name.</p> + + <p>"What's that?" he asked.</p> + + <p>The riverman rolled over and examined him dispassionately + for a few moments.</p> + + <p>"Jack Orde," he deigned to explain at last, "was a riverman. + He was a good one. He used to run the drive in the Redding + country. When he started to take out logs, he took 'em out, by + God! I've heard him often: 'Get your logs out first, and pay + the damage afterward,' says he. He was a holy terror. They got + the state troops out after him once. It came to be a sort of + by-word. When you generally gouge, kick and sandbag a man into + bein' real <i>good</i>, why we say you come the Jack Orde on + him."</p> + + <p>"I see," said Bob, vastly amused at this sidelight on the + family reputation. "What would you do here?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know," replied the riverman, "but I wouldn't lay + around and wait."</p> + + <p>"Why don't some of you fellows go out there and storm the + fort, if you feel that way?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Why?" demanded the riverman, "I won't let any boss stump + me; but why in hell should I go out and get my hide full of + birdshot? If this outfit don't know enough to get its drive + down, that ain't my fault."</p> + + <p>Bob had seen enough of the breed to recognize this as an + eminently characteristic attitude.</p> + + <p>"Well," he remarked comfortably, "somebody'll be down from + the mill soon."</p> + + <p>The riverman turned on him almost savagely.</p> + + <p>"Down soon!" he snorted. "So'll the water be 'down soon.' + It's dropping every minute. That telegraft of yours won't even + start out before to-morrow morning. Don't you fool yourself. + That Twin Falls outfit is just too tickled to do us up. It'll + be two days before anybody shows up, and then where are you at? + Hell!" and the old riverman relapsed into a disgusted + silence.</p> + + <p>Considerably perturbed, Bob hunted up Larsen.</p> + + <p>"Look here, Larsen," said he, "they tell me a delay here is + likely to hang up this drive. Is that right?"</p> + + <p>The old man looked at his interlocutor, his brow + wrinkled.</p> + + <p>"I wish Darrell was in charge," said he.</p> + + <p>"What would Darrell do that you can't do?" demanded Bob + bluntly.</p> + + <p>"That's just it; I don't know," confessed Larsen.</p> + + <p>"Well, I'd get some weapons up town and drive that gang + off," said Bob heatedly.</p> + + <p>"They'd have a posse down and jug the lot of us," Larsen + pointed out, "before we could clear the river." He suddenly + flared up. "I ain't no river boss, and I ain't paid as a river + boss, and I never claimed to be one. Why in hell don't they + keep their men in charge?"</p> + + <p>"You're working for the company, and you ought to do your + best for them," said Bob.</p> + + <p>But Larsen had abruptly fallen into Scandinavian sulks. He + muttered something under his breath, and quite deliberately + arose and walked around to the other side of the fire.</p> + + <p>Twice during the night Bob arose from his blankets and + walked down to the riverside. In the clear moonlight he could + see one or the other of the millmen always on watch, his + shotgun across his knees. Evidently they did not intend to be + surprised by any night work. The young fellow returned very + thoughtful to his blankets, where he lay staring up against the + canvas of the tent.</p> + + <p>Next morning he was up early, and in close consultation with + Billy the teamster. The latter listened attentively to what Bob + had to say, nodding his head from time to time. Then the two + disappeared in the direction of the wagon, where for a long + interval they busied themselves at some mysterious + operation.</p> + + <p>When they finally emerged from the bushes, Bob was carrying + over his shoulder a ten-foot poplar sapling around the end of + which was fastened a cylindrical bundle of considerable size. + Bob paid no attention to the men about the fire, but bent his + steps toward the river. Billy, however, said a few delighted + words to the sprawling group. It arose with alacrity and + followed the young man's lead.</p> + + <p>Arrived at the bank of the river, Bob swung his burden to + the ground, knelt by it, and lit a match. The rivermen, + gathering close, saw that the bundle around the end of the + sapling consisted of a dozen rolls of giant powder from which + dangled a short fuse. Bob touched his match to the split outer + end of the fuse. It spluttered viciously. He arose with great + deliberation, picked up his strange weapon, and advanced out + over the logs.</p> + + <p>In the meantime the opposing army had gathered about the + disputed clump of piles, to the full strength of its three + shotguns and the single rifle. Bob paid absolutely no attention + to them. When within a short distance he stopped and, quite + oblivious to warnings and threats from the army, set himself to + watching painstakingly the sputtering progress of the fire up + the fuse, exactly as a small boy watches his giant cracker + which he hopes to explode in mid-air. At what he considered the + proper moment he straightened his powerful young body, and cast + the sapling from him, javelin-wise.</p> + + <p>"Scat!" he shouted, and scrambled madly for cover.</p> + + <p>The army decamped in haste. Of its armament it lost near + fifty per cent., for one shotgun and the rifle remained where + they had fallen. Like Abou Ben Adam, Murdock led all the + rest.</p> + + <p>Now Bob had hurled his weapon as hard as he knew how, and + had scampered for safety without looking to see where it had + fallen. As a matter of fact, by one of those very lucky + accidents, that often attend a star in the ascendent, the + sapling dove head on into a cavern in the jam above the clump + of piles. The detonation of the twelve full sticks of giant + powder was terrific. Half the river leaped into the air in a + beautiful column of water and spray that seemed to hang + motionless for appreciable moments. Dark fragments of timbers + were hurled in all directions. When the row had died the clump + of piles was seen to have disappeared. Bob's chance shot had + actually cleared the river!</p> + + <p>The rivermen glanced at each other amazedly.</p> + + <p>"Did you <i>mean</i> to place that charge, bub?" one + asked.</p> + + <p>Bob was too good a field general not to welcome the gifts of + chance.</p> + + <p>"Certainly," he snapped. "Now get out on that river, every + mother's son of you. Get that drive going and keep it going. + I've cleared the river for you; and if you'd any one of you had + the nerve of my poor old fat sub-centre, you'd have done it for + yourselves. Get busy! Hop!"</p> + + <p>The men jumped for their peavies. Bob raged up and down the + bank. For the moment he had forgotten the husk of the + situation, and saw it only in essential. Here was a squad to + lick into shape, to fashion into a team. It mattered little + that they wore spikes in their boots instead of cleats; that + they sported little felt hats instead of head guards. The + principle was the same. The team had gone to pieces in the face + of a crisis; discipline was relaxed; grumblers were getting + noisy. Bob plunged joyously head over ears in his task. By now + he knew every man by name, and he addressed each personally. He + had no idea of what was to be done to start this riverful of + logs smoothly and surely on its way; he did not need to. Afloat + on the river was technical knowledge enough, and to spare. Bob + threw his men at the logs as he used to throw his backs at the + opposing line. And they went. Even in the whole-souled, frantic + absorption of the good coach he found time to wonder at the + likeness of all men. These rivermen differed in no essential + from the members of the squad. They responded to the same + authority; they could be hurled as a unit against opposing + obstacles.</p> + + <p>Bob felt a heavy hand on his shoulder and whirled to stare + straight into the bloodshot eyes of Roaring Dick. The man was + still drunk, but only with the lees of the debauch. He knew + perfectly what he was about, but the bad whiskey still hummed + through his head. Bob met the baleful glare from under his + square brows, as the man teetered back and forth on his + heels.</p> + + <p>"You got a hell of a nerve!" said Roaring Dick, thickly. + "You talk like you was boss of this river."</p> + + <p>Bob looked back at him steadily for a full half-minute.</p> + + <p>"I am," said he at last.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XVI"></a> + + <h2>XVI</h2><br> + + + <p>Roaring Dick had not been brought up in the knowledge of + protocols or ultimatums. Scarcely had Bob uttered the last + words of his brief speech before he was hit twice in the face, + good smashing blows that sent him staggering. The blows were + followed by a savage rush. Roaring Dick was on his man with the + quickness and ferocity of a wildcat. He hit, kicked, wrestled, + even bit. Bob was whirled back by the very impetuosity of the + attack. Before he could collect his wits he was badly punished + and dazed. He tripped and Roaring Dick, with a bellow of + satisfaction, began to kick at his body even before he reached + the ground.</p> + + <p>But strangely enough this fall served to clear Bob's head. + Thousands of times he had gone down just like this on the + football field, and had then been called upon to struggle on + with the ball as far as he was able. A slight hint of the + accustomed will sometimes steady us in the most difficult + positions. The mind, bumping aimlessly, falls into its groove, + and instinctively shoots forward with tremendous velocity. Bob + hit the ground, half turned on his shoulder, rolled over twice + with the rapid, vigorous twist second-nature to a seasoned + halfback, and bounded to his feet. He met Roaring Dick half way + with a straight blow. It failed to stop, or even to shake the + little riverman. The next instant the men were wrestling + fiercely.</p> + + <p>Bob found himself surprisingly opposed. Beneath his loose, + soft clothing the riverman seemed to be made of steel. Suddenly + Bob was called upon to exert every ounce of strength in his + body, and to summon all his acquired skill to prevent himself + from being ignominiously overpowered. The ferocity of the rush, + and the purposeful rapidity of Roaring Dick's attack, as well + as the unexpected variety thereof, kept him fully occupied in + defending himself. With the exception of the single blow + delivered when he had regained his feet, he had been unable + even to attempt aggression. It was as though he had touched a + button to release an astonishing and bewildering erratic + energy.</p> + + <p>Bob had done a great deal of boxing and considerable + wrestling. During his boyhood and youth he had even become + involved in several fisticuffs. They had always been with the + boys or young men of his own ideas. Though conducted in anger + they retained still a certain remnant of convention. No matter + how much you wanted to "do" the other fellow, you tried to + accomplish that result by hitting cleanly, or by wrestling him + to a point where you could "punch his face in." The object was + to hurt your opponent until he had had enough, until he was + willing to quit, until he had been thoroughly impressed with + the fact that he was punished. But this result was to be + accomplished with the fists. If your opponent seized a club, or + a stone, or tried to kick, that very act indicated his defeat. + He had had enough, and that was one way of acknowledging your + superiority. So strongly ingrained had this instinct of the + fight-convention become that even now Bob unconsciously was + playing according to the rules of the game.</p> + + <p>Roaring Dick, on the contrary, was out solely for results. + He fought with every resource at his command. Bob was slow to + realize this, slow to arouse himself beyond the point of + calculated defence. His whole training on the field inclined + him to keep cool and to play, whatever the game, from a + reasoning standpoint. He was young, strong and practised; but + he was not roused above the normal. And, as many rivermen had + good reason to know, the normal man availed little against + Roaring Dick's maniacal rushes.</p> + + <p>The men were close-locked, and tugging and straining for an + advantage. Bob crouched lower and lower with a well-defined + notion of getting a twist on his opponent. For an instant he + partially freed one side. Like lightning Roaring Dick delivered + a fierce straight kick at his groin. The blow missed its aim, + but Bob felt the long, sharp spikes tearing the flesh of his + thigh. Sheer surprise relaxed his muscles for the fraction of + an instant. Roaring Dick lowered his head, rammed it into Bob's + chin, and at the same time reached for the young man's gullet + with both hands. Bob tore his head out of reach in the nick of + time. As they closed again Roaring Dick's right hand was free. + Bob felt the riverman's thumb fumbling for his eyeball.</p> + + <p>"Why, he wants to cripple me, to kill me!" the young man + cried to himself. So vivid was the astonishment of this + revelation to his sportsman's soul that he believed he had said + it aloud. This was no mere fight, it was a combat. In modern + civilized conditions combats are notably few and far between. + It is difficult for the average man to come to a realization + that he must in any circumstances depend on himself for the + preservation of his life. Even to the last moment the victim of + the real melodrama that occasionally breaks out in the most + unlikely places is likely to be more concerned with his + outraged dignity than with his peril. That thumb, feeling + eagerly for his eye-socket, woke Bob to a new world. A swift + anger rushed over him like a hot wave.</p> + + <p>This man was trying to injure him. Either the kick or the + gouge would have left him maimed for life. A sudden fierce + desire to beat his opponent into the earth seized Bob. With a + single effort he wrenched his arms free.</p> + + <p>Now this fact has been noted again and again: mere size has + often little to do with a man's physical prowess. The list of + anecdotes wherein the little fellow "puts it all over" the big + bully is exceptionally long. Nor are more than a bare majority + of the anecdotes baseless. In our own lumber woods a + one-hundred-and-thirty-pound man with no other weapon than his + two hands once nearly killed a two-hundred-pound blacksmith for + pushing him off a bench. This phenomenon arises from the fact + that the little man seems capable often of releasing at will a + greater flood of dynamic energy than a big man. We express this + by saying that it is the spirit that counts. As a matter of + truth the big man may have as much courage as the little man. + It is simply that he cannot, at will, tap as quickly the vast + reservoir of nervous energy that lies beneath all human effort + of any kind whatsoever. He cannot arouse himself as can the + little man.</p> + + <p>It was for the foregoing reason that Roaring Dick had + acquired his ascendancy. He possessed the temperament that + fuses. When he fought, he fought with the ferocity and + concentration of a wild beast. This concentration, this power + of fusing to white heat all the powers of a man's being down to + the uttermost, this instinctive ability to tap the extra-human + stores of dynamics is what constitutes the temperament of + genius, whether it be applied to invention, to artistic + creation, to ruling, to finance, or merely to beating down + personal opposition by beating in the opponent's face. + Unfortunately for him, Bob Orde happened also to possess the + temperament of genius. The two foul blows aroused him. All at + once he became blind to everything but an unreasoning desire to + hurt this man who had tried to hurt him. On the side of + dynamics the combat suddenly equalized. It became a question + merely of relative power, and Bob was the bigger man.</p> + + <p>Bob threw his man from him by main strength. Roaring Dick + staggered back, only to carrom against a tree. A dozen swift, + straight blows in the face drove him by the sheer force of + them. He was smothered, overwhelmed, by the young man's + superior size. Bob fell upon him savagely. In less than a + minute the fight was over as far as Roaring Dick was concerned. + Blinded, utterly winded, his whiskey-driven energies drained + away, he fell like a log. Bob, still blazing, found himself + without an opponent.</p> + + <p>He glared about him. The rivermen were gathered in a silent + ring. Just beyond stood a side-bar buggy in which a burly, + sodden red-faced man stood up the better to see. Bob recognized + him as one of the saloon keepers at Twin Falls, and his + white-hot brain jumped to the correct conclusion that Roaring + Dick, driven by some vague conscience-stirring in regard to his + work, had insisted on going down river; and that this + dive-keeper, loth to lose a profitable customer in the dull + season, had offered transportation in the hopeful probability + that he could induce the riverman to return with him. Bob + stooped, lifted his unconscious opponent, strode to the + side-bar buggy and unceremoniously dumped his burden + therein.</p> + + <p>"Now," said he roughly, "get out of here! When this man + comes to, you tell him he's fired! He's not to show his face on + this river again!"</p> + + <p>The saloon-keeper demurred, blustering slightly after the + time-tried manner of his sort.</p> + + <p>"Look here, young fellow, you can't talk that way to + me."</p> + + <p>"Can't I!" snapped Bob; "well, you turn around and get out + of here."</p> + + <p>The man met full the blaze of the extra-normal powers not + yet fallen below the barrier in the young fellow's personality. + He gathered up the reins and drove away.</p> + + <p>Bob watched him out of sight, his chest rising and falling + with the receding waves of his passion. He was a strange young + figure with his torn garments, his tossed hair, the streak of + blood beneath his eye, and the inner fading glow of his face. + At last he drew a long, shuddering breath, and turned to the + expectant and silent group of rivermen.</p> + + <p>"Boys," said he pleasantly, "I don't know one damn thing + about river-driving, but I do know when a man's doing his best + work. I shall expect you fellows to get in and rustle down + those logs. Any man who thinks he's going to soldier on me is + going to get fooled, and he's going to get his time handed out + to him on the spot. As near as I can make out, unless we get an + everlasting wiggle on us—every one of us—this + drive'll hang up; and I'd just as soon hang it by laying off + those who try to shirk as by letting you hang it by not working + your best. So get busy. If anybody wants to quit, let 'em step + up right now. Any remarks?" He looked from one to another.</p> + + <p>"Nary remark," said one man at last.</p> + + <p>"All right. Now get your backs into this. It's <i>team + work</i> that counts. You've each got your choice; either you + can lie like the devil to hide the fact that you were a member + of the Cedar Branch crew in 1899, or you can go away and brag + about it. It's up to you. Get busy."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XVII"></a> + + <h2>XVII</h2><br> + + + <p>Two days later Welton swung from the train at Twin Falls. + His red, jolly face was as quizzical as ever, but one who knew + him might have noticed that his usual leisurely movements had + quickened. He walked rapidly to the livery stable where he + ordered a rig.</p> + + <p>"Where's the drive, Hank?" he asked the liveryman.</p> + + <p>"Search me!" was his reply; "somewhere down river. Old + Murdock is up talkin' wild about damage suits, and there's + evidently been one hell of a row, but I just got back myself + from drivin' a drummer over to Watsonville."</p> + + <p>"Know if Darrell is in town?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, <i>he's</i> in town; there ain't no manner of doubt as + to that."</p> + + <p>"Drunk, eh?"</p> + + <p>"Spifflicated, pie-eyed, loaded, soshed," agreed the + liveryman succinctly.</p> + + <p>Welton shook his head humorously and ruefully.</p> + + <p>"Say, Welton," demanded the liveryman with the easy + familiarity of his class, "why in blazes do you put a plain + drunk like that in charge?"</p> + + <p>"Darrell is a good man on a big job," said Welton; "you + can't beat him, and you can't get him to take a drink. But it + takes a big job to steady him."</p> + + <p>"Well, I'd fire him," stated Hank positively.</p> + + <p>"He's already fired," spoke up a hostler, "they laid him off + two days ago when he went down drunk and tried to take + charge."</p> + + <p>"Well, now," chuckled Welton, as he gathered up the reins, + "who'd have thought old Larsen could scare up the spunk!"</p> + + <p>He drove down the river road. When he came to a point + opposite Murdock's he drew up.</p> + + <p>"That wire said that Murdock had the river blocked," he + mused, "but she's certainly flowing free enough now. The + river's sacked clean now."</p> + + <p>His presence on the bank had attracted the attention of a + man in the mill. After a long scrutiny, this individual + launched a skiff and pulled across the stream.</p> + + <p>"I thought it was you," he cried as soon as he had stepped + ashore. "Well, let me tell you I'm going to sue you for + damages, big damages!"</p> + + <p>Welton looked him over quizzically, and the laughing lines + deepened around the corners of his eyes.</p> + + <p>"Lay on, MacDuff," said he, "nobody's sued me yet this year, + and it didn't seem natural."</p> + + <p>"And for assault with deadly weapons, and malicious + destruction of property, and seizure and----"</p> + + <p>"You must have been talking to a country lawyer," + interrupted Welton, with one of his subterranean chuckles. + "Don't do it. They got nothing <i>but</i> time, and you know + what your copy book says about idle hands." He crossed one leg + and leaned back as though for a comfortable chat. "No, you come + and see me, Murdock, and state how much you've been damaged, + and we'll see what we can do. Why, these little lawyers love to + name things big. They'd call a sewing circle a riot if one of + the members dropped a stitch."</p> + + <p>But Murdock was in deadly earnest.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps throwin' dynamite on the end of a pole, and mighty + nigh killin' us, and just blowin' the whole river up in the air + is your idea of somethin' little," he stormed; "well, you'll + find it'll look big enough in court."</p> + + <p>"So that's what they did to clear the river," said Welton, + more than half to himself. "Well, Murdock, suit yourself; you + can see me or that intellectual giant of a lawyer of yours. + You'll find me cheaper. So long."</p> + + <p>He drove on, chuckling.</p> + + <p>"I didn't think old Larsen had the spunk," he repeated after + a time. "Guess I ought to have put him in charge in the + beginning."</p> + + <p>He drove to a point where the erratic road turned inland. + There he tied his horse to a tree and tramped on afoot. After a + little he came in sight of the rear—and stopped.</p> + + <p>The men were working hard; a burst of hearty laughter + saluted Welton's ears. He could hardly believe them. Nobody had + heard this sullen crew of nondescript rivermen from everywhere + exhibit the faintest symptoms of good-humour or interest + before. Another burst of laughter came up the breeze. A dozen + men ran out over the logs as though skylarking, inserted their + peavies in a threatened lock, and pried it loose.</p> + + <p>"Pretty work," said the expert in Welton.</p> + + <p>He drew nearer through the low growth until he stood well + within hearing and seeing distance. Then he stopped again.</p> + + <p>Bob Orde was walking up and down the bank talking to the + men. They were laughing back at him. His manner was half fun, + half earnest, part rueful, part impatient, wholly + affectionate.</p> + + <p>"You, Jim," said he, "go out and get busy. You're loafing, + you know you are; I don't give a damn what you're to do. Do + something! Don't give an imitation of a cast-iron hero. No, I + won't either tell you what to do. I don't know. But do it, even + if you have to make it up out of your own head. Consider the + festive water-beetle, and the ant and other industrious + doodle-bugs. Get a wiggle on you, fellows. We'll never get out + at this rate. If this drive gets hung up, I'm going to murder + every last one of you. Come on now, all together; if I could + walk out on those logs I'd build a fire under you; but you've + got me tied to the bank and you know it, you big fat loafers, + you!"</p> + + <p>"Keep your hair on, bub; we'll make it, all right"</p> + + <p>"Well, we'd just better make it," warned Bob. "Now I'm going + down to the jam to see whether their alarm clock went off this + morning.—Now, don't slumber!"</p> + + <p>After he had disappeared down the trail, Welton stepped into + view.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Charley!" he called.</p> + + <p>One of the rivermen sprang ashore.</p> + + <p>"When did the rear leave Murdock's?" he asked without + preliminary.</p> + + <p>"Thursday."</p> + + <p>"You've made good time."</p> + + <p>"Bet we have," replied Charley with pride.</p> + + <p>"Who's jam boss?"</p> + + <p>"Larsen."</p> + + <p>"Who's in charge of the river, then?" demanded Welton + sharply.</p> + + <p>"Why, young Orde!" replied the riverman, surprised.</p> + + <p>"Since when?"</p> + + <p>"Since he blew up Murdock's piles."</p> + + <p>"Oh, he did that, did he? I suppose he fired Darrell, + too?"</p> + + <p>"Sure. It was a peach of a scrap."</p> + + <p>"Scrap?"</p> + + <p>"Yep. That Orde boy is a wonder. He just <i>ruined</i> + Roaring Dick."</p> + + <p>"He did, did he?" commented Welton. "Well, so long."</p> + + <p>He followed Bob down the river trail. At the end of a + half-mile he overtook the young fellow kneeling on a point + gazing at a peeled stake planted at the edge of the river.</p> + + <p>"Wish I knew how long this water was going to hold out," he + murmured, as he heard a man pause behind him. "She's dropped + two inches by my patent self-adjusting gauge."</p> + + <p>"Young man," said Welton, "are you on the payrolls of this + company?"</p> + + <p>Bob turned around, then instantly came to his feet.</p> + + <p>"Oh, you're here at last, Mr. Welton," he cried in tones of + vast relief.</p> + + <p>"Answer my question, please."</p> + + <p>"What?" asked Bob with an expression of bewilderment.</p> + + <p>"Are you on the payrolls of this company?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir, of course not. You know that."</p> + + <p>"Then what are you doing in charge of this river?"</p> + + <p>"Why, don't you see—"</p> + + <p>"I see you've destroyed property and let us in for a big + damage suit. I see you've discharged our employees without + authority to do so. I see you're bossing my men and running my + drive without the shadow of a right."</p> + + <p>"But something had to be done," expostulated Bob.</p> + + <p>"What do you know about river-driving?" broke in Welton. + "Not a thing."</p> + + <p>"Men who told me did—"</p> + + <p>"A bunch of river-hogs," broke in Welton contemptuously. "It + strikes me, young man, that you have the most colossal cheek + I've ever heard of."</p> + + <p>But Bob faced him squarely.</p> + + <p>"Look here," he said decidedly, "I'm technically wrong, and + I know it. But good men told me your measly old drive would + hang if it stayed there two days longer; and I believed them, + and I believe them yet. I don't claim to know anything about + river-driving, but here your confounded drive is well on its + way. I kicked that drunk off the river because he was no good. + I took hold here to help you out of a hole, and you're + out."</p> + + <p>"But," said Welton, carefully, "don't you see that you took + chances on losing me a lot of property?"</p> + + <p>Bob looked up at him a moment wearily.</p> + + <p>"From my point of view I have nothing to regret," said he + stiffly, and turned away.</p> + + <p>The humorous lines about Welton's eyes had been deepening + throughout this interview.</p> + + <p>"That tops it off," said he. "First you get me into trouble; + then you fire my head man; then you run off with my property; + finally you tell me to go to hell! Son, you are a great man! + Shake!"</p> + + <p>Bob whirled in surprise to search Welton's good-natured + jolly face. The latter was smiling.</p> + + <p>"Shake," he repeated, relapsing, as was his habit when much + in earnest, into his more careless speech; "you done just + right. Son, remember this:—it's true—it ain't + <i>doing</i> things that makes a man so much as <i>deciding</i> + things."</p> + + <p>One of his great chuckles bubbled up.</p> + + <p>"It took some nerve to jump in the way you did; and some + sand to handle the flea-bitten bunch of river-hogs----"</p> + + <p>"You're mistaken about them," Bob broke in earnestly. + "They've been maligned. They're as good and willing a squad as + I ever want to see----"</p> + + <p>"Oh, sure," laughed Welton; "they're a nice little job lot + of tin angels. However, don't worry. You sure saved the day, + for I believe we would have hung if we hadn't got over the + riffles before this last drop of the water."</p> + + <p>He began to laugh, at first, gently, then more and more + heartily, until Bob stared at him with considerable curiosity + and inquiry. Welton caught his look.</p> + + <p>"I was just thinking of Harvey and Collins," he remarked + enigmatically as he wiped his eyes. "Oh, Bobby, my son, you + sure do please me. Only I was afraid for a minute it might be a + flash in the pan and you weren't going to tell me to go to + hell."</p> + + <p>They turned back toward the rear.</p> + + <p>"By the way," Welton remarked, "you made one bad break just + now."</p> + + <p>"What was that?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"You told me you were not on the payrolls of this company. + You are."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XVIII"></a> + + <h2>XVIII</h2><br> + + + <p>For a year Bob worked hard at all sorts of jobs. He saw the + woods work, the river work, the mill work. From the stump to + the barges he followed the timbers. Being naturally of a good + intelligence, he learned very fast how things were done, so + that at the end of the time mentioned he had acquired a fair + working knowledge of how affairs were accomplished in this + business he had adopted. That does not mean he had become a + capable lumberman. One of the strangest fallacies long + prevalent in the public mind is that lumbering is always a sure + road to wealth. The margin of profit seems very large. As a + matter of fact, the industry is so swiftly conducted, on so + large a scale, along such varied lines; the expenditures must + be made so lavishly, and yet so carefully; the consequences of + a niggardly policy are so quickly apparent in decreased + efficiency, and yet the possible leaks are so many, quickly + draining the most abundant resources, that few not brought up + through a long apprenticeship avoid a loss. A great deal of + money has been and is made in timber. A great deal has been + lost, simply because, while the possibilities are alluring, the + complexity of the numerous problems is unseen.</p> + + <p>At first Bob saw only the results. You went into the woods + with a crew of men, felled trees, cut them into lengths, + dragged them to the roads already prepared, piled them on + sleighs, hauled them to the river, and stacked them there. In + the spring you floated the logs to the mill where they were + sawed into boards, laden into sailing vessels or steam barges, + and taken to market. There was the whole process in a nutshell. + Of course, there would be details and obstructions to cope + with. But between the eighty thousand dollars or so worth of + trees standing in the forest and the quarter-million dollars or + so they represented at the market seemed space enough to allow + for many reverses.</p> + + <p>As time went on, however, the young man came more justly to + realize the minuteness of the bits comprising this complicated + mosaic. From keeping men to the point of returning, in work, + the worth of their wages; from so correlating and arranging + that work that all might be busy and not some waiting for + others; up through the anxieties of weather and the sullen or + active opposition of natural forces, to the higher levels of + competition and contracts, his awakened attention taught him + that legitimate profits could attend only on vigilant and + minute attention, on comprehensive knowledge of detail, on + experience, and on natural gift. The feeding of men abundantly + at a small price involved questions of buying, transportation + and forethought, not to speak of concrete knowledge of how much + such things should ideally be worth. Tools by the thousand were + needed at certain places and at certain times. They must be + cared for and accounted for. Horses, and their feed, equipment + and care, made another not inconsiderable item both of expense + and attention. And so with a thousand and one details which it + would be superfluous to enumerate here. Each cost money, and + some one's time. Relaxed attention might make each cost a few + pennies more. What do a few pennies amount to? Two things: a + lowering of the standard of efficiency, and, in the long run, + many dollars. If incompetence, or inexperience should be added + to relaxed attention, so that the various activities do not + mortise exactly one with another, and the legitimate results to + be expected from the pennies do not arrive, then the sum total + is very apt to be failure. Where organized and settled + industries, however complicated in detail, are in a manner + played by score, these frontier activities are vast + improvisations following only the general unchangeable laws of + commerce.</p> + + <p>Therefore, Bob was very much surprised and not a little + dismayed at what Mr. Welton had to say to him one evening early + in the spring.</p> + + <p>It was in the "van" of Camp Thirty-nine. Over in the corner + under the lamp the sealer and bookkeeper was epitomizing the + results of his day. Welton and Bob sat close to the round stove + in the middle, smoking their pipes. The three or four bunks + belonging to Bob, the scaler, and the camp boss were dim in + another corner; the shelves of goods for trade with the men + occupied a third. A rude door and a pair of tiny windows + communicated with the world outside. Flickers of light from the + cracks in the stove played over the massive logs of the little + building, over the rough floor and the weapons and snowshoes on + the wall. Both Bob and Welton were dressed in flannel and + kersey, with the heavy German socks and lumberman's rubbers on + their feet. Their bright-checked Mackinaw jackets lay where + they had been flung on the beds. Costume and surroundings both + were a thousand miles from civilization; yet civilization was + knocking at the door. Welton gave expression to this + thought.</p> + + <p>"Two seasons more'll finish us, Bob," said he. "I've logged + the Michigan woods for thirty-five years, but now I'm about + done here."</p> + + <p>"Yes, I guess they're all about done," agreed Bob.</p> + + <p>"The big men have gone West; lots of the old lumber jacks + are out there now. It's our turn. I suppose you know we've got + timber in California?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Bob, with a wry grin, as he thought of the + columns of "descriptions" he had copied; "I know that."</p> + + <p>"There's about half a billion feet of it. We'll begin to + manufacture when we get through here. I'm going out next month, + as soon as the snow is out of the mountains, to see about the + plant and the general lay-out. I'm going to leave you in charge + here."</p> + + <p>Bob almost dropped his pipe as his jaws fell apart.</p> + + <p>"Me!" he cried.</p> + + <p>"Yes, you."</p> + + <p>"But I can't; I don't know enough! I'd make a mess of the + whole business," Bob expostulated.</p> + + <p>"You've been around here for a year," said Welton, "and + things are running all right. I want somebody to see that + things move along, and you're the one. Are you going to + refuse?"</p> + + <p>"No; I suppose I can't refuse," said Bob miserably, and fell + silent.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XIX"></a> + + <h2>XIX</h2><br> + + + <p>To Bob's father Welton expressed himself in somewhat + different terms. The two men met at the Auditorium Annex, where + they promptly adjourned to the Palm Room and a little + table.</p> + + <p>"Now, Jack," the lumberman replied to his friend's + expostulation, "I know just as well as you do that the kid + isn't capable yet of handling a proposition on his own hook. + It's just for that reason that I put him in charge."</p> + + <p>"And Welton isn't an Irish name, either," murmured Jack + Orde.</p> + + <p>"What? Oh, I see. No; and that isn't an Irish bull, either. + I put him in charge so he'd have to learn something. He's a + good kid, and he'll take himself dead serious. He'll be + deciding everything that comes up all for himself, and he'll + lie awake nights doing it. And all the time things will be + going on almost like he wasn't there!"</p> + + <p>Welton paused to chuckle in his hearty manner.</p> + + <p>"You see, I've brought that crew up in the business. Mason + is as good a mill man as they make; and Tally's all right in + the woods and on the river; and I reckon it would be difficult + to take a nick out of Collins in office work."</p> + + <p>"In other words, Bob is to hold the ends of the reins while + these other men drive," said his father, vastly amused. "That's + more like it. I'd hate to bury a green man under too much + responsibility."</p> + + <p>"No," denied Welton, "it isn't that exactly. Somebody's got + to boss the rest of 'em. And Bob certainly is a wonder at + getting the men to like him and to work for him. That's his + strong point. He gets on with them, and he isn't afraid to tell + 'em when he thinks they're 'sojering' on him. That makes me + think: I wonder what kind of ornaments these waiters are + supposed to be." He rapped sharply on the little table with his + pocket-knife.</p> + + <p>"It's up to him," he went on, after the waiter had departed. + "If he's too touchy to acknowledge his ignorance on different + points that come up, and if he's too proud to ask questions + when he's stumped, why, he's going to get in a lot of trouble. + If he's willing to rely on his men for knowledge, and will just + see that everybody keeps busy and sees that they bunch their + hits, why, he'll get on well enough."</p> + + <p>"It takes a pretty wise head to make them bunch their hits," + Orde pointed out, "and a heap of figuring."</p> + + <p>"It'll keep him mighty busy, even at best," acknowledged + Welton, "and he's going to make some bad breaks. I know + that."</p> + + <p>"Bad breaks cost money," Orde reminded him.</p> + + <p>"So does any education. Even at its worst this can't cost + much money. He can't wreck things—the organization is too + good—he'll just make 'em wobble a little. And this is a + mighty small and incidental proposition, while this California + lay-out is a big project. No, by my figuring Bob won't actually + do much, but he'll lie awake nights to do a hell of a lot of + deciding, and----."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I know," broke in Orde with a laugh; "you haven't + changed an inch in twenty years—and 'it's not doing but + deciding that makes a man,'" he quoted.</p> + + <p>"Well, isn't it?" demanded Welton insistently.</p> + + <p>"Of course," agreed Orde with another laugh. "I was just + tickled to see you hadn't changed a hair. Now if you'd only + moralize on square pegs in round holes, I'd hear again the + birds singing in the elms by the dear old churchyard."</p> + + <p>Welton grinned, a trifle shamefacedly. Nevertheless he went + on with the development of his philosophy.</p> + + <p>"Well," he asserted stoutly, "that's just what Bob was when + I got there. He can't handle figures any better than I can, and + Collins had been putting him through a course of sprouts." He + paused and sipped at his glass. "Of course, if I wasn't + absolutely certain of the men under him, it would be a fool + proposition. Bob isn't the kind to get onto treachery or + double-dealing very quick. He likes people too well. But as it + is, he'll get a lot of training cheap."</p> + + <p>Orde ruminated over this for some time, sipping slowly + between puffs at his cigar.</p> + + <p>"Why wouldn't it be better to take him out to California + now?" he asked at length. "You'll be building your roads and + flumes and railroad, getting your mill up, buying your + machinery and all the rest of it. That ought to be good + experience for him—to see the thing right from the + beginning."</p> + + <p>"Bob is going to be a lumberman, and that isn't lumbering; + it's construction. Once it's up, it will never have to be done + again. The California timber will last out Bob's lifetime, and + you know it. He'd better learn lumbering, which he'll do for + the next fifty years, than to build a mill, which he'll never + have to do again—unless it burns up," he added as a + half-humorous afterthought.</p> + + <p>"Correct," Orde agreed promptly to this. "You're a wonder. + When I found a university with my ill-gotten gains, I'll give + you a job as professor of—well, of Common Sense, by + jiminy!"</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XX"></a> + + <h2>XX</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob managed to lose some money in his two years of + apprenticeship. That is to say, the net income from the small + operations under his charge was somewhat less than it would + have been under Welton's supervision. Even at that, the balance + sheet showed a profit. This was probably due more to the + perfection of the organization than to any great ability on + Bob's part. Nevertheless, he exercised a real control over the + firm's destinies, and in one or two instances of sudden crisis + threw its energies definitely into channels of his own + choosing. Especially was this true in dealing with the + riverman's arch-enemy, the mossback.</p> + + <p>The mossback follows the axe. When the timber is cut, + naturally the land remains. Either the company must pay taxes + on it, sell it, or allow it to revert to the state. It may be + very good land, but it is encumbered with old slashing, + probably much of it needs drainage, a stubborn second-growth of + scrub oak or red willows has already usurped the soil, and + above all it is isolated. Far from the cities, far from the + railroad, far even from the crossroad's general store, it is + further cut off by the necessity of traversing atrocious + and—in the wet season—bottomless roads to even the + nearest neighbour. Naturally, then, in seeking purchasers for + this cut-over land, the Company must address itself to a + certain limited class. For, if a man has money, he will buy him + a cleared farm in a settled country. The mossback pays in + pennies and gives a mortgage. Then he addresses himself to + clearing the land. It follows that he is poverty-stricken, + lives frugally and is very tenacious of what property rights he + may be able to coax or wring from a hard wilderness. He dwells + in a shack, works in a swamp, and sees no farther than the rail + fence he has split out to surround his farm.</p> + + <p>Thus, while he possesses many of the sturdy pioneer virtues, + he becomes by necessity the direct antithesis to the riverman. + The purchase of a bit of harness, a vehicle, a necessary tool + or implement is a matter of close economy, long figuring, and + much work. Interest on the mortgage must be paid. And what can + a backwoods farm produce worth money? And where can it find a + market? Very little; and very far. A man must "play close to + his chest" in order to accomplish that plain, primary, simple + duty of making both ends meet. The extreme of this virtue means + a defect, of course; it means narrowness of vision, + conservatism that comes close to suspicion, illiberality. When + these qualities meet the sometimes foolishly generous and + lavish ideas of men trained in the reckless life of the river, + almost inevitably are aroused suspicion on one side, contempt + on the other and antagonism on both.</p> + + <p>This is true even in casual and chance intercourse. But + when, as often happens, the mossback's farm extends to the very + river bank itself; when the legal rights of property clash with + the vaguer but no less certain rights of custom, then there is + room for endless bickering. When the river boss steps between + his men and the backwoods farmer, he must, on the merits of the + case and with due regard to the sort of man he has to deal + with, decide at once whether he will persuade, argue, coerce, + or fight. It may come to be a definite choice between present + delay or a future lawsuit.</p> + + <p>This kind of decision Bob was most frequently called upon to + make. He knew little about law, but he had a very good feeling + for the human side. Whatever mistakes he made, the series of + squabbles nourished his sense of loyalty to the company. His + woods training was gradually bringing him to the lumberman's + point of view; and the lumberman's point of view means, + primarily, timber and loyalty.</p> + + <p>"By Jove, what a fine bunch of timber!" was his first + thought on entering a particularly imposing grove.</p> + + <p>Where another man would catch merely a general effect, his + more practised eye would estimate heights, diameters, the + growth of the limbs, the probable straightness of the grain. + His eye almost unconsciously sought the possibilities of + location—whether a road could be brought in easily, + whether the grades could run right. A fine tree gave him the + complicated pleasure that comes to any expert on analytical + contemplation of any object. It meant timber, good or bad, as + well as beauty.</p> + + <p>Just so opposition meant antagonism. Bob was naturally of a + partisan temperament. He played the game fairly, but he played + it hard. Games imply rules, and any infraction of the rules is + unfair and to be punished. Bob could not be expected to reflect + that while rules are generally imposed by a third party on both + contestants alike, in this game the rules with which he was + acquainted had been made by his side; that perhaps the other + fellow might have another set of rules. All he saw was that the + antagonists were perpetrating a series of contemptible, petty, + mean tricks or a succession of dastardly outrages. His loyalty + and anger were both thoroughly aroused, and he plunged into his + little fights with entire whole-heartedness. As his side of the + question meant getting out the logs, the combination went far + toward efficiency. When the drive was down in the spring, Bob + looked back on his mossback campaign with a little grieved + surprise that men could think it worth their self-respect to + try to take such contemptible advantage of quibbles for the + purpose of defeating what was certainly customary and fair, + even if it might not be technically legal. What the mossbacks + thought about it we can safely leave to the crossroad + stores.</p> + + <p>In other respects Bob had the good sense to depend + absolutely on his subordinates.</p> + + <p>"How long do you think it ought to take to cut the rest of + Eight?" he would ask Tally.</p> + + <p>"About two weeks."</p> + + <p>Bob said nothing more, but next day he ruminated long in the + snow-still forest at Eight, trying to apportion in his own mind + the twelve days' work. If it did not go at a two weeks' gait, + he speedily wanted to know why.</p> + + <p>When the sleighs failed to return up the ice road with + expected regularity, Bob tramped down to the "banks" to see + what the trouble was. When he returned, he remarked casually to + Jim Tally:</p> + + <p>"I fired Powell off the job as foreman, and put in + Downy."</p> + + <p>"Why?" asked Tally. "I put Powell in there because I thought + he was an almighty good worker."</p> + + <p>"He is," said Bob; "too good. I found them a little + short-handed down there, and getting discouraged. The sleighs + were coming in on them faster than they could unload. The men + couldn't see how they were going to catch up, so they'd slacked + down a little, which made it worse. Powell had his jacket off + and was working like the devil with a canthook. He does about + the quickest and hardest yank with a canthook I ever saw," + mused Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well?" demanded Tally.</p> + + <p>"Oh," said Bob, "I told him if that was the kind of a job he + wanted, he could have it. And I told Downy to take charge. I + don't pay a foreman's wages for canthook work; I hire him to + keep the men busy, and he sure can't do it if he occupies his + time and attention rolling logs."</p> + + <p>"He was doing his best to straighten things out," said + Tally.</p> + + <p>"Well, I'm now paying him for his best," replied Bob, + philosophically.</p> + + <p>But if it had been a question of how most quickly to skid + the logs brought in by the sleighs, Bob would never have + dreamed of questioning Powell's opinion, although he might + later have demanded expert corroboration from Tally.</p> + + <p>The outdoor life, too, interested him and kept him in + training, both physically and spiritually. He realized his + mistakes, but they were now mistakes of judgment rather than of + mechanical accuracy, and he did not worry over them once they + were behind him.</p> + + <p>When Welton returned from California toward the close of the + season, he found the young man buoyant and happy, deeply + absorbed, well liked, and in a fair way to learn something + about the business.</p> + + <p>Almost immediately after his return, the mill was closed + down. The remaining lumber in the yards was shipped out as + rapidly as possible. By the end of September the work was + over.</p> + + <p>Bob perforce accepted a vacation of some months while + affairs were in preparation for the westward exodus.</p> + + <p>Then he answered a summons to meet Mr. Welton at the Chicago + offices.</p> + + <p>He entered the little outer office he had left so + down-heartedly three years before. Harvey and his two + assistants sat on the high stools in front of the shelf-like + desk. The same pictures of record loads, large trees, mill + crews and logging camps hung on the walls. The same atmosphere + of peace and immemorial quiet brooded over the place. Through + the half-open door Bob could see Mr. Fox, his leg swung over + the arm of his revolving chair, chatting in a leisurely fashion + with some visitor.</p> + + <p>No one had heard him enter. He stood for a moment staring at + the three bent backs before him. He remembered the infinite + details of the work he had left, the purchasings of innumerable + little things, the regulation of outlays, the balancings of + expenditures, the constantly shifting property values, the cost + of tools, food, implements, wages, machinery, transportation, + operation. And in addition he brought to mind the minute and + vexatious mortgage and sale and rental business having to do + with the old cut-over lands; the legal complications; the + questions of arbitration and privilege. And beyond that his + mind glimpsed dimly the extent of other interests, concerning + which he knew little—investment interests, and silent + interests in various manufacturing enterprises where the + Company had occasionally invested a surplus by way of a flyer. + In this quiet place all these things were correlated, compared, + docketed, and filed away. In the brains of the four men before + him all these infinite details were laid out in order. He knew + that Harvey could answer specific questions as to any feature + of any one of these activities. All the turmoil, the rush and + roar of the river, the mills, the open lakes, the great + wildernesses passed through this silent, dusty room. The + problems that kept a dozen men busy in the solving came here + also, together with a hundred others. Bob recalled his sight of + the hurried, wholesale shipping clerk he had admired when, + discouraged and discredited, he had left the office three years + before. He had thought that individual busy, and had contrasted + his activity with the somnolence of this office. Busy! Why, he, + Bob, had over and over again been ten times as busy. At the + thought he chuckled aloud. Harvey and his assistants turned to + the sound.</p> + + <p>"Hullo, Harvey; hullo Archie!" cried the young man. "I'm + certainly glad to see you. You're the only men I ever saw who + could be really bang-up rushed and never show it."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="PART_TWO"></a> + + <h2>PART TWO</h2><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="I"></a> + + <h2>I</h2><br> + + + <p>On a wintry and blustering evening in the latter part of + February, 1902, Welton and Bob boarded the Union Pacific train + en route for California. They distributed their hand baggage, + then promptly took their way forward to the buffet car, where + they disposed themselves in the leather-and-wicker armchairs + for a smoke. At this time of year the travel had fallen off + somewhat in volume. The westward tourist rush had slackened, + and the train was occupied only by those who had definite + business in the Land of Promise, and by that class of wise ones + who realize that an Eastern March and April are more to be + avoided than the regulation winter months. The smoking car + contained then but a half-dozen men.</p> + + <p>Welton and Bob took their places and lit their cigars. The + train swayed gently along, its rattle muffled by the storm. + Polished black squares represented the windows across which + drifted hazy lights and ghostlike suggestions of snowflakes. + Bob watched this ebony nothingness in great idleness of spirit. + Presently one of the half-dozen men arose from his place, + walked the length of the car, and dropped into the next + chair.</p> + + <p>"You're Bob Orde, aren't you?" he remarked without + preliminary.</p> + + <p>Bob looked up. He saw before him a very heavy-set young man, + of medium height, possessed of a full moon of a face, and alert + brown eyes.</p> + + <p>"I thought so," went on this young man in answer to Bob's + assent. "I'm Baker of '93. You wouldn't know me; I was before + your time. But I know you. Seen you play. Headed for the + Sunshine and Flowers?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Ever been there before?"</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"Great country! If you listen to all the come-on stuff you + may be disappointed—at first."</p> + + <p>"How's that?" asked Bob, highly amused. "Isn't the place + what it's cracked up to be?"</p> + + <p>"It's more," asserted Baker, "but not the same stuff. The + climate's bully—best little old climate they've made, up + to date—but it's got to rain once in a while; and the + wind's got to blow; and all that. If you believe the Weather in + the Old Home column, you'll be sore. In two years you'll be + sore, anyway, whenever it does anything but stand 55 at night, + 72 at noon and shine like the spotlight on the illustrated + songster. If a Californian sees a little white cloud about as + big as a toy balloon down in the southeast corner he gets + morose as a badger. If it starts to drizzle what you'd call a + light fog he holes up. When it rains he hibernates like a bear, + and the streets look like one of these populous and thriving + Aztec metropoli you see down Sonora way. I guess every man is + privileged to get just about so sore on the weather wherever he + is—and does so."</p> + + <p>"You been out there long?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Ever since I graduated," returned Baker promptly, "and I + wouldn't live anywhere else. They're doing real things. Don't + you run away with any notions of <i>dolce far nientes</i> or + tropical languor. This California gang is strictly on the job. + The bunch seated under the spreading banana tree aren't waiting + for the ripe fruit to drop in their mouths. That's in the First + Reader and maybe somewhere down among the Black and + Tans—"</p> + + <p>"Black and Tans?" interrupted Bob with a note of query.</p> + + <p>"Yep. Oilers—greasers—Mexicans—hidalgos of + all kinds from here to the equator," explained Baker. "No, sir, + that gang under the banana tree are either waiting there to + sandbag the next tourist and sell him some real estate before + he comes to, or else they're figuring on uprooting said + piffling shrub and putting up an office building. Which part of + the country are you going to?"</p> + + <p>"Near White Oaks," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"No abalone shells for yours, eh?" remarked Baker + cryptically. He glanced at Welton. "Where's your timber + located?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Near Granite," replied Bob;—"why, how the devil did + you know we were out for timber?"</p> + + <p>"'How did the Master Mind solve that problem?'" asked Baker. + "Ah, that's my secret!"</p> + + <p>"No, that doesn't go," said Bob. "I insist on knowing; and + what was that abalone shell remark?"</p> + + <p>"Abalone shells—tourists," capitulated Baker; "also + Mexican drawn work, bead belts, burned leather, fake turquoise + and ostrich eggs. Sabe?"</p> + + <p>"Sure. But why not a tourist?"</p> + + <p>"Tourist—in White Oaks!" cried Baker. "Son, White Oaks + raises raisins and peaches and apricots and figs and such + things in quantities to stagger you. It is a nice, well-built + city, and well conducted, and full of real estate boards and + chambers of commerce. But it is not framed up for tourists, and + it knows it. Not at 100 degrees Fahrenheit 'most all summer, + and a chill and solemn land fog 'most all winter."</p> + + <p>"Well, why timber?" demanded Bob.</p> + + <p>"My dear Watson," said Baker, indicating Mr. Welton, who + grinned. "Does your side partner resemble a raisin raiser? Has + he the ear marks of a gentle agriculturist? Would you describe + him as a typical sheepman, or as a daring and resolute + bee-keeper?"</p> + + <p>Bob shook his head, still unconvinced.</p> + + <p>"Well, if you will uncover my dark methods," sighed Baker. + He leaned over and deftly abstracted from the breast pocket of + Bob's coat a long, narrow document. "You see the top of this + stuck out in plain sight. To the intelligent eye instructed + beyond the second grade of our excellent school system the + inscription cannot be mistaken." He held it around for Bob to + see. In plain typing the document was endorsed as follows:</p> + + <p>"Granite County Timber Lands."</p> + + <p>"My methods are very subtle," said Baker, laughing. "I find + it difficult to explain them. Come around sometime and I'll + pick it out for you on the piano."</p> + + <p>"Where are you going?" asked Bob in his turn.</p> + + <p>"Los Angeles, on business."</p> + + <p>"On business?—or just buying abalone shells?"</p> + + <p>"It takes a millionaire or an Iowa farmer to be a tourist," + replied Baker.</p> + + <p>"What are you doing?"</p> + + <p>"Supporting an extravagant wife, I tell Mrs. Baker. You want + to get down that way. The town's a marvel. It's grown from + thirty thousand to two hundred thousand in twenty years; it has + enough real estate subdivisions to accommodate eight million; + it has invented the come-on house built by the real estate + agents to show how building is looking up at Lonesomehurst; it + has two thousand kinds of architecture—all different; it + has more good stuff and more fake stuff than any place on + earth—it's a wonder. Come on down and I'll show you the + high buildings."</p> + + <p>He chatted for a few moments, then rose abruptly and + disappeared down the aisle toward the sleeping cars without the + formality of a farewell.</p> + + <p>Welton had been listening amusedly, and puffing away at his + cigar in silence.</p> + + <p>"Well," said he when Baker had gone. "How do you like your + friend?"</p> + + <p>"He's certainly amusing," laughed Bob, "and mighty good + company. That sort of a fellow is lots of fun. I've seen them + many times coming back at initiation or Commencement. They are + great heroes to the kids."</p> + + <p>"But not to any one else?" inquired Welton.</p> + + <p>"Well—that's about it," Bob hesitated. "They're + awfully good fellows, and see the joke, and jolly things up; + but they somehow don't amount to much."</p> + + <p>"Wouldn't think much of the scheme of trying Baker as woods + foreman up in our timber, then?" suggested Welton.</p> + + <p>"Him? Lord, no!" said Bob, surprised.</p> + + <p>Welton threw back his head and laughed heartily, in great + salvos.</p> + + <p>"Ho! ho! ho!" he shouted. "Oh, Bobby, I wish any old Native + Son could be here to enjoy this joke with me. Ho! ho! ho! + ho!"</p> + + <p>The coloured porter stuck his head in to see what this + tremendous rolling noise might be, grinned sympathetically, and + withdrew.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter with you!" cried Bob, exasperated. "Shut + up, and be sensible."</p> + + <p>Welton wiped his eyes.</p> + + <p>"That, son, is Carleton P. Baker. Just say Carleton P. Baker + to a Californian."</p> + + <p>"Well, I can't, for four days, anyway. Who is he?"</p> + + <p>"Didn't find out from him, for all his talk, did you?" said + Welton shrewdly. "Well, Baker, as he told you, graduated from + college in '93. He came to California with about two thousand + dollars of capital and no experience. He had the sense to go in + for water rights, and here he is!"</p> + + <p>"Marvellous!" cried Bob sarcastically. "But what is he now + that he is here?"</p> + + <p>"Head of three of the biggest power projects in California," + said Welton impressively, "and controller of more potential + water power than any other man or corporation in the + state."</p> + + <p>Welton enjoyed his joke hugely. After Bob had turned in, the + big man parted the curtains to his berth.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Bob," he called guardedly.</p> + + <p>"What!" grunted the young man, half-asleep.</p> + + <p>"Who do you think we'd better get for woods foreman just + <i>in case</i> Baker shouldn't take the job?"</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="II"></a> + + <h2>II</h2><br> + + + <p>All next day the train puffed over the snow-blown plains. + There was little in the prospect, save an inspiration to + thankfulness that the cars were warm and comfortable. Bob and + Welton spent the morning going over their plans for the new + country. After lunch, which in the manner of trans-continental + travellers they stretched over as long a period as possible, + they again repaired to the smoking car. Baker hailed them + jovially, waving a stubby forefinger at vacant seats.</p> + + <p>"Say, do Populists grow whiskers, or do whiskers make + Populists?" he demanded.</p> + + <p>"Give it up," replied Welton promptly. "Why?"</p> + + <p>"Because if whiskers make Populists, I don't blame this + state for going Pop. A fellow'd have to grow some kind of + natural chest protector in self-defence. Look at that snow! And + thirty dollars will take you out where there's none of it, and + the soil's better, and you can see something around you besides + fresh air. Why, any one of these poor pinhead farmers could + come out our way, get twenty acres of irrigated land, and in + five years—"</p> + + <p>"Hold on!" cried Bob, "you haven't by any chance some of + that real estate for sale—or a sandbag?"</p> + + <p>Baker laughed.</p> + + <p>"Everybody gets that way," said he. "I'll bet the first five + men you meet will fill you up on statistics."</p> + + <p>He knew the country well, and pointed out in turn the first + low rises of the prairie swell, and the distant Rockies like a + faint blue and white cloud close down along the horizon. Bob + had never seen any real mountains before, and so was much + interested. The train laboured up the grades, steep to the + engine, but insignificant to the eye; it passed through the + cañons to the broad central plateau. The country was + broken and strange, with its wide, free sweeps, its sage brush, + its stunted trees, but it was not mountainous as Bob had + conceived mountains. Baker grinned at him.</p> + + <p>"Snowclad peaks not up to specifications?" he inquired. + "Chromos much better? Mountain grandeur somewhat on the blink? + Where'd you expect them to put a railroad—out where the + scenery is? Never mind. Wait till you slide off 'Cape Horn' + into California."</p> + + <p>The cold weather followed them to the top of the Sierras. + Snow, dull clouds, mists and cold enveloped the train. Miles of + snowsheds necessitated keeping the artificial light burning + even at midday. Winter held them in its grip.</p> + + <p>Then one morning they rounded the bold corner of a high + mountain. Far below them dropped away the lesser peaks, down a + breathless descent. And from beneath, so distant as to draw + over themselves a tender veil of pearl gray, flowed out + foothills and green plains. The engine coughed, shut off the + roar of her exhaust. The train glided silently forward.</p> + + <p>"Now come to the rear platform," Baker advised.</p> + + <p>They sat in the open air while the train rushed downward. + From the great drifts they ran to the soft, melting snow, then + to the mud and freshness of early spring. Small boys crowded + early wild-flowers on them whenever they stopped at the small + towns built on the red clay. The air became indescribably soft + and balmy, full of a gentle caress. At the next station the + children brought oranges. A little farther the foothill ranches + began to show the brightness of flowers. The most dilapidated + hovel was glorified by splendid sprays of red roses big as + cabbages. Dooryards of the tiniest shacks blazed with red and + yellow. Trees and plants new to Bob's experience and strangely + and delightfully exotic in suggestion began to usurp the + landscape. To the far Northerner, brought up in only a + common-school knowledge of olive trees, palms, eucalyptus, + oranges, banana trees, pomegranates and the ordinary + semi-tropical fruits, there is something delightful and + wonderful in the first sight of them living and flourishing in + the open. When closer investigation reveals a whole series of + which he probably does not remember ever to have heard, he + feels indeed an explorer in a new and wonderful land. After a + few months these things become old stories. They take their + places in his cosmos as accustomed things. He is then at some + pains to understand his visitor's extravagant interest and + delight over loquats, chiramoyas, alligator pears, tamarinds, + guavas, the blooming of century plants, the fruits of chollas + and the like. Baker pointed out some of these things to + Bob.</p> + + <p>"Winter to summer in two jumps and a hop," said he. "The + come-on stuff rings the bell in this respect, anyway. Smell the + air: it's real air. 'Listen to the mocking bird.'"</p> + + <p>"Seriously or figuratively?" asked Bob. "I mean, is that a + real mocking bird?"</p> + + <p>"Surest thing you know," replied Baker as the train moved + on, leaving the songster to his ecstasies. "They sing all night + out here. Sounds fine when you haven't a grouch. Then you want + to collect a brick and drive the darn fowl off the + reservation."</p> + + <p>"I never saw one before outside a cage," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"There's lots of things you haven't seen that you're going + to see, now you've got out to the Real Thing," said Baker. + "Why, right in your own line: you don't know what big pine is. + Wait till you see the woods out here. We've got the biggest + trees, and the biggest mountains, and the biggest crops and the + biggest—."</p> + + <p>"Liars," broke in Bob, laughing. "Don't forget them."</p> + + <p>"Yes, the biggest liars, too," agreed Baker. "A man's got to + lie big out here to keep in practice so he can tell the plain + truth without straining himself."</p> + + <p>Before they changed cars to the Valley line, Baker had a + suggestion to make.</p> + + <p>"Look here," said he, "why <i>don't</i> you come and look at + the tall buildings? You can't do anything in the mountains yet, + and when you get going you'll be too busy to see California. + Come, make a pasear. Glad to show you the sights. Get reckless. + Take a chance. Peruse carefully your copy of Rules for Rubes + and try it on."</p> + + <p>"Go ahead," said Welton, unexpectedly.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="III"></a> + + <h2>III</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob went on to Los Angeles with the sprightly Baker. At + first glance the city seemed to him like any other. Then, as he + wandered its streets, the marvel and vigour and humour of the + place seized on him.</p> + + <p>"Don't you suppose I see the joke?" complained Baker at the + end of one of their long trolley rides. "Just get onto that + house; it looks like a mission-style switch engine. And the one + next to it, built to shed snow. Funny! sure it's funny. But you + ain't talking to me! It's alive! Those fellows wanted something + different from anybody else—so does everybody. After + they'd used up the regular styles, they had to make 'em up out + of the fresh air. But anyway, they weren't satisfied just to + copy Si Golosh's idea of a Noah's Ark chicken coop."</p> + + <p>They stopped opposite very elaborate and impressive iron + gates opening across a graded street. These gates were + supported by a pair of stone towers crowned with tiles. A + smaller pair of towers and gates guarded the concrete sidewalk. + As a matter of fact, all these barriers enclosed nothing, for + even in the remote possibility that the inquiring visitor + should find them shut, an insignificant detour would circumvent + their fenceless flanks.</p> + + <p>"Maudsley Court," Bob read sculptured on one of the + towers.</p> + + <p>"That makes this particular subdivision mighty exclusive," + grinned Baker. "Now if you were a homeseeker wouldn't you love + to bring your dinner pail back to the cawstle every night?"</p> + + <p>Bob peered down the single street. It was graded, guttered + and sidewalked. A small sentry box labelled "office," and + inscribed with glowing eulogiums, occupied a strategic position + near the gates. From this house Bob immediately became aware of + close scrutiny by a man half concealed by the indoor + dimness.</p> + + <p>"The spider," said Baker. "He's onto us big as a house. He + can spot a yap at four hundred yards' range, and you bet they + don't get much nearer than that alone."</p> + + <p>A huge sign shrieked of Maudsley Court. "Get a grin!" was + its first advice.</p> + + <p>"They all try for a catchword—every one of 'em," + explained Baker. "You'll see all kinds in the ads; some pretty + good, most of 'em rotten."</p> + + <p>"They seem to have made a start, anyway," observed Bob, + indicating a new cottage half way down the street. It was a + super-artistic structure, exhibiting the ends of huge brown + beams at all points. Baker laughed.</p> + + <p>"That's what it's intended to seem," said he. "That's the + come-on house. It's built by the spider. It's stick-um for the + flies. 'This is going to be a high-brow proposition,' says the + intending purchaser; 'look at the beautiful house already up. I + must join this young and thriving colony.' Hence this settled + look."</p> + + <p>He waved his hand abroad. Dotted over the low, rounded hills + of the charming landscapes were new and modern bungalows. They + were spaced widely, and each was flanked by an advertising + board and guarded by a pair of gates shutting their private + thoroughfares from the country highways. Between them showed + green the new crops.</p> + + <p>"Nine out of ten come-on houses," said Baker, "and all + exclusive. If you can't afford iron gates, you can at least put + up a pair of shingled pillars. It's the game."</p> + + <p>"Will these lots ever be sold?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Out here, yes," replied Baker. "That's part of the joke. + The methods are on the blink, but the goods insist on + delivering themselves. Most of these fellows are just bunks or + optimists. All hands are surprised when things turn out right. + But if <i>all</i> the lots are ever sold, Los Angeles will have + a population of five million."</p> + + <p>They boarded an inward-bound trolley. Bob read the devices + as they flashed past. "Hill-top Acres," he read near a street + plastered against an apparently perpendicular hill. "Buy before + the rise!" advised this man's rival at its foot. The true + suburbs strung by in a panorama of strange little + houses—imitation Swiss chalets jostling bastard Moorish, + cobblestones elbowing plaster—a bewildering succession of + forced effects. Baker caught Bob's expression.</p> + + <p>"These are workingmen's and small clerks' houses," he said + quietly. "Pretty bad, eh? But they're trying. Remember what + they lived in back East."</p> + + <p>Bob recalled the square, painted, ugly, featureless boxes + built all after the same pattern of dreariness. He looked on + this gay bewilderment of bad taste with more interest.</p> + + <p>"At least they're taking notice," said Baker, lighting his + pipe. "And every fellow raises <i>some</i> kind of posies."</p> + + <p>A few moments later they plunged into the vortex of the city + and the smiling country, the far plains toward the sea, and the + circle of the mountains were lost. Only remained overhead the + blue of the California sky.</p> + + <p>Baker led the way toward a blaring basement restaurant.</p> + + <p>"I'm beginning to feel that I'll have to find some + monkey-food somewhere, or cash in," said he.</p> + + <p>They found a table and sat down.</p> + + <p>"This is the place to see all the sights," proffered Baker, + his broad face radiating satisfaction. "When they strike it + rich on the desert, they hike right in here. That fat lady thug + yonder is worth between three and four millions. Eight months + ago she did washing at two bits a shirt while her husband drove + a one-man prospect shaft. The other day she blew into the big + jewelry store and wanted a thirty-thousand-dollar diamond + necklace. The boss rolled over twice and wagged his tail. 'Yes, + madam,' said he; 'what kind?' 'I dunno; just a + thirty-thousand-dollar one.' That's all he could get out of + her. 'But tell me how you want 'em set,' he begged. She looked + bewildered. <i>'Oh, set 'em so they'll jingle,'</i> says + she."</p> + + <p>After the meal they walked down the principal streets, + watching the crowd. It was a large crowd, as though at busy + midday, and variously apparelled, from fur coat to straw hat. + Each extreme of costume seemed justified, either by the balmy + summer-night effect of the California open air, or by the hint + of chill that crept from the distant mountains. Either aspect + could be welcomed or ignored by a very slight effort of the + will. Electric signs blazed everywhere. Bob was struck by the + numbers of clairvoyants, palm readers, Hindu frauds, crazy + cults, fake healers, Chinese doctors, and the like thus + lavishly advertised. The class that elsewhere is pressed by + necessity to the inexpensive dinginess of back streets, here + blossomed forth in truly tropical luxuriance. Street vendors + with all sorts of things, from mechanical toys to spot + eradicators, spread their portable lay-outs at every corner. + Vacant lots were crowded with spielers of all + sorts—religious or political fanatics, vendors of + cure-alls, of universal tools, of marvelous axle grease, of + anything and everything to catch the idle dollar. Brilliantly + lighted shops called the passer-by to contemplate the latest + wavemotor, flying machine, door check, or what-not. Stock in + these enterprises was for sale—and was being sold! Other + sidewalk booths, like those ordinarily used as dispensaries of + hot doughnuts and coffee, offered wild-cat mining shares, oil + stock and real estate in some highly speculative suburb. Great + stores of curios lay open to the tourist trade. Here one could + buy sheepskin Indian moccasins made in Massachusetts, or + abalone shells, or burnt-leather pillows, or a whole collection + of photographic views so minute that they could all be packed + in a single walnut shell. Next door were shops of Japanese and + Chinese goods presided over by suave, sleepy-eyed Orientals, in + wonderful brocade, wearing the close cap with the red coral + button atop. Shooting galleries spit spitefully. Gasolene + torches flared.</p> + + <p>Baker strolled along, his hands in his pockets, his hat on + the back of his head. From time to time he cast an amused + glance at his companion.</p> + + <p>"Come in here," he said abruptly.</p> + + <p>Bob found himself comfortably seated in a commodious + open-air theatre, watching an excellent vaudeville performance. + He enjoyed it thoroughly, for it was above the average. In + fifteen minutes, however, the last soubrette disappeared in the + wings to the accompaniment of a swirl of music. Her place was + taken by a tall, facetious-looking, bald individual, clad in a + loose frock coat. He held up his hand for silence.</p> + + <p>"Ladies 'n' gentlemen," he drawled, "we hope you have + enjoyed yourselves. If you find a better show than this in any + theatre in town, barring the Orpheum, come and tell us about it + and we will see what we can do to brace ours up. I don't + believe you can. This show will be repeated every afternoon and + evening, with complete change of programme twice a week. Go + away and tell your friends about the great free show down on + Spring Street. Just tell them about it."</p> + + <p>Bob glanced startled at his companion. Baker was + grinning.</p> + + <p>"This show has cost us up to date," went on the leisurely + drawl, "just twenty-eight hundred dollars. Go and tell your + friends that. <i>But</i>"—he suddenly straightened his + figure and his voice became more incisive—"that is not + enough. We have decided to give you something <i>real</i> to + talk about. We have decided to give every man, woman and child + in this vast audience a first-night present of Two Silver + Dollars!"</p> + + <p>Bob could feel an electric thrill run through the crowd, and + every one sat up a little straighter in his chair.</p> + + <p>"Let me see," the orator went on, running his eye over the + audience. He had resumed his quieter manner. "There are perhaps + seven hundred people present. That would make fourteen hundred + dollars. By the way, John, "he addressed some one briskly. + "Close the gates and lock them. We don't want anybody in on + this who didn't have interest enough in our show to come in the + first place." He winked humorously at the crowd, and several + laughed.</p> + + <p>"Pretty rotten, eh?" whispered Baker admiringly. "Fixed 'em + so they won't bolt when the show's over and before he works off + his dope."</p> + + <p>"These Two Silver Dollars, which I want you all to get, are + in these hampers. Six little boys will distribute them. Come + up, boys, and get each a hatful of dollars." The six solemnly + marched up on the stage and busied themselves with the hampers. + "While we are waiting," went on the orator, "I will seize the + opportunity to present to you the world-famed discoverer of + that wonderful anaesthetic, Oxodyne, Painless Porter."</p> + + <p>At the words a dapper little man in immaculately correct + evening dress, and carrying a crush hat under his arm, stepped + briskly from the wings. He was greeted by wild but presumably + manufactured applause. He bowed rigidly from the hips, and at + once began to speak in a high and nasal but extremely + penetrating voice.</p> + + <p>"As far as advertising is concerned," he began without + preamble, "it is entirely unnecessary that I give this show. + There is no man, woman or child in this marvellous commonwealth + of ours who is not familiar with the name of Painless Porter, + whether from the daily papers, the advertising boards, the + street cars, or the elegant red brougham in which I traverse + your streets. My work for you is my best advertisement. It is + unnecessary from that point of view that I spend this money for + this show, or that this extra money should be distributed among + you by my colleague, Wizard Walker, the Medical Marvel of + Modern Times."</p> + + <p>The tall man paused from his business with the hampers and + the six boys to bow in acknowledgment.</p> + + <p>"No, ladies 'n' gentlemen, my purpose is higher. In the + breast of each human being is implanted an instinctive fear of + Pain. It sits on us like a nightmare, from the time we first + come to consciousness of our surroundings. It is a curse of + humanity, like drink, and he who can lighten that curse is as + much of a philanthropist as George W. Childs or Andrew + Carnegie. I want you to go away and talk about me. It don't + matter what you say, just so you say something. You can call me + quack, you may call me fakir, you may call me + charlatan—but be sure to call me SOMETHING! Then slowly + the news will spread abroad that Pain is banished, and I can + smile in peace, knowing that my vast expenditures of time and + money have not been in vain, and that I have been a benefit to + humanity. Wizard Walker, the Medical Marvel of Modern Times, + will now attend to the distribution, after which I will pull a + few teeth gratis in order to demonstrate to you the wonderful + merits of Oxodyne."</p> + + <p>"A dentist!" gasped Bob.</p> + + <p>"Yup," said Baker. "Not much gasoline-torch-on-the-back-lot + in his, is there?"</p> + + <p>Bob was hardly surprised, after much preamble and + heightening of suspense, to find that the Two Silver Dollars + turned out finally to be a pink ticket and a blue ticket, "good + respectively at the luxurious offices for one dollar's worth of + dental and medical attention FREE."</p> + + <p>Nor was he more than slightly astounded when the back drop + rose to show the stage set glitteringly with nickel-mounted + dentist chairs and their appurtenances, with shining glass, + white linen, and with a chorus of fascinating damsels dressed + as trained nurses and standing rigidly at attention. Then + entered Painless himself, in snowy shirt-sleeves and serious + professional preoccupation. Volunteers came up two by two. + Painless explained obscurely the scientific principles on which + the marvelous Oxodyne worked—by severing temporarily but + entirely all communication between the nerves and the brain. + Then much business with a very glittering syringe.</p> + + <p>"My lord," chuckled Baker, "if he fills that thing up, it'll + drown her!"</p> + + <p>In an impressive silence Painless flourished the forceps, + planted himself square in front of his patient, heaved a + moment, and triumphantly held up in full view an undoubted + tooth. The trained nurses offered rinses. After a moment the + patient, a roughly dressed country woman, arose to her feet. + She was smiling broadly, and said something, which the audience + could not hear. Painless smiled indulgently.</p> + + <p>"Speak up so they can all hear you," he encouraged her.</p> + + <p>"Never hurt a bit," the woman stammered.</p> + + <p>Three more operations were conducted as expeditiously and as + successfully. The audience was evidently impressed.</p> + + <p>"How does he do it?" whispered Bob.</p> + + <p>"Cappers," explained Baker briefly. "He only fakes pulling a + tooth. Watch him next time and you'll see that he doesn't + actually pull an ounce."</p> + + <p>"Suppose a real toothache comes up?"</p> + + <p>"I think that is one now. Watch him."</p> + + <p>A young ranchman was making his way up the steps that led to + the stage. His skin was tanned by long exposure to the + California sun, and his cheek rounded into an unmistakable + swelling.</p> + + <p>"No fake about him," commented Baker.</p> + + <p>He seated himself in the chair. Painless examined his jaw + carefully. He started back, both hands spread in + expostulation.</p> + + <p>"My <i>dear</i> friend!" he cried, "you can save that tooth! + It would be a crime to pull that tooth! Come to my office at + ten to-morrow morning and I will see what can be done." He + turned to the audience and for ten minutes expounded the + doctrine of modern dentistry as it stands for saving a tooth + whenever possible. Incidentally he had much to say as to his + skill in filling and bridge work and the marvellous + painlessness thereof. The meeting broke up finally to the + inspiring strains of a really good band. Bob and his friend, + standing near the door, watched the audience file out. Some + threw away their pink and blue tickets, but most stowed them + carefully away.</p> + + <p>"And every one that goes to the 'luxurious offices' for the + free dollar's worth will leave ten round iron ones," said + Baker.</p> + + <p>After a moment the Painless One and the Wizard marched + smartly out, serenely oblivious of the crowd. They stepped into + a resplendent red brougham and were whisked rapidly away.</p> + + <p>"It pays to advertise," quoted Baker philosophically.</p> + + <p>They moved on up the street.</p> + + <p>"There's the inventor of the Unlimited Life," said Baker + suddenly, indicating a slender figure approaching. "I haven't + seen him in three years—not since he got into this graft, + anyway."</p> + + <p>"Unlimited Life," echoed Bob, "what's that? A medicine?"</p> + + <p>"No. A cult. Hullo, Sunny!"</p> + + <p>The approaching figure swerved and stopped. Bob saw a very + slender figure clad in a close-fitting, gray frock suit. To his + surprise, from beneath the wide, black felt hat there peered at + him the keenly nervous face of the more intelligent mulatto. + The man's eyes were very bright and shrewd. His hair surrounded + his face as an aureole of darkness, and swept low to his coat + collar.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Baker," he said, simply, his eyes inscrutable.</p> + + <p>"Well, Sunny, this is my old friend Bob Orde. Bob, this is + the world-famous Sunny Larue, apostle of the Unlimited Life of + whom you've heard so much." He winked at Bob. "How's the Colony + flourishing, Sunny?"</p> + + <p>"More and more our people are growing to see the light," + said the mulatto in low, musical tones. "The mighty but simple + principles of Azamud are coming into their own. The poor and + lowly, the humble and oppressed are learning that in me is + their salvation—." He went on in his beautiful voice + explaining the Colony of the Unlimited Life, addressing always + Bob directly and paying little attention to Baker, who stood + aside, his hands in his pockets, a smile on his fat, + good-natured face. It seemed that the Colony lived in tents in + a cañon of the foothills. It paid Larue fifty dollars a + head, and in return was supported for six months and instructed + in the mysteries of the cult. It had its regimen. "At three we + arise and break our fast, quite simply, with three or four dry + prunes," breathed Larue, "and then, going forth to the high + places for one hour, we hold steadfast the thought of + Love."</p> + + <p>"Say, Sunny," broke in Baker, "how many you got rounded up + now?"</p> + + <p>"There are at present twenty-one earnest proselytes."</p> + + <p>"At fifty a head—and you've got to feed and keep 'em + somehow—even three dried prunes cost you something in the + long run"—ruminated Baker. He turned briskly to the + mulatto: "Sunny, on the dead, where does the graft come + in?"</p> + + <p>The mulatto drew himself up in swift offence, scrutinized + Bob closely for a moment, met Baker's grin. Abruptly his + impressive manner dropped from him. He leaned toward them with + a captivating flash of white teeth.</p> + + <p>"<i>You just leave that to me</i>," he murmured, and glided + away into the crowd.</p> + + <p>Baker laughed and drew Bob's arm within his own.</p> + + <p>"Out of twenty of the faithful there's sure to be one or two + with life savings stowed away in a sock, and Sunny's the boy to + make them produce the sock."</p> + + <p>"What's his cult, anyway?" asked Bob. "I mean, what do they + pretend to believe? I couldn't make out."</p> + + <p>"A nigger's idea of Buddhism," replied Baker briefly. "But + you can get any brand of psychic damfoolishness you think you + need in your business. They do it all, here, from going + barefoot, eating nuts, swilling olive oil, rolling down hill, + adoring the Limitless Whichness, and all the works. It is now," + he concluded, looking at his watch, "about ten o'clock. We will + finish the evening by dropping in on the Fuzzies."</p> + + <p>Together they boarded a street car, which shortly deposited + them at an uptown corner. Large houses and spacious grounds + indicated a district of some wealth. To one of these houses, + brilliantly lighted, Baker directed his steps.</p> + + <p>"But I don't know these people, and I'm not properly + dressed," objected Bob.</p> + + <p>"They know me. And as for dress, if you'd arrange to wear a + chaste feather duster only, you'd make a hit."</p> + + <p>A roomful of people were buzzing like a hive. Most were in + conventional evening dress. Here and there, however, Bob caught + hints of masculine long hair, of feminine psyche knots, + bandeaux and other extremely artistic but unusual departures. + One man with his dinner jacket wore a soft linen shirt + perforated by a Mexican drawn-work pattern beneath which glowed + a bright red silk undergarment. Women's gowns on the flowing + and Grecian order were not uncommon. These were usually coupled + with the incongruity of parted hair brought low and + madonna-wise over the ears. As the two entered, a very powerful + blond man was just finishing the declamation of a French poem. + He was addressing it directly at two women seated on a + sofa.</p> + + <p>"<i>Un r-r-reve d'amour!</i>"</p> + + <p>He concluded with much passion and clasped hands.</p> + + <p>In the rustle ensuing after this effort, Baker led his + friend down the room to a very fat woman upholstered in pink + satin, to whom he introduced Bob. Mrs. Annis, for such proved + to be her name, welcomed him effusively.</p> + + <p>"I've heard so much about you!" she cried vivaciously, to + Bob's vast astonishment. She tapped him on the arm with her + fan. "I'm going to make a confession to you; I know it may be + foolish, but I do like music so much better than I do + pictures."</p> + + <p>Bob, his brain whirling, muttered something.</p> + + <p>"But I'm going to confess to you again, I like artists so + much better than I do musicians."</p> + + <p>A light dawned on Bob. "But I'm not an artist nor a + musician," he blurted out.</p> + + <p>The pink-upholstered lady, starting back with an agility + remarkable in one of her size, clasped her hands.</p> + + <p>"Don't <i>tell</i> me you write!" she cried + dramatically.</p> + + <p>"All right, I won't," protested poor Bob, "for I don't."</p> + + <p>A slow expression of bewilderment overspread Mrs. Annis's + face, and she glanced toward Baker with an arched brow of + interrogation.</p> + + <p>"I merely wanted Mr. Orde to meet you, Mrs. Annis," he said + impressively, "and to feel that another time, when he is less + exhausted by the strain of a long day, he may have the + privilege of explaining to you the details of the great Psychic + Movement he is inaugurating."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Annis smiled on him graciously. "I am home every Sunday + to my <i>intimes</i>," she murmured. "I should be so + pleased."</p> + + <p>Bob bowed mechanically.</p> + + <p>"You infernal idiot!" he ground out savagely to Baker, as + they moved away. "What do you mean? I'll punch your fool head + when I get you out of here!"</p> + + <p>But the plump young man merely smiled.</p> + + <p>Halfway down the room a group of attractive-looking young + men hailed them.</p> + + <p>"Join in, Baker," said they. "Bring your friend along. We're + just going to raid the commissary."</p> + + <p>But Baker shook his head.</p> + + <p>"I'm showing him life," he replied. "None but Fuzzies in his + to-night!"</p> + + <p>He grasped Bob firmly by the arm and led him away.</p> + + <p>"That," he said, indicating a very pale young man, + surrounded by women, "is Pickering, the celebrated submarine + painter."</p> + + <p>"The what?" demanded Bob.</p> + + <p>"Submarine painter. He paints fish and green water and + lobsters, and the bottom of the sea generally. He paints them + on the skins of kind-faced little calves."</p> + + <p>"What does he do that for?"</p> + + <p>"He says it's the only surface that will express what he + wants to. He has also invented a waterproof paint that he can + use under water. He has a coral throne down on the bottom which + he sits in, and paints as long as he can hold his breath."</p> + + <p>"Oh, he does!" said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Baker.</p> + + <p>"But a man can't see three feet in front of his face under + water!" cried Bob.</p> + + <p>"Pickering says he can. He paints submarinescapes, and knows + all the fishes. He says fishes have individual expressions. He + claims he can tell by a fish's expression whether he is + polygamous or monogamous."</p> + + <p>"Do you mean to tell me anybody swallows that rot!" demanded + Bob indignantly.</p> + + <p>"The women do—and a lot more I can't remember. The + market for calf-skins with green swirls on them is booming. + Also the women clubbed together and gave him money enough to + build a house."</p> + + <p>Bob surveyed the little white-faced man with a strong + expression of disgust.</p> + + <p>"The natural man never sits in chairs," the artist was + expounding. "When humanity shall have come into its own we + shall assume the graceful and hygienic postures of the oriental + peoples. In society one must, to a certain extent, follow + convention, but in my own house, the House Beautiful of my + dreams, are no chairs. And even now a small group of the freer + spirits are following my example. In time----"</p> + + <p>"If you don't take me away, I'll run in circles!" whispered + Bob fiercely to his friend.</p> + + <p>They escaped into the open air.</p> + + <p>"Phew!" said Bob, straightening his long form. "Is that what + you call the good society here?"</p> + + <p>"Good society is there," amended Baker. "That's the joke. + There are lots of nice people in this little old town, people + who lisp our language fluently. They are all mixed in with the + Fuzzies."</p> + + <p>They decided to walk home. Bob marvelled at the impressive + and substantial buildings, at the atrocious streets. He spoke + of the beautiful method of illuminating one of the + thoroughfares—by globes of light gracefully supported in + clusters on branched arms either side the roadway.</p> + + <p>"They were originally bronze—and they went and painted + them a mail-box green," commented Baker drily.</p> + + <p>At the hotel the night clerk, a young man, quietly dressed + and with an engaging air, greeted them with just the right + amount of cordiality as he handed them their keys. Bob paused + to look about him.</p> + + <p>"This is a good hotel," he remarked.</p> + + <p>"It's one of the best-managed, the best-conducted, and the + best-appointed hotels in the United States," said Baker with + conviction.</p> + + <p>The next morning Bob bought all the papers and glanced + through them with considerable wonder and amusement. They were + decidedly metropolitan in size, and carried a tremendous amount + of advertising. Early in his perusal he caught the personal + bias of the news. Without distortion to the point of literal + inaccuracy, nevertheless by skilful use of headlines and by + manipulation of the point of view, all items were made to + subserve a purpose. In local affairs the most vulgar + nicknaming, the most savage irony, vituperation, scorn and + contempt were poured out full measure on certain individuals + unpopular with the papers. Such epithets as "lickspittle," + "toad," "carcass blown with the putrefying gas of its own + importance," were read in the body of narration.</p> + + <p>"These are the best-edited, most influential and powerful + journals in the West," commented Baker. "They possess an + influence inconceivable to an Easterner."</p> + + <p>The advertising columns were filled to bursting with + advertisements of patent medicines, sex remedies, quack + doctors, miraculous healers, clairvoyants, palm readers, + "philanthropists" with something "free" to bestow, cleverly + worded offers of abortion; with full-page prospectuses of + mines; of mushroom industrial concerns having to do with wave + motors, water motors, solar motors, patent couplers, improved + telephones and the like, all of whose stock now stood at $1.10, + but which on April 10th, at 8.02 P.M., would go up to $1.15; + with blaring, shrieking offers of real estate in this, that or + the other addition, consisting, as Bob knew from yesterday, of + farm acreage at front-foot figures. The proportion of this fake + advertising was astounding. One in particular seemed + incredible—a full page of the exponent of some Oriental + method of healing and prophecy.</p> + + <p>"Of course, a full-page costs money," replied Baker. "But + this is the place to get it." He pushed back his chair. "Well, + what do you think of our fair young city?" he grinned.</p> + + <p>"It's got me going," admitted Bob.</p> + + <p>"Took me some time to find out where to get off at," said + Baker. "When I found it out, I didn't dare tell anybody. They + mob you here and string you up by your pigtail, if you try to + hint that this isn't the one best bet on terrestrial + habitations. They like their little place, and they believe in + it a whole lot, and they're dead right about it! They'd stand + right up on their hind legs and paw the atmosphere if anybody + were to tell them what they really are, but it's a fact. Same + joyous slambang, same line of sharps hanging on the outskirts, + same row, racket, and joy in life, same struggle; yes, and by + golly! the same big hopes and big enterprises and big optimism + and big energies! Wouldn't you like to be helping them do + it?"</p> + + <p>"What's the answer?" asked Bob, amused.</p> + + <p>"Well, for all its big buildings and its electric lights, + and trolleys, and police and size, it's nothing more nor less + than a frontier town."</p> + + <p>"A frontier town!" echoed Bob.</p> + + <p>"You think it over," said Baker.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="IV"></a> + + <h2>IV</h2><br> + + + <p>But if Bob imagined for one moment that he had acquired even + a notion of California in his experiences and observations down + the San Joaquin and in Los Angeles, the next few stages of his + Sentimental Journey very soon undeceived him. Baker's business + interests soon took him away. Bob, armed with letters of + introduction from his friend, visited in turn such places as + Santa Barbara, Riverside, San Diego, Redlands and Pasadena. He + could not but be struck by the absolute differences that + existed, not only in the physical aspects but in the spirit and + aims of the peoples. If these communities had been separated by + thousands of miles of distance they could not have been more + unlike.</p> + + <p>At one place he found the semi-tropical luxuriance of + flowers and trees and fruits, the soft, warm sunshine, the + tepid, langourous, musical nights, the mellow haze of romance + over mountain and velvet hill and soft sea, the low-shaded + cottages, the leisurely attractive people one associates with + the story-book conception of California. The place was charming + in its surroundings and in its graces of life, but it was a + cheerful, happy, out-at-the-heels, raggedy little town, whose + bright gardens adorned its abyssmal streets, whose beautiful + mountains palliated the naiveté of its natural and + atrocious roads. Bob mingled with its people with the + pardonable amusement of a man fresh from the doing of big + things. There seemed to be such long, grave and futile + discussions over the undertaking of that which a more energetic + community would do as a matter of course in the day's work. The + liveryman from whom Bob hired his saddle horse proved to be a + person of a leisurely and sardonic humour.</p> + + <p>"Their chief asset here is tourists," said he. "That's the + leading industry. They can't see it, and they don't want to. + They have just one road through the county. It's a bum one. + You'd think it was a dozen, to hear them talk about the immense + undertaking of making it halfway decent. Any other place would + do these things they've been talking about for ten years just + on the side, as part of the get-ready. Lucky they didn't have + to do anything in the way of getting those mountains set + proper, or there'd be a hole there yet."</p> + + <p>"Why don't you go East?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"I did once. Didn't like it."</p> + + <p>"What's the matter?"</p> + + <p>"Well, I'll tell you. Back East when you don't do nothing, + you feel kind of guilty. Out here when you don't do nothing, + <i>you don't give a damn!</i>"</p> + + <p>Nevertheless, Bob was very sorry when he had to leave this + quiet and beautiful little town, with its happy, careless, + charming people.</p> + + <p>Thence he went directly to a town built in a half-circle of + the mountains. The sunshine here was warm and grateful, but + when its rays were withdrawn a stinging chill crept down from + the snow. No sitting out on the verandah after dinner, but + often a most grateful fire in the Club's fireplace. The + mornings were crisp and enlivening. And again by the middle of + the day the soft California warmth laid the land under its + spell.</p> + + <p>This was a place of orange-growers, young fellows from the + East. Its University Club was large and prosperous. Its streets + were wide. Flowers lined the curbs. There were few fences. The + houses were in good taste. Even the telephone poles were + painted green so as to be unobtrusive. Bob thought it one of + the most attractive places he had ever seen, as indeed it + should be, for it was built practically to order by people of + intelligence.</p> + + <p>Thence he drove through miles and miles of orange groves, so + large that the numerous workmen go about their work on + bicycles. Even here in the country, the roadsides were planted + with palms and other ornamental trees, and gay with flowers. + Abruptly he came upon a squalid village of the old regime, with + ugly frame houses, littered streets, sagging sidewalks foul + with puddles, old tin cans, rubbish; populous with children and + women in back-yard dressing sacks—a distressing reminder + of the worst from the older-established countries. And again, + at the end of the week, he most unexpectedly found himself + seated on a country-club verandah, having a very good time, + indeed, with some charming specimens of the idle rich. He + talked polo, golf, tennis and horses; he dined at several most + elaborate "cottages"; he rode forth on glossy, bang-tailed + horses, perfectly appointed; he drove in marvellously conceived + traps in company with most engaging damsels. When, finally, he + reached Los Angeles again he carried with him, as standing for + California, not even the heterogeneous but fairly coherent idea + one usually gains of a single commonwealth, but an impression + of many climes and many peoples.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Baker, "and if you'd gone North to where I live, + you'd have struck a different layout entirely."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="V"></a> + + <h2>V</h2><br> + + + <p>There remained in Bob's initial Southern California + experience one more episode that brought him an acquaintance, + apparently casual, but which later was to influence him.</p> + + <p>Of an afternoon he walked up Main Street idly and alone. The + exhibit of a real estate office attracted him. Over the door, + in place of a sign, hung a huge stretched canvas depicting not + too rudely a wide country-side dotted with model farms of + astounding prosperity. The window was filled with pumpkins, + apples, oranges, sheaves of wheat, bottles full of soft fruits + preserved in alcohol, and the like. As background was an oil + painting in which the Lucky Lands occupied a spacious pervading + foreground, while in clever perspectives the Coast Range, the + foothills, and the other cities of the San Fernando Valley + supplied a modest setting. This was usual enough.</p> + + <p>At the door stood a very alert man with glasses. He + scrutinized closely every passerby. Occasionally he hailed one + or the other, conversed earnestly a brief instant, and passed + them inside. Gradually it dawned on Bob that this man was + acting in the capacity of "barker"—that with quite + admirable perspicacity and accuracy, he was engaged in + selecting from the countless throngs the few possible + purchasers for Lucky Lands. Curious to see what attraction was + offered to induce this unanimity of acquiescence to the + barker's invitation, the young man approached.</p> + + <p>"What's going on?" he asked.</p> + + <p>The barker appraised him with one sweeping glance.</p> + + <p>"Stereopticon lecture inside," he snapped, and turned his + back.</p> + + <p>Bob made his way into a dimly lighted hall. At one end was a + slightly elevated platform above which the white screen was + suspended. More agricultural products supplied the decorations. + The body of the hall was filled with folding chairs, about half + of which were occupied. Perhaps a dozen attendants tiptoed here + and there. A successful attempt was everywhere made to endow + with high importance all the proceedings and appurtenances of + the Lucky Land Co.</p> + + <p>Bob slipped into a chair. Immediately a small pasteboard + ticket and a fountain pen were thrust into his hand.</p> + + <p>"Sign your name and address on this," the man whispered.</p> + + <p>Bob held it up, the better to see what it was.</p> + + <p>"All these tickets are placed in a hat," explained the man, + "and one is drawn. The lucky ticket gets a free ride to Lucky + on one of our weekly homeseekers' excursions. Others pay one + fare for round trip."</p> + + <p>"I see," said Bob, signing, "and in return you get the names + and addresses af every one here."</p> + + <p>He glanced up at his interlocutor with a quizzical + expression that changed at once to one of puzzlement. Where had + he seen the man before? He was, perhaps, fifty-five years old, + tall and slender, slightly stooped, slightly awry. His lean + gray face was deeply lined, his close-clipped moustache and + hair were gray, and his eyes twinkled behind his glasses with a + cold gray light. Something about these glasses struck faintly a + chord of memory in Bob's experience, but he could not catch its + modulations. The man, on his side, stared at Bob a trifle + uncertainly. Then he held the card up to the dim light.</p> + + <p>"You are interested in Lucky Lands—Mr. John Smith, of + Reno?" he asked, stooping low to be heard.</p> + + <p>"Sure!" grinned Bob.</p> + + <p>The man said nothing more, but glided away, and in a moment + the flare of light on the screen announced that the lecture was + to begin.</p> + + <p>The lecturer, was a glib, self-possessed youth, filled to + the brim with statistics, with which he literally overwhelmed + his auditors. His remarks were accompanied by a rapid-fire + snapping of fingers to the time of which the operator changed + his slides. A bewildering succession of coloured views flashed + on the screen. They showed Lucky in all its glories—the + blacksmith shop, the main street, the new hotel, the grocery, + Brown's walnut ranch, the ditch, the Southern Pacific Depot, + the Methodist Church and a hundred others. So quickly did they + succeed each other that no one had time to reduce to the terms + of experience the scenes depicted on these slides—for + with the glamour of exaggerated colour, of unaccustomed + presentation, and of skillful posing the most commonplace + village street seems wonderful and attractive for the moment. + The lecturer concluded by an alarming statement as to the + rapidity with which this desirable ranching property was being + snapped up. He urged early decisions as the only safe course; + and, as usual with all real estate men, called attention to the + contrast between the Riverside of twenty years ago and the + Riverside of to-day.</p> + + <p>The daylight was then admitted.</p> + + <p>"Now, gentlemen," concluded the lecturer, still in his + brisk, time-saving style, "the weekly excursion to Lucky will + take place to-morrow. One fare both ways to homeseekers. Free + carriages to the Lands. Grand free open-air lunch under the + spreading sycamores and by the babbling brook. Train leaves at + seven-thirty."</p> + + <p>In full sight of all he threw the packet of tickets into a + hat and drew one.</p> + + <p>"Mr. John Smith, of Reno," he read. "Who is Mr. Smith?"</p> + + <p>"Here," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Would you like to go to Lucky to-morrow?"</p> + + <p>"Sure," said Bob.</p> + + <p>One of the attendants immediately handed Bob a railroad + ticket. The lecturer had already disappeared.</p> + + <p>To his surprise Bob found the street door locked.</p> + + <p>"This way," urged one of the salesmen. "You go out this + way."</p> + + <p>He and the rest of the audience were passed out another door + in the rear, where they were forced to go through the main + offices of the Company. Here were stationed the gray man and + all his younger assistants. Bob paused by the door. He could + not but admire the acumen of the barker in selecting his men. + The audience was made up of just the type of those who come to + California with agricultural desires and a few hundred + dollars—slow plodders from Eastern farms, Italians with + savings and ambitions, half invalids—all the element that + crowds the tourist sleepers day in and day out, the people who + are filling the odd corners of the greater valleys. As these + debouched into the glare of the outer offices, they hesitated, + making up their slow minds which way to turn. In that instant + or so the gray man, like a captain, assigned his salesmen. The + latter were of all sorts—fat and joking, thin and very + serious-minded, intense, enthusiastic, cold and haughty. The + gray man sized up his prospective customers and to each + assigned a salesman to suit. Bob had no means of guessing how + accurate these estimates might be, but they were evidently made + intelligently, with some system compounded of theory or + experience. After a moment Bob became conscious that he himself + was being sharply scrutinized by the gray man, and in return + watched covertly. He saw the gray man shake his head slightly. + Bob passed out the door unaccosted by any of the salesmen.</p> + + <p>At half-past seven the following morning he boarded the + local train. In one car he found a score of "prospects" already + seated, accompanied by half their number of the young men of + the real estate office. The utmost jocularity and humour + prevailed, except in one corner where a very earnest young man + drove home the points of his argument with an impressive + forefinger. Bob dropped unobtrusively into a seat, and prepared + to enjoy his never-failing interest in the California landscape + with its changing wonderful mountains; its alternations of sage + brush and wide cultivation; its vineyards as far as the eye + could distinguish the vines; its grainfields seeming to fill + the whole cup of the valleys; its orchards wide as forests; and + its desert stretches, bigger than them all, awaiting but the + vivifying touch of water to burst into productiveness. He heard + one of the salesmen expressing this.</p> + + <p>"'Water is King,'" he was saying, quoting thus the catchword + of this particular concern. He was talking in a half-joking + way, asking one or the other how many inches of rainfall could + be expected per annum back where they came from.</p> + + <p>"Don't know, do you?" he answered himself. "Nobody pays any + great and particular amount of attention to that—you get + water enough, except in exceptional years. Out here it's + different. Every one knows to the hundredth of an inch just how + much rain has fallen, and how much ought to have fallen. It's + vital. Water is King."</p> + + <p>He gathered close the attention of his auditors.</p> + + <p>"We have the water in California," he went on; "but it isn't + always in the right place nor does it come at the right time. + You can't grow crops in the high mountains where most of the + precipitation occurs. But you can bring that water down to the + plains. That's your answer: irrigation."</p> + + <p>He looked from one to the other. Several nodded.</p> + + <p>"But a man can't irrigate by himself. He can't build + reservoirs, ditches all alone. That's where a concern like the + Lucky Company makes good. We've brought the water to where you + can use it. Under the influence of cultivation that apparently + worthless land can produce—" he went on at great length + detailing statistics of production. Even to Bob, who had no + vital nor practical interest, it was all most novel and + convincing.</p> + + <p>So absorbed did he become that he was somewhat startled when + a man sat down beside him. He looked, up to meet the steel gray + eyes and glittering glasses of the chief. Again there swept + over him a sense of familiarity, the feeling that somewhere, at + some time, he had met this man before. It passed almost as + quickly as it came, but left him puzzled.</p> + + <p>"Of course your name is not Smith, nor do you come from + Reno," said the man in gray abruptly. "I've seen you somewhere + before, but I can't place you. Are you a newspaperman?"</p> + + <p>"I've been thinking the same of you," returned Bob. "No, I'm + just plain tourist."</p> + + <p>"I don't imagine you're particularly interested in Lucky," + said the gray man. "Why did you come?"</p> + + <p>"Just idleness and curiosity," replied Bob frankly.</p> + + <p>"Of course we try to get the most value in return for our + expenditures on these excursions by taking men who are at least + interested in the country," suggested the gray man.</p> + + <p>"By Jove, I never thought of that!" cried Bob. "Of course, + I'd no business to take that free ticket. I'll pay you my + fare."</p> + + <p>The gray man had been scrutinizing him intensely and keenly. + At Bob's comically contrite expression, his own face + cleared.</p> + + <p>"No, you misunderstand me," he replied in his crisp fashion. + "We give these excursions as an advertisement of what we have. + The more people to know about Lucky, the better our chances. We + made an offer of which you have taken advantage. You're + perfectly welcome, and I hope you'll enjoy yourself. Here, + Selwyn," he called to one of the salesman, "this is + Mr.—what did you say your name is?"</p> + + <p>"Orde," replied Bob.</p> + + <p>The gray man seemed for an almost imperceptible instant to + stiffen in his seat. The gray eyes glazed over; the gray lined + face froze.</p> + + <p>"Orde," he repeated harshly; "where from?"</p> + + <p>"Michigan," Bob replied.</p> + + <p>The gray man rose stiffly. "Well, Selwyn," said he, "this is + Mr. Orde—of Michigan—and I want you to show him + around."</p> + + <p>He moved down the aisle to take a seat, distant, but facing + the two young men. Bob felt himself the object of a furtive but + minute scrutiny which lasted until the train slowed down at the + outskirts of Lucky.</p> + + <p>Selwyn proved to be an agreeable young man, keen-faced, + clean-cut, full of energy and enthusiasm. He soon discovered + that Bob did not contemplate going into ranching, and at once + admitted that young man to his confidence.</p> + + <p>"You just nail a seat in that surrey over there, while I + chase out my two 'prospects.' We sell on commission and I've + got to rustle."</p> + + <p>They drove out of the sleepy little village on which had + been grafted showy samples of the Company's progress. The day + was beautiful with sunshine, with the mellow calls of meadow + larks, with warmth and sweet odours. As the surrey took its + zigzag way through the brush, as the quail paced away to right + and left, as the delicate aroma of the sage rose to his + nostrils, Bob began to be very glad he had come. Here and there + the brush had been cleared, small shacks built, fences of wire + strung, and the land ploughed over. At such places the surrey + paused while Selwyn held forth to his two stolid "prospects" on + how long these newcomers had been there and how well they were + getting on. The country rose in a gradual slope to the + slate-blue mountains. Ditches ran here and there. Everywhere + were small square stakes painted white, indicating the + boundaries of tracts yet unsold.</p> + + <p>They visited the reservoir, which looked to Bob uncommonly + like a muddy duck pond, but whose value Selwyn soon made very + clear. They wandered through the Chiquito ranch, whence came + the exhibition fruit and other products, and which formed the + basis of most Lucky arguments. The owner had taken many medals + for his fruit, and had spent twenty-five years in making the + Chiquito a model.</p> + + <p>"Any man can do likewise in this land of promise," said + Selwyn.</p> + + <p>They ended finally in a beautiful little cañon among + the foothills. It was grown thick with twisted, mottled + sycamores just budding into leaf, with vines and greenery of + the luxurious California varieties. Birds sang everywhere and a + brook babbled and bubbled down a stony bed.</p> + + <p>Under the largest of the sycamores a tent had been pitched + and a table spread. Affairs seemed to be in charge of a very + competent countrywoman whose fuzzy horse and ramshackle buggy + stood securely tethered below. The surries drove up and + deposited their burdens. Bob took his place at table to be + served with an abundant, hot and well-cooked meal.</p> + + <p>The ice had been broken. Everybody laughed and joked. Some + of the men removed their coats in order to be more comfortable. + The young salesmen had laboured successfully to bring these + strangers to a feeling of partnership in at least the aims of + the Company, of partisanship against the claims of other + less-favoured valleys than Lucky. During a pause in the fun, + one of the "prospects," an elderly, white-whiskered farmer of + the more prosperous type, nodded toward the brook.</p> + + <p>"That sounds good," said he.</p> + + <p>"It's the supply for the Lucky Lands," replied Selwyn. "It + ought to sound good."</p> + + <p>"There's mighty few flowing creeks in California this far + out from the mountains," interposed another salesman. "You know + out here, except in the rainy season, the rivers all flow + bottom-up."</p> + + <p>They all guffawed at this ancient and mild joke. The old + farmer wagged his head.</p> + + <p>"Water is King," said he solemnly, as though voicing an + original and profound thought.</p> + + <p>A look of satisfaction overspread the countenance of the + particular salesman who had the old farmer in charge. When you + can get your "prospect" to adopt your catchword and enunciate + it with conviction, he is yours!</p> + + <p>After the meal Bob, unnoticed, wandered off up the + cañon. He had ascertained that the excursionists would + not leave the spot for two hours yet, and he welcomed the + chance for exercise. Accordingly he set himself to follow the + creek, the one stream of pure and limpid water that did not + flow bottom-up. At first this was easy enough, but after a + while the cañon narrowed, and Bob found himself + compelled to clamber over rocks and boulders, to push his way + through thickets of brush and clinging vines, finally even to + scale a precipitous and tangled side hill over which the stream + fell in a series of waterfalls. Once past this obstruction, + however, the country widened again. Bob stood in the bed of a + broad, flat wash flanked by low hills. Before him, and still + some miles distant, rose the mountains in which the stream + found its source.</p> + + <p>Bob stood still for a moment, his hat in his hand, enjoying + the tepid odours, the warm sun and the calls of innumerable + birds. Then he became aware of a faint and intermittent + throb—<i>put-put</i> (pause) <i>put</i> (pause), + <i>put-put-put!</i></p> + + <p>"Gasoline engine," said he to himself.</p> + + <p>He tramped a few hundred yards up the dry wash, rounded a + bend, and came to a small wooden shack from which emanated the + sound of the gas explosions. A steady stream of water gushed + from a pump operated by the gasoline engine. Above, the stream + bed was dry. Here was the origin of the "beautiful mountain + stream."</p> + + <p>Chair-tilted in front of the shack sat a man smoking a pipe. + He looked up as Bob approached.</p> + + <p>"Hullo," said he; "show over?"</p> + + <p>He disappeared inside and shut off the gasoline engine. + Immediately the flow ceased; the stream dried up as though + scorched. Presently the man emerged, thrusting his hands into + the armholes of an old coat. Shrugging the garment into place, + he snapped shut the padlock on the door.</p> + + <p>"Come on," said he. "My rig's over behind that grease-wood. + You're a new one, ain't ye?"</p> + + <p>Bob nodded.</p> + + <p>"That horse is branded pretty thick," he said by way of + diversion.</p> + + <p>The man chuckled.</p> + + <p>"Have to turn his skin other side out to get another one + on," he agreed.</p> + + <p>They drove down an old dim road that avoided the + difficulties of the cañon. At camp they found the + surries just loading up. Bob took his place. Before the rigs + started back, the gray man, catching sight of the pump man, + drew him aside and said several things very vigorously. The + pump man answered with some indignation, pointing finally to + Bob. Instantly the gray man whirled to inspect the young + fellow. Then he shot a last remark, turned and climbed grumpily + into his vehicle.</p> + + <p>At the station Bob tried to draw Selwyn aside for a + conversation.</p> + + <p>"I'll be with you when the train starts, old man," replied + Selwyn, "but I've got to stick close to these prospects. + There's a gang of knockers hanging around here always, just + waiting for a chance to lip in."</p> + + <p>When the train started, however, Selwyn came back to drop + into Bob's seat with a wearied sigh.</p> + + <p>"Gosh! I get sick of handing out dope to these yaps," said + he. "I was afraid for a while it was going to blow. Looked like + it."</p> + + <p>"What of it?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"When it blows up here, it'd lift the feathers off a chicken + and the chicken off the earth," explained Selwyn. "I've seen + more than one good prospect ruined by a bad day."</p> + + <p>"How'd you come out?" inquired Bob.</p> + + <p>"Got one. He handed over his first payment on the spot. + Funny how these yahoos almost always bring their cash right + with 'em. Other's no good. I get so I can spot that kind the + first three words. They're always too blame enthusiastic about + the country and the Company. Seems like they try to pay for + their entertainment by jollying us along. Don't fool me any. + When a man begins to object to things, you know he's thinking + of buying."</p> + + <p>Bob listened to this wisdom with some amusement. "How'd you + explain when the stream stopped?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Why," said Selwyn, looking straight ahead, "didn't you hear + Mr. Oldham? They turned the water into the Upper Ditch to + irrigate the Foothill Tracts."</p> + + <p>Bob laughed. "You're not much of a liar, Selwyn," he said + pleasantly. "Failure of gasoline would hit it nearer."</p> + + <p>"Oh, that's where you went," said Selwyn. "I ought to have + kept my eye on you closer."</p> + + <p>He fell silent, and Bob eyed him speculatively. He liked the + young fellow's clear, frank cast of countenance.</p> + + <p>"Look here, Selwyn," he broke out, "do you like this bunco + game?"</p> + + <p>"I don't like the methods," replied Selwyn promptly; "but + you are mistaken when you think it's a bunco game. The land is + good; there's plenty of artesian water to be had; and we don't + sell at a fancy price. We've located over eight hundred + families up there at Lucky Lands, and three out of four are + making good. The fourth simply hadn't the capital to hold out + until returns came in. It's as good a small-ranch proposition + as they could find. If I didn't think so, I wouldn't be in it + for a minute."</p> + + <p>"How about that stream?"</p> + + <p>"Nobody said the stream was a natural one. And the water + exists, no matter where it comes from. You can't impress an + Eastern farmer with a pump proposition: that's a matter of + education. They come to see its value after they've tried + it."</p> + + <p>"But your—".</p> + + <p>"I told you I didn't like the methods. I won't have anything + to do with the dirty work, and Oldham knows it."</p> + + <p>"Why all the bluff, then?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"There are thousands of real estate firms in Los Angeles + trying to sell millions of acres," said Selwyn, "and this is + about the only concern that succeeds in colonizing on a large + scale. Oldham developed this system, and it seems to work."</p> + + <p>"The law'll get him some day."</p> + + <p>"I think not," replied Selwyn. "You may find him close to + the edge of the law, but he never steps over. He's a mighty + bright business man, and he's made a heap of money."</p> + + <p>When nearing the Arcade depot, Oldham himself stepped + forward.</p> + + <p>"Stopping in California long?" he asked, with some approach + to geniality.</p> + + <p>"Permanently, I think," replied Bob.</p> + + <p>"You are going to manufacture your timber?"</p> + + <p>Bob looked up astonished.</p> + + <p>"You're the Orde interested in Granite County timber, aren't + you?"</p> + + <p>"I'm employed by Welton, that's all," said Bob. "He owns the + timber. But how did you know I am with Welton?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"With Welton!" echoed Oldham. "Oh, yes—well, I heard + from Michigan business acquaintances you were with him. + Welton's lands are in Granite County?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well," said Oldham vaguely, "I hope you have enjoyed your + little outing." He turned away.</p> + + <p>"Now, how the deuce should anybody know about me, or that I + am with Welton, or take the trouble to write about it?"</p> + + <p>He mulled over this for some time. For lack of a better + reason, he ascribed to his former football prominence the fact + that Oldham's Michigan correspondent had thought him worth + mention. Yet that seemed absurdly inadequate.</p> + + <br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="PART_THREE"></a> + + <h2>PART THREE</h2><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="I"></a> + + <h2>I</h2><br> + + + <p>Two weeks later a light buckboard bearing Welton and Bob + dashed in the early morning across the plains, wormed its way + ingeniously through gaps in the foothills, and slowed to a walk + as it felt the grades of the first long low slopes. The air was + warm with the sun imprisoned in the pockets of the hills. High + chaparral, scrub oaks, and scattered, unkempt digger pines + threw their thicket up to the very right of way. It was in + general dense, almost impenetrable, yet it had a way of + breaking unexpectedly into spacious parks, into broad natural + pastures, into bold, rocky points prophetic of the mountains + yet to come. Every once in a while the road drew one side to + pause at a cabin nestling among fruit trees, bowered beneath + vines, bright with the most vivid of the commoner flowers. They + were crazily picturesque with their rough stone chimneys, their + roofs of shakes, their broad low verandahs, and their + split-picket fences. On these verandahs sat patriarchal-looking + men with sweeping white beards, who smoked pipes and gazed + across with dim eyes toward the distant blue mountains. When + Welton, casually and by the way, mentioned topographical names, + Bob realized to what placid and contented retirement these men + had turned, and who they were. Nugget Creek, Flour Gold, Bear + Gulch—these spoke of the strong, red-shirted Argonauts of + the El Dorado. Among these scarred but peaceful foothills had + been played and applauded the great, wonderful, sordid, + inspired drama of the early days, the traces of which had + almost vanished from the land.</p> + + <p>Occasionally also the buckboard paused for water at a more + pretentious place set in a natural opening. There a low, + rambling, white ranch-house beneath trees was segregated by a + picket fence enclosing blossoms like a basket. At a greater or + lesser distance were corrals of all sizes arranged in a + complicated pattern. They resembled a huge puzzle. The barns + were large; a forge stood under an open shed indescribably + littered with scrap iron and fragments of all sorts; saddles + hung suspended by the horn or one stirrup; bright milk pails + sunned bottom-up on fence posts; a dozen horses cropped in a + small enclosed pasture or dozed beneath one or another of the + magnificent and spreading live-oak trees. Children of all sizes + and states of repair clambered to the fence tops or gazed + solemnly between the rails. Sometimes women stood in the + doorways to nod cheerfully at the travellers. They seemed to + Bob a comely, healthy-looking lot, competent and good-natured. + Beyond an occasional small field and an invariable kitchen + garden there appeared to be no evidences of cultivation. Around + the edges of the natural opening stretched immediately the open + jungle of the chaparral or the park-like forests of oaks.</p> + + <p>"These are the typical mountain people of California," said + Welton. "It's only taken us a few hours to come up this far, + but we've struck among a different breed of cats. They're born, + live and die in the hills, and they might as well be a thousand + miles away as forty or fifty. As soon as the snow is out, they + hike for the big mountains."</p> + + <p>"What do they do?" inquired Bob.</p> + + <p>"Cattle," replied Welton. "Nothing else."</p> + + <p>"I haven't seen any men."</p> + + <p>"No, and you won't, except the old ones. They've taken their + cattle back to the summer ranges in the high mountains. By and + by the women and kids will go into the summer camps with the + horses."</p> + + <p>On a steep and narrow grade they encountered a girl of + twenty riding a spirited pinto. She bestrode a cowboy's stock + saddle on which was coiled the usual rope, wore a broad felt + hat, and smiled at the two men quite frankly in spite of the + fact that she wore no habit and had been compelled to arrange + her light calico skirts as best she could. The pinto threw his + head and snorted, dancing sideways at sight of the buckboard. + So occupied was he with the strange vehicle that he paid scant + attention to the edge of the road. Bob saw that the passage + along the narrow outside strip was going to be precarious. He + prepared to descend, but at that moment the girl faced her pony + squarely at the edge of the road, dug her little heels into his + flanks, and flicked him sharply with the <i>morale</i> or + elongated lash of the reins. Without hesitation the pony + stepped off the grade, bunched his hoofs and slid down the + precipitous slope. So steep was the hill that a man would have + had to climb it on all fours.</p> + + <p>Bob gasped and rose to his feet. The pony, leaving a long + furrow in the side of the mountain, caught himself on the + narrow ledge of a cattle trail, turned to the left, and + disappeared at a little fox trot.</p> + + <p>Bob looked at this companion. Welton laughed.</p> + + <p>"There's hardly a woman in the country that doesn't help + round up stock. How'd you like to chase a cow full speed over + this country, hey?"</p> + + <p>As they progressed, mounting slowly, but steadily, the + character of the country changed. The cañons through + which flowed the streams became deeper and more precipitous; + the divides between them higher. At one point where the road + emerged on a bold, clear point, Bob looked back to the + shimmering plain, and was astonished to see how high they had + climbed. To the eastward and only a few miles distant rose the + dark mass of a pine-covered ridge, austere and solemn, the + first rampart of the Sierras. Welton pointed to it with his + whip.</p> + + <p>"There's our timber," said he simply.</p> + + <p>A little farther along the buckboard drew rein at the top of + a long declivity that led down to a broad wooded valley. Among + the trees Bob caught a glimpse of the roofs of scattered + houses, and the gleam of a river. From the opposite edge of the + valley rose the mountain-ridge, sheer and noble. The light of + afternoon tinted it with lilac and purple.</p> + + <p>"That's the celebrated town of Sycamore Flats," said Welton. + "Just at present we're the most important citizens. This fellow + here's the first yellow pine on the road."</p> + + <p>Bob looked upon what he then considered a rather large tree. + Later he changed his mind. The buckboard rattled down the + grade, swung over a bridge, and so into the little town. Welton + drew up at a low, broad structure set back from the street + among some trees.</p> + + <p>"We'll tackle the mountain to-morrow," said he.</p> + + <p>Bob descended with a distinct feeling of pleasure at being + able to use his legs again. He and Welton and the baggage and + everything about the buckboard were powdered thick with the + fine, white California dust. At every movement he shook loose a + choking cloud. Welton's face was a dull gray, ludicrously + streaked, and he suspected himself of being in the same + predicament. A boy took the horses, and the travellers entered + the picketed enclosure. Welton lifted up his great rumbling + voice.</p> + + <p>"O Auntie Belle!" he roared.</p> + + <p>Within the dark depths of the house life stirred. In a + moment a capable and motherly woman had taken them in charge. + Amid a rapid-fire of greetings, solicitudes, jokes, questions, + commands and admonitions Bob was dusted vigorously and led to + ice-cold water and clean towels. Ten minutes later, much + refreshed, he stood on the low verandah looking out with + pleasure on the little there was to see. Eight dogs squatted + themselves in front of him, ears slightly uplifted, in + expectancy of something Bob could not guess. Probably the dogs + could not guess either. Within the house two or three young + girls were moving about, singing and clattering dishes in a + delightfully promising manner. Down the winding hill, for + Sycamore Flats proved after all to be built irregularly on a + slope, he could make out several other scattered houses, each + with its dooryard, and the larger structures of several stores. + Over all loomed the dark mountain. The sun had just dropped + below the ridge down which the road had led them, but still + shone clear and golden as an overlay of colour laid against the + sombre pines on the higher slopes.</p> + + <p>After an excellent chicken supper, Bob lit his pipe and + wandered down the street. The larger structures, three in + number, now turned out to be a store and two saloons. A dozen + saddle horses dozed patiently. On the platform outside the + store a dozen Indian women dressed in bright calico huddled + beneath their shawls. After squatting thus in brute immobility + for a half-hour, one of them would purchase a few pounds of + flour or a half-pound of tea. Then she would take her place + again with the others. At the end of another half-hour another, + moved by some sudden and mysterious impulse, would in turn make + her purchases. The interior of the store proved to be no + different from the general country store anywhere. The + proprietor was very busy and occupied and important and + interested in selling a two-dollar bill of goods to a chance + prospector, which was well, for this was the storekeeper's + whole life, and he had in defence of his soul to make his + occupations filling. Bob bought a cigar and went out.</p> + + <p>Next he looked in at one of the saloons. It was an + ill-smelling, cheap box, whose sole ornaments were advertising + lithographs. Four men played cards. They hardly glanced at the + newcomer. Bob deciphered Forest Reserve badges on three of + them.</p> + + <p>As he emerged from this joint, his eyes a trifle dazzled by + the light, he made out drawn up next the elevated platform a + buckboard containing a single man. As his pupils contracted he + distinguished such details as a wiry, smart little team, a man + so fat as almost to fill the seat, a moon-like, good-natured + face, a vest open to disclose a vast white shirt, "Hullo!" the + stranger rumbled in a great voice. "Any of my boys in + there?"</p> + + <p>"Don't believe I know your boys," replied Bob + pleasantly.</p> + + <p>The fat man heaved his bulk forward to peer at Bob.</p> + + <p>"Consarn your hide!" he roared with the utmost good humour; + "stand out of the light so I can see your fool face. You lie + like a hound! Everybody knows my boys!"</p> + + <p>There was no offence in the words.</p> + + <p>Bob laughed and obligingly stepped one side the lighted + doorway.</p> + + <p>"A towerist!" wheezed the fat man. "Say, you're too early. + Nothing doing in the mountains yet. Who sent you this early, + anyway?"</p> + + <p>"No tourist; permanent inhabitant," said Bob. "I'm with + Welton."</p> + + <p>"Timber, by God!" exploded the fat man. "Well, you and I are + like to have friendly doings. Your road goes through us, and + you got to toe the mark, young fellow, let me tell you! I'm a + hell of a hard man to get on with!"</p> + + <p>"You look it," said Bob. "You own some timber?"</p> + + <p>The fat man exploded again.</p> + + <p>"Hell, no!" he roared. "Why, you don't even know me, do you? + I'm Plant, Henry Plant. I'm Forest Supervisor."</p> + + <p>"My name's Orde," said Bob. "If you're after Forest Rangers, + there's three in there."</p> + + <p>"The rascals!" cried Plant. He raised his voice to a bellow. + "Oh, you Jim!"</p> + + <p>The door was darkened.</p> + + <p>"Say, Jim," said Plant. "They tell me there's a fire over + Stone Creek way. Somebody's got to take a look at it. You and + Joe better ride over in the morning and see what she looks + like."</p> + + <p>The man stretched his arms over his head and yawned. "Oh, + hell!" said he with deep feeling. "Ain't you got any of those + suckers that <i>like</i> to ride? I've had a headache for three + days."</p> + + <p>"Yes, it's hard luck you got to do anything, ain't it," said + Plant. "Well, I'll see if I can find old John, and if you don't + hear from me, you got to go."</p> + + <p>The Supervisor gathered up his reins and was about to + proceed when down through the fading twilight rode a singular + figure. It was a thin, wiry, tall man, with a face like tanned + leather, a clear, blue eye and a drooping white moustache. He + wore a flopping old felt hat, a faded cotton shirt and an + ancient pair of copper-riveted blue-jeans overalls tucked into + a pair of cowboy's boots. A time-discoloured cartridge belt + encircled his hips, supporting a holster from which protruded + the shiny butt of an old-fashioned Colt's 45. But if the man + was thus nondescript and shabby, his mount and its caparisons + were magnificent. The horse was a glossy, clean-limbed sorrel + with a quick, intelligent eye. The bridle was of braided + rawhide, the broad spade-bit heavily inlaid with silver, the + reins of braided and knotted rawhide. Across the animal's brow + ran three plates of silver linked together. Below its ears were + wide silver <i>conchas</i>. The saddle was carved elaborately, + and likewise ornamented with silver. The whole outfit + shone—new-polished and well kept.</p> + + <p>"Oh, you John!" called Plant.</p> + + <p>The old man moved his left hand slightly. The proud-stepping + sorrel instantly turned to the left, and, on a signal Bob could + not distinguish, stopped to statue-like immobility. Then Bob + could see the Forest Ranger badge pinned to one strap of the + old man's suspender.</p> + + <p>"John," said Plant, "they tell me there's a fire over at + Stone Creek. Ride over and see what it amounts to."</p> + + <p>"All right," replied the Ranger. "What help do I get?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, you just ride over and see what it amounts to," + repeated Plant.</p> + + <p>"I can't do nothing alone fighting fire."</p> + + <p>"Well I can't spare anybody now," said Plant, "and it may + not amount to nothing. You go see."</p> + + <p>"All right," said John. "But if it does amount to something, + it'll get an awful start on us."</p> + + <p>He rode away.</p> + + <p>"Old California John," said Plant to Bob with a slight + laugh. "Crazy old fool." He raised his voice. "Oh, you Jim! + John, he's going to ride over. You needn't go."</p> + + <p>Bob nodded a good night, and walked back up the street. At + the store he found the sorrel horse standing untethered in the + road. He stopped to examine more closely the very ornate + outfit. California John came out carrying a grain sack half + full of provisions. This he proceeded to tie on behind the + saddle, paying no attention to the young man.</p> + + <p>"Well, Star, you got a long ways to go," muttered the old + man.</p> + + <p>"You aren't going over those mountains to-night, are you?" + cried Bob.</p> + + <p>The old man turned quite deliberately and inspected his + questioner in a manner to imply that he had committed an + indiscretion. But the answer was in a tone that implied he had + not.</p> + + <p>"Certain sure," he replied. "The only way to handle a fire + is to stick to it like death to a dead nigger."</p> + + <p>Bob returned to the hotel very thoughtful. There he found + Mr. Welton seated comfortably on the verandah, his feet up and + a cigar alight.</p> + + <p>"This is pretty good medicine," he called to Bob. "Get your + feet up, you long-legged stork, and enjoy yourself. Been + exploring?"</p> + + <p>"Listening to the band on the plaza," laughed Bob. He drew + up a chair. At that moment the dim figure of California John + jingled by. "I wouldn't like that old fellow's job. He's a + ranger, and he's got to go and look up a forest fire."</p> + + <p>"Alone?" asked Welton. "Couldn't they scare up any more? Or + are they over there already?"</p> + + <p>"There's three playing poker at the saloon. Looked to me + like a fool way to do. He's just going to take a look and then + come back and report."</p> + + <p>"Oh, they're heavy on reports!" said Welton. "Where is the + fire; did you hear?"</p> + + <p>"Stone Creek—wherever that is."</p> + + <p>"Stone Creek!" yelled Welton, dropping the front legs of his + chair to the verandah with a thump. "Why, our timber adjoins + Stone Creek! You come with me!"</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="II"></a> + + <h2>II</h2><br> + + + <p>Welton strode away into the darkness, followed closely by + Bob. He made his way as rapidly as he could through the village + to an attractive house at the farther outskirts. Here he turned + through the picket gate, and thundered on the door.</p> + + <p>It was almost immediately opened by a meek-looking woman of + thirty.</p> + + <p>"Plant in?" demanded Welton.</p> + + <p>The meek woman had no opportunity to reply.</p> + + <p>"Sure! Sure! Come in!" roared the Supervisor's great + voice.</p> + + <p>They entered to find the fat man, his coat off, leaning + luxuriously back in an office chair, his feet up on another, a + cigar in his mouth. He waved a hospitable hand.</p> + + <p>"Sit down! Sit down!" he wheezed. "Glad to see you."</p> + + <p>"They tell me there's a fire over in the Stone Creek + country," said Welton.</p> + + <p>"So it's reported," said Plant comfortably. "I've sent a man + over already to investigate."</p> + + <p>"That timber adjoins ours," went on Welton. "Sending one + ranger to investigate don't seem to help the old man a great + deal."</p> + + <p>"Oh, it may not amount to much," disclaimed Plant + vaguely.</p> + + <p>"But if it does amount to much, it'll be getting one devil + of a start," persisted Welton. "Why don't you send over enough + men to give it a fight?"</p> + + <p>"Haven't got 'em," replied Plant briefly.</p> + + <p>"There's three playing poker now, down in the first saloon," + broke in Bob.</p> + + <p>Plant looked at him coldly for ten seconds.</p> + + <p>"Those men are waiting to tally Wright's cattle," he + condescended, naming one of the most powerful of the valley + ranch kings.</p> + + <p>But Welton caught at Bob's statement.</p> + + <p>"All you need is one man to count cattle," he pointed out. + "Can't you do that yourself, and send over your men?"</p> + + <p>"Are you trying to tell me my business, Mr. Welton?" asked + the Supervisor formally.</p> + + <p>Welton laughed one of his inexpressible chuckles.</p> + + <p>"Lord love you, no!" he cried. "I have all I can handle. I'm + merely trying to protect my own. Can't you hire some men, + then?"</p> + + <p>"My appropriation won't stand it," said Plant, a gleam + coming into his eye. "I simply haven't the money to pay them + with." He paused significantly.</p> + + <p>"How much would it take?" inquired Welton.</p> + + <p>Plant cast his eyes to the ceiling.</p> + + <p>"Of course, I couldn't tell, because I don't know how much + of a fire it is, or how long it would take to corral it. But + I'll tell you what I'll do: suppose you leave me a lump sum, + and I'll look after such matters hereafter without having to + bother you with them. Of course, when I have rangers available + I'll use 'em; but any time you need protection, I can rush in + enough men to handle the situation without having to wait for + authorizations and all that. It might not take anything extra, + of course."</p> + + <p>"How much do you suppose it would require to be sure we + don't run short?" asked Welton.</p> + + <p>"Oh, a thousand dollars ought to last indefinitely," replied + Plant.</p> + + <p>The two men stared at each other for a moment. Then Welton + laughed.</p> + + <p>"I can hire a heap of men for a thousand dollars," said he, + rising. "Goodnight."</p> + + <p>Plant rumbled something. The two went out, leaving the fat + man chewing his cigar and scowling angrily after them.</p> + + <p>Once clear of the premises Welton laughed loudly.</p> + + <p>"Well, my son, that's your first shy at the government + official, isn't it? They're not all as bad as that. At first I + couldn't make out whether he was just fat and lazy. Now I know + he's a grafter. He ought to get a nice neat 'For Sale' sign + painted. Did you hear the nerve of him? Wanted a thousand + dollars bribe to do his plain duty."</p> + + <p>"Oh, that was what he was driving at!" cried Bob.</p> + + <p>"Yes, Baby Blue-eyes, didn't you tumble to that? Well, I + don't see a thousand in it whether he's for us or against + us."</p> + + <p>"Was that the reason he didn't send over all his men to the + fire?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Partly. Principally because he wanted to help old Simeon + Wright's men in with the cattle. Simeon probably has a + ninety-nine year lease on his fat carcass—with the soul + thrown in for a trading stamp. It don't take but one man to + count cattle, but three extra cowboys comes mighty handy in the + timber."</p> + + <p>"Would Wright bribe him, do you suppose?"</p> + + <p>Welton stopped short.</p> + + <p>"Let me tell you one thing about old Simeon, Bob," said he. + "He owns more land than any other man in California. He got it + all from the government. Eight sections on one of his ranches + he took up under the Swamp Act by swearing he had been all over + them in a boat. He had. The boat was drawn by eight mules. + That's just a sample. You bet Simeon owns a Supervisor, if he + thinks he needs one; and that's why the cattle business takes + precedence over the fire business."</p> + + <p>"It's an outrage!" cried Bob. "We ought to report him for + neglect of duty."</p> + + <p>Welton chuckled.</p> + + <p>"I didn't tell you this to get you mad, Bobby," he drawled + with his indescribable air of good humour; "only to show you + the situation. What difference does it make? As for reporting + to Washington! Look here, I don't know what Plant's political + backing is, but it must be 99.84 per cent. pure. Otherwise, how + would a man as fat as that get a job of Forest Supervisor? Why, + he can't ride a horse, and it's absurd to suppose he ever saw + any of the Reserve he's in charge of."</p> + + <p>Welton bestirred himself to good purpose. Inside of two + hours a half-dozen men, well-mounted and provisioned, bearing + the usual tools of the fire-fighter, had ridden off into the + growing brightness of the moon.</p> + + <p>"There," said the lumberman with satisfaction. "That isn't + going to cost much, and we'll feel safe. Now let's turn + in."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="III"></a> + + <h2>III</h2><br> + + + <p>The next morning Bob was awakened to a cold dawn that became + still more shivery when he had dressed and stepped outside. + Even a hot breakfast helped little; and when the buckboard was + brought around, he mounted to his seat without any great + enthusiasm. The mountain rose dark and forbidding, high against + the eastern sky, and a cold wind breathed down its defiles. + When the wiry little ponies slowed to the first stretches of + the tiresome climb, Bob was glad to walk alongside.</p> + + <p>Almost immediately the pines began. They were short and + scrubby as yet, but beautiful in the velvet of their dark green + needles. Bob glanced at them critically. They were perhaps + eighty to a hundred feet high and from a foot to thirty inches + in diameter.</p> + + <p>"Fair timber," he commented to his companion.</p> + + <p>Welton snorted. "Timber!" he cried. "That isn't timber; it's + weeds. There's no <i>timber</i> on this slope of the + mountain."</p> + + <p>Slowly the ponies toiled up the steep grade, pausing often + for breath. Among the pines grew many oaks, buckthorns, tall + manzañitas and the like. As the valley dropped beneath, + they came upon an occasional budding dogwood. Over the slopes + of some of the hills spread a mantle of velvety vivid green, + fair as the grass of a lawn, but indescribably soft and mobile. + It lent those declivities on which it grew a spacious, + well-kept, park appearance, on which Bob exclaimed with + delight.</p> + + <p>But Welton would have none of it.</p> + + <p>"Bear clover," said he, "full of pitch as an old jack-pine. + Burns like coal oil, and you can't hardly cut it with a hoe. + Worst stuff to carry fire and to fight fire in you ever saw. + Pick a piece and smell it."</p> + + <p>Bob broke off one of the tough, woody stems. A pungent odour + exactly like that of extract of hamamelis met his nostrils. + Then he realized that all the time he had been aware of this + perfume faintly disengaging itself from the hills. In spite of + Mr. Welton's disgust, Bob liked its clean, pungent + suggestion.</p> + + <p>The road mounted always, following the contour of the + mountains. Thus it alternately emerged and crept on around bold + points, and bent back into the recesses of ravines. Clear, + beautiful streams dashed and sang down the latter; from the + former, often, Bob could look out over the valley from which + they had mounted, across the foothills, to the distant, + yellowing plains far on the horizon, lost finally in brown heat + waves. Sycamore Flats lay almost directly below. Always it + became smaller, and more and more like a coloured relief-map + with tiny, Noah's-ark houses. The forest grew sturdily on the + steep mountain. Bob's eyes were on a level with the tops of + trees growing but a few hundred feet away. The horizon line was + almost at eleven o'clock above him.</p> + + <p>"How'd you handle this kind of a proposition?" he inquired. + "Looks to me like hard sledding."</p> + + <p>"This stuff is no good," said Welton. "These little, yellow + pines ain't worth cutting. This is all Forest Reserve + stuff."</p> + + <p>Bob glanced again down the aisles of what looked to him like + a noble forest, but said nothing. He was learning, in this land + of surprises, to keep his mouth shut.</p> + + <p>At the end of two hours Welton drew up beside a new water + trough to water the ponies.</p> + + <p>"There," he remarked casually, "is the first sugar + pine."</p> + + <p>Bob's eye followed the indication of his whip to the + spreading, graceful arms of a free so far up the bed of the + stream that he could make out only its top. The ponies, + refreshed, resumed their methodical plodding.</p> + + <p>Insensibly, as they mounted, the season had changed. The + oaks that, at the level of Sycamore Flats, had been in full + leaf, here showed but the tender pinks and russets of the first + foliage. The dogwoods were quite dormant. Rivulets of seepage + and surface water trickled in the most unexpected places as + though from snow recently melted.</p> + + <p>Of climbing there seemed no end. False skylines recurrently + deceived Bob into a belief that the buckboard was about to + surmount the top. Always the rise proved to be preliminary to + another. The road dipped behind little spurs, climbed ravines, + lost itself between deep cuts. Only rarely did the forest + growths permit a view, and then only in glimpses between the + tops of trees. In the valley and against the foothills now + intervened the peaceful and calm blue atmosphere of + distance.</p> + + <p>"I'd no idea from looking at it this mountain was so high," + he told Welton.</p> + + <p>"You never do," said Welton. "They always fool you. We're + pretty nigh the top now."</p> + + <p>Indeed, for a little space the forest had perforce to thin + because of lack of footing. The slope became almost a + precipice, ending in a bold comb above which once more could be + glimpsed the tops of trees. Quite ingeniously the road + discovered a cleft up which it laboured mightily, to land + breathless after a heart-breaking pull. Just over the top + Welton drew rein to breathe his horses—and to hear what + Bob had to say about it.</p> + + <p>The buckboard stood at the head of a long, gentle slope + descending, perhaps fifty feet, to a plateau; which, in turn, + rose to another crest some miles distant. The level of this + plateau, which comprised, perhaps, thirty thousand acres all + told, supported a noble and unbroken forest.</p> + + <p>Mere statistics are singularly unavailing to convey even an + idea of a California woodland at its best. We are not here + dealing with the so-called "Big Trees," but with the + ordinary—or extraordinary—pines and spruces. The + forest is free from dense undergrowths; the individual trees + are enormous, yet so symmetrical that the eye can realize their + size only when it catches sight of some usual and accustomed + object, such as men or horses or the buildings in which they + live. Even then it is quite as likely that the measures will + appear to have been struck small, as that the measured will + show in their true grandeur of proportion. The eye refuses to + be convinced off-hand that its education has been faulty.</p> + + <p>"Now," said Welton decidedly. "We may as well have it over + with right now. How big is that young tree over there?"</p> + + <p>He pointed out a half-grown specimen of sugar pine.</p> + + <p>"About twenty inches in diameter," replied Bob promptly.</p> + + <p>Welton silently handed him a tape line. Bob descended.</p> + + <p>"Thirty-seven!" he cried with vast astonishment, when his + measurements were taken and his computations made.</p> + + <p>"Now that one," commanded Welton, indicating a larger + tree.</p> + + <p>Bob sized it up.</p> + + <p>"No fair looking at the other for comparison," warned the + older man.</p> + + <p>"Forty," hesitated Bob, "and I don't believe it's that!" he + added. "Four feet," he amended when he had measured.</p> + + <p>"Climb in," said Welton; "now you're in a proper frame of + mind to listen to me with respect. The usual run of tree you + see down through here is from five to eight feet in diameter. + They are about all over two hundred feet tall, and some run + close to three hundred."</p> + + <p>Bob sighed. "All right. Drive on. I'll get used to it in + time." His face lighted up with a grin. "Say, wouldn't you like + to see Roaring Dick trying to handle one of those logs with a + peavie? As for driving a stream full of them! Oh, Lord! You'd + have to send 'em down one at a time, fitted out with staterooms + for the crew, a rudder and a gasoline engine!"</p> + + <p>The ponies jogged cheerfully along the winding road. Water + ran everywhere, or stood in pools. Under the young spruces were + the last snowbanks. Pushing up through the wet soil, already + showed early snowplants, those strange, waxlike towers of + crimson. After a time they came to a sidehill where the woods + thinned. There still stood many trees, but as the buckboard + approached, Bob could see that they were cedars, or spruce, or + smaller specimens of the pines. Prone upon the ground, like + naked giants, gleamed white and monstrous the peeled bodies of + great trees. A litter of "slash," beaten down by the winter, + cumbered the ground, and retained beneath its faded boughs + soggy and melting drifts.</p> + + <p>"Had some 'fallers' in here last year," explained Welton + briefly. "Thought we'd have some logs on hand when it came time + to start up."</p> + + <p>"Wait a minute," requested Bob. He sprang lightly from the + vehicle, and scrambled over to stand alongside the nearest of + the fallen monsters. He could just see over it comfortably. "My + good heavens!" said he soberly, resuming his seat. "How in + blazes do you handle them?"</p> + + <p>Welton drove on a few paces, then pointed with his whip. A + narrow trough made of small peeled logs laid parallel and + pegged and mortised together at the ends, ran straight over the + next hill.</p> + + <p>"That's a chute," he explained briefly. "We hitch a wire + cable to the log and just naturally yank it over to the + chute."</p> + + <p>"How yank it?" demanded Bob.</p> + + <p>"By a good, husky donkey engine. Then the chute poles are + slushed, we hitch cables on four or five logs, and just tow + them over the hill to the mill."</p> + + <p>Bob's enthusiasm, as always, was growing with the + presentation of this new and mighty problem of engineering so + succinctly presented. It sounded simple; but from his two + years' experience he knew better. He was becoming accustomed to + filling in the outlines of pure theory. At a glance he realized + the importance of such things as adequate anchors for the + donkey engines; of figuring on straight pulls, horse power and + the breaking strain of steel cables; of arranging curves in + such manner as to obviate ditching the logs, of selecting + grades and routes in such wise as to avoid the lift of the + stretched cable; and more dimly he guessed at other accidents, + problems and necessities which only the emergency could fully + disclose. All he said was:</p> + + <p>"So that's why you bark them all—so they'll slide. I + wondered."</p> + + <p>But now the ponies, who had often made this same trip, + pricked up their ears and accelerated their pace. In a moment + they had rounded a hill and brought their masters into full + view of the mill itself.</p> + + <p>The site was in a wide, natural clearing occupied originally + by a green meadow perhaps a dozen acres in extent. From the + borders of this park the forest had drawn back to a dark + fringe. Now among the trees at the upper end gleamed the yellow + of new, unpainted shanties. Square against the prospect was the + mill, a huge structure, built of axe-hewn timbers, rough + boards, and the hand-rived shingles known as shakes. Piece by + piece the machinery had been hauled up the mountain road until + enough had been assembled on the space provided for it by the + axe men to begin sawing. Then, like some strange monster, it + had eaten out for itself at once a space in the forest and the + materials for its shell and for the construction of its lesser + dependents, the shanties, the cook-houses, the offices and the + shops. Welton pointed out with pride the various arrangements; + here the flats and the trestles for the yards where the + new-sawn lumber was to be stacked; there the dump for the + sawdust and slabs; yonder the banking ground constructed of + great logs laid close together, wherein the timber-logs would + be deposited to await the saw.</p> + + <p>From the lower end of the yard a trestle supporting a + V-shaped trough disappeared over the edge of a hill. Near its + head a clear stream cascaded down the slope.</p> + + <p>"That's the flume," explained the lumberman. "Brought the + stream around from the head of the meadow in a ditch. We'll + flume the sawn lumber down the mountain. For the present we'll + have to team it out to the railroad. Your friend Baker's + figuring on an electric road to meet us, though, and I guess + we'll fix it up with him inside a few years, anyway."</p> + + <p>"Where's Stone Creek from here?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Over the farther ridge. The mountain drops off again there + to Stone Creek three or four thousand feet."</p> + + <p>"We ought to hear from the fire, soon."</p> + + <p>"If we don't, we'll ride over that way and take a look + down," replied Welton.</p> + + <p>They drove down the empty yards to a stable where already + was established their old barn-boss of the Michigan woods. Four + or five big freight wagons stood outside, and a score of + powerful mules rolled and sunned themselves in the largest + corral. Welton nodded toward several horses in another + enclosure.</p> + + <p>"Pick your saddle horse, Bob," said he. "Straw boss has to + ride in this country."</p> + + <p>"Make it the oldest, then," said Bob.</p> + + <p>At the cookhouse they were just in time for the noon meal. + The long, narrow room, fresh with new wood, new tables and new + benches in preparation for the crew to come, looked bare and + empty with its handful of guests huddled at one end. These were + the teamsters, the stablemen, the caretakers and a few early + arrivals. The remainder of the crew was expected two days + later.</p> + + <p>After lunch Bob wandered out into the dazzling sunlight. The + sky was wonderfully blue, the trees softly green, the new + boards and the tiny pile of sawdust vividly yellow. These + primary colours made all the world. The air breathed crisp and + bracing, with just a dash of cold in the nostrils that + contrasted paradoxically with the warm balminess of the + sunlight. It was as though these two opposed qualities, warmth + and cold, were here held suspended in the same medium and at + the same time. Birds flashed like spangles against the blue. + Others sang and darted and scratched and chirped everywhere. + Tiny chipmunks no bigger than half-grown rats scampered + fearlessly about. What Bob took for larger chipmunks—the + Douglas Squirrels—perched on the new fence posts. The + world seemed alive—alive through its creatures, through + the solemn, uplifting vitality of its forests, through the + sprouting, budding spring growths just bursting into green, + through the wine-draught of its very air, through the hurrying, + busy preoccupied murmur of its streams. Bob breathed his lungs + full again and again, and tingled from head to foot.</p> + + <p>"How high are we here?" he called to Welton.</p> + + <p>"About six thousand. Why? Getting short-winded?"</p> + + <p>"I could run ten miles," replied Bob. "Come on. I'm going to + look at the stream."</p> + + <p>"Not at a run," protested Welton. "No, sir! At a nice, + middle-aged, dignified, fat <i>walk</i>!"</p> + + <p>They sauntered down the length of the trestle, with its + miniature steel tracks, to where the flume began. It proved to + be a very solidly built V-trough, alongside which ran a + footboard. Welton pointed to the telephone wire that paralleled + it.</p> + + <p>"When we get going," said he, "we just turn the stream in + here, clamp our sawn lumber into bundles of the right size, and + 'let her went!' There'll be three stations along the line, + connected by 'phone, to see that things go all right. That + flume's six mile long."</p> + + <p>Bob strode to the gate, and after some heaving and hauling + succeeded in throwing water into the flume.</p> + + <p>"I wanted to see her go," he explained.</p> + + <p>"Now if you want some real fun," said Welton, gazing after + the foaming advance wave as it ripped its way down the chute. + "You make you a sort of three-cornered boat just to fit the + angle of the flume; and then you lie down in it and go to + Sycamore Flats, in about six minutes more or less."</p> + + <p>"You mean to say that's done?" cried Bob.</p> + + <p>"Often. It only means knocking together a plank or so."</p> + + <p>"Doesn't the lumber ever jump the flume?"</p> + + <p>"Once in a great while."</p> + + <p>"Suppose the boat should do it?"</p> + + <p>"Then," said Welton drily, "it's probable you'd have to + begin learning to tune a harp."</p> + + <p>"Not for mine," said Bob with fervour. "Any time I yearn for + Sycamore Flats real hard, I'll go by hand."</p> + + <p>He shut off the water, and the two walked a little farther + to a bold point that pressed itself beyond the trees.</p> + + <p>Below them the cliff dropped away so steeply that they + looked out above the treetops as from the summit of a true + precipice. Almost directly below them lay the wooded valley of + Sycamore Flats, maplike, tiny. It was just possible to make out + the roofs of houses, like gray dots. Roads showed as white + filaments threading the irregular patches of green and brown. + From beneath flowed the wide oak and brush-clad foothills, + rising always with the apparent cup of the earth until almost + at the height of the eye the shimmering, dim plains substituted + their brown for the dark green of the hills. The country that + yesterday had seemed mountainous, full of cañons, ridges + and ranges, now showed gently undulating, flattened, like a + carpet spread before the feet of the Sierras. To the north were + tumbled, blue, pine-clad mountains as far as the eye could see, + receding into the dimness of great distance. At one point, but + so far away as to be distinguishable only by a slight effort of + the imagination, hovered like soap-bubbles against an ethereal + sky the forms of snow mountains. Welton pointed out the + approximate position of Yosemite.</p> + + <p>They returned to camp where Welton showed the clean and + painted little house built for Bob and himself. It was quite + simply a row of rooms with a verandah in front of them all. But + the interiors were furnished with matting for the floors, + curtains to the windows, white iron bedsteads, running water + and open fireplaces.</p> + + <p>"I'm sick of camping," said Welton. "This is our summer + quarters for some time. I'm going to be comfortable."</p> + + <p>Bob sighed.</p> + + <p>"This is the bulliest place I ever saw!" he cried + boyishly.</p> + + <p>"Well, you're going to have time enough to get used to it," + said Welton drily.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="IV"></a> + + <h2>IV</h2><br> + + + <p>The Stone Creek fire indeed proved not to amount to much, + whereby sheer chance upheld Henry Plant. The following morning + the fire fighters returned; leaving, however, two of their + number to "guard the line" until the danger should be over. + Welton explained to Bob that only the fact that Stone Creek + bottom was at a low elevation, filled with brush and tarweed, + and grown thick with young trees rendered the forest even + inflammable at this time of year.</p> + + <p>"Anywhere else in this country at this time of year it + wouldn't do any harm," he told Bob, "and Plant knew it couldn't + get out of the basin. He didn't give a cuss how much it did + there. But we've got some young stuff that would easy carry a + top fire. Later in the season you may see some tall rustling on + the fire lines."</p> + + <p>But before noon of that day a new complication arose. Up the + road came a short, hairy man on a mule. His beard grew to his + high cheek bones, his eyebrows bristled and jutted out over his + black eyes, and a thick shock of hair pushed beneath the rim of + his hat to meet the eyebrows. The hat was an old black slouch, + misshapen, stained and dusty. His faded shirt opened to display + a hairy throat and chest. As for the rest he was short-limbed, + thick and powerful.</p> + + <p>This nondescript individual rode up to the verandah on which + sat Welton and Bob, awaiting the lunch bell. He bowed gravely, + and dismounted.</p> + + <p>"Dis ees Meestair Welton?" he inquired with a courtesy at + strange variance with his uncouth appearance.</p> + + <p>Welton nodded.</p> + + <p>"I am Peter Lejeune," said the newcomer, announcing one of + those hybrid names so common among the transplanted French and + Basques of California. "I have de ship."</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes," said Welton rising and going forward to offer his + hand. "Come up and sit down, Mr. Leejune."</p> + + <p>The hairy man "tied his mule to the ground" by dropping the + end of the reins, and mounted the two steps to the + verandah.</p> + + <p>"This is my assistant, Mr. Orde," said Welton. "How are the + sheep coming on? Mr. Leejune," he told Bob, "rents the grazing + in our timber."</p> + + <p>"Et is not coming," stated Lejeune with a studied calm. + "Plant he riffuse permit to cross."</p> + + <p>"Permit to what?" asked Welton.</p> + + <p>"To cross hees fores', gov'ment fores'. I can' get in here + widout cross gov'ment land. I got to get permit from Plant. + Plant he riffuse."</p> + + <p>Welton rose, staring at his visitor.</p> + + <p>"Do you mean to tell me," he cried at last, "that a man + hasn't got a right to get into his own land? That they can keep + a man out of his own <i>land</i>?"</p> + + <p>"Da's right," nodded the Frenchman.</p> + + <p>"But you've been in here for ten years or so to my + knowledge."</p> + + <p>Abruptly the sheepman's calm fell from him. He became wildly + excited. His black eyes snapped, his hair bristled, he arose + from his chair and gesticulated.</p> + + <p>"Every year I geev heem three ship! Three ship!" he + repeated, thrusting three stubby fingers at Welton's face. + "Three little ship! I stay all summer! He never say permit. + Thees year he kip me out."</p> + + <p>"Give any reason?" asked Welton.</p> + + <p>"He say my ship feed over the line in gov'ment land."</p> + + <p>"Did they?"</p> + + <p>"Mebbe so, little bit. Mebbe not. Nobody show me line. + Nobody pay no 'tention. I feed thees range ten year."</p> + + <p>"Did you give him three sheep this year?"</p> + + <p>"Sure."</p> + + <p>Welton sighed.</p> + + <p>"I can't go down and tend to this," said he. "My foremen are + here to be consulted, and the crews will begin to come in + to-morrow. You'll have to go and see what's eating this tender + Plant, Bob. Saddle up and ride down with Mr. Leejune."</p> + + <p>Bob took his first lesson in Western riding behind Lejeune + and his stolid mule. He had ridden casually in the East, as had + most young men of his way of life, but only enough to make a + fair showing on a gentle and easy horse. His present mount was + gentle and easy enough, but Bob was called upon to admire feats + of which a Harlem goat might have been proud. Lejeune soon + turned off the wagon road to make his way directly down the + side of the mountain. Bob possessed his full share of personal + courage, but in this unaccustomed skirting of precipices, + hopping down ledges, and sliding down inclines too steep to + afford a foothold he found himself leaning inward, sitting very + light in the saddle, or holding his breath until a passage + perilous was safely passed. In the next few years he had + occasion to drop down the mountainside a great many times. + After the first few trips he became so thoroughly accustomed + that he often wondered how he had ever thought this scary + riding. Now, however, he was so busily occupied that he was + caught by surprise when Lejeune's mule turned off through a + patch of breast-high manzañita and he found himself + traversing the gentler slope at the foot of the mountain. Ten + minutes later they entered Sycamore Flats.</p> + + <p>Then Bob had leisure to notice an astonishing change of + temperature. At the mill the air had been almost + cold—entirely so out of the direct rays of the sun. Here + it was as hot as though from a furnace. Passing the store, Bob + saw that the tall thermometer there stood at 96 degrees. The + day was unseasonable, but later, in the August heats, Bob had + often, to his sorrow, to test the difference between six + thousand and two thousand feet of elevation. From a clear, + crisp late-spring climate he would descend in two hours to a + temperature of 105 degrees.</p> + + <p>Henry Plant was discovered sprawled out in an armchair + beneath a spreading tree in the front yard. His coat was off + and his vest unbuttoned to display a vast and billowing expanse + of soiled white shirt. In his hand was a palm-leaf fan, at his + elbow swung an <i>olla</i>, newspapers littered the ground or + lay across his fat knees. When Bob and Lejeune entered, he + merely nodded surlily, and went on with his reading.</p> + + <p>"Can I speak to you a moment on business?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>By way of answer the fat man dropped his paper, and mopped + his brow.</p> + + <p>"We've rented our sheep grazing to Mr. Lejeune, here, as I + understand we've been doing for some years. He tells me you + have refused him permission to cross the Forest Reserve with + his flocks."</p> + + <p>"That's right," grunted Plant.</p> + + <p>"What for?"</p> + + <p>"I believe, young man, granting permits is discretionary + with the Supervisor," stated that individual.</p> + + <p>"I suppose so," agreed Bob. "But Mr. Lejeune has always had + permission before. What reason do you assign for refusing + it?"</p> + + <p>"Wilful trespass," wheezed Plant. "That's what, young man. + His sheep grazed over our line. He's lucky that I don't have + him up before the United States courts for damages as + well."</p> + + <p>Lejeune started to speak, but Bob motioned him to + silence.</p> + + <p>"I'm sure we could arrange for past damages, and guarantee + against any future trespass," said he.</p> + + <p>"Well, I'm sure you can't," stated Plant positively. "Good + day."</p> + + <p>But Bob was not willing to give up thus easily. He gave his + best efforts either to arguing Plant into a better frame of + mind, or to discovering some tangible reason for his sudden + change of front in regard to the sheep.</p> + + <p>"It's no use," he told Lejeune, later, as they walked down + the street together. "He's undoubtedly the right to refuse + permits for cause; and technically he has cause if your sheep + got over the line."</p> + + <p>"But what shall I do!" cried Lejeune. "My ship mus' have + feed!"</p> + + <p>"You pasture them or feed them somewhere for a week or so, + and I'll let you know," said Bob. "We'll get you on the land or + see you through somewhere else."</p> + + <p>He mounted his horse stiffly and rode back up the street. + Plant still sat in his armchair like a bloated spider. On + catching sight of Bob, however, he heaved himself to his feet + and waddled to the gate.</p> + + <p>"Here!" he called. Bob drew rein. "It has been reported to + me that your firm has constructed a flume across 36, and a + wagon road across 14, 22, 28, and 32. Those are government + sections. I suppose, of course, your firm has permits from + Washington to build said improvements?"</p> + + <p>"Naturally," said Bob, who, however, knew nothing whatever + of those details.</p> + + <p>"Well, I'll send a man up to examine them to-morrow," said + Plant, and turned his back.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="V"></a> + + <h2>V</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob took supper at Auntie Belle's, and rode up the mountain + after dark. He did not attempt short cuts, but allowed his + horse to follow the plain grade of the road. After a time the + moon crept over the zenith, and at once the forest took on a + fairylike strangeness, as though at the touch of night new + worlds had taken the place of the vanished old. Somewhere near + midnight, his body shivering with the mountain cold, his legs + stiff and chafed from the long, unaccustomed riding, but his + mind filled with the wonder and beauty of the mountain night, + Bob drew rein beside the corrals. After turning in his horse, + he walked through the bright moonlight to Welton's door, on + which he hammered.</p> + + <p>"Hey!" called the lumberman from within.</p> + + <p>"It's I, Bob."</p> + + <p>Welton scratched a match.</p> + + <p>"Why in blazes didn't you come up in the morning?" he + inquired.</p> + + <p>"I've found out another and perhaps important hole we're + in."</p> + + <p>"Can we do anything to help ourselves out before morning?" + demanded Welton. "No? Well, sleep tight! I'll see you at + six."</p> + + <p>Next morning Welton rolled out, as good-humoured and + deliberate as ever.</p> + + <p>"My boy," said he. "When you get to be as old as I am, + you'll never stir up trouble at night unless you can fix it + then. What is it?"</p> + + <p>Bob detailed his conversation with Plant.</p> + + <p>"Do you mean to tell me that that old, fat <i>skunk</i> had + the nerve to tell you he was going to send a ranger to look at + our permit?" he demanded.</p> + + <p>"Yes. That's what he said."</p> + + <p>"The miserable hound! Why I went to see him a year ago about + crossing this strip with our road—we had to haul a lot of + stuff in. He told me to go ahead and haul, and that he'd fix it + up when the time came. Since then I've tackled him two or three + times about it, but he's always told me to go ahead; that it + was all right. So we went ahead. It's always been a matter of + form, this crossing permit business. It's <i>meant</i> to be a + matter of form!"</p> + + <p>After breakfast Welton ordered his buckboard and, in company + with Bob, drove down the mountain again. Plant was discovered + directing the activities of several men, who were loading a + light wagon with provisions and living utensils.</p> + + <p>"Moving up to our summer camp," one of them told Bob. + "Getting too hot down here."</p> + + <p>Plant received them, his fat face expressionless, and led + them into the stuffy little office.</p> + + <p>"Look here, Plant," said Welton, without a trace of + irritation on his weatherbeaten, round countenance. "What's all + this about seeing a permit to cross those government sections? + You know very well I haven't any permit."</p> + + <p>"I have been informed by my men that you have constructed or + caused to be constructed a water flume through section 36, and + a road through sections 14, 22, 28 and 32. If this has been + done without due authorization you are liable for trespass. + Fine of not less than $200 or imprisonment for not less than + twelve months—or both." He delivered this in a voice + absolutely devoid of expression.</p> + + <p>"But you told me to go ahead, and that you'd attend to the + details, and it would be all right," said Welton.</p> + + <p>"You must have misunderstood me," replied Plant blandly. "It + is against my sworn duty to permit such occupation of public + land without due conformity to law. It is within my discretion + whether to report the trespass for legal action. I am willing + to believe that you have acted in this matter without malicious + intent. But the trespass must cease."</p> + + <p>"What do you mean by that?" asked Welton.</p> + + <p>"You must not use that road as a highway, nor the flume, and + you must remove the flume within a reasonable time. Or else you + may still get a permit."</p> + + <p>"How long would that take?" asked Welton. "Could it be done + by wire?"</p> + + <p>Plant lifted a glazed and fishy eye to survey him.</p> + + <p>"You would be required to submit in writing specifications + of the length and location of said road and flume. This must be + accompanied by a topographical map and details of construction. + I shall then send out field men to investigate, after which, + endorsed with my approval, it goes for final decision to the + Secretary of the Interior."</p> + + <p>"Good Lord, man!" cried Welton, aghast. "That would take all + summer! And besides, I made out all that tomfoolery last + summer. I supposed you must have unwound all that red tape long + ago!"</p> + + <p>Plant for the first time looked his interlocutor square in + the eye.</p> + + <p>"I find among my records no such application," he said + deliberately.</p> + + <p>Welton stared at him a moment, then laughed.</p> + + <p>"All right, Mr. Plant, I'll see what's to be done," said he, + and went out.</p> + + <p>In silence the two walked down the street until out of + earshot. Then Bob broke out.</p> + + <p>"I'd like to punch his fat carcass!" he cried. "The old + liar!"</p> + + <p>Welton laughed.</p> + + <p>"It all goes to show that a man's never too old to learn. + He's got us plain enough just because this old man was too busy + to wake up to the fact that these government grafters are so + strong out here. Back our way when you needed a logging road, + you just built it, and paid for the unavoidable damage, and + that's all there was to it."</p> + + <p>"You take it cool," spluttered Bob.</p> + + <p>"No use taking it any other way," replied Welton. "But the + situation is serious. We've got our plant in shape, and our + supplies in, and our men engaged. It would be bad enough to + shut down with all that expense. But the main trouble is, we're + under contract to deliver our mill run to Marshall & + Harding. We can't forfeit that contract and stay in + business."</p> + + <p>"What are you going to do about it?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Get on the wires to your father in Washington," replied + Welton. "Lucky, your friend Baker's power project is only four + miles away; we can use his 'phone."</p> + + <p>But at the edge of town they met Lejeune.</p> + + <p>"I got de ship in pasture," he told Bob. "But hees good for + not more dan one wik."</p> + + <p>"Look here, Leejune," said Welton. "I'm sorry, but you'll + have to look up another range for this summer. Of course, we'll + pay any loss or damage in the matter. It looks impossible to do + anything with Plant."</p> + + <p>The Frenchman threw up both hands and broke into voluble + explanations. From them the listeners gathered more knowledge + in regard to the sheep business than they could have learned by + observation in a year. Briefly, it was necessary that the sheep + have high-country feed, at once; the sheepmen apportioned the + mountains among themselves, so that each had his understood + range; it would now be impossible to find anywhere another + range; only sometimes could one trade localities with another, + but that must be arranged earlier in the season before the + flocks are in the hills—in short, affairs were at a + critical point, where Lejeune must have feed, and no other feed + was to be had except that for which he had in all confidence + contracted. Welton listened thoughtfully, his eyes between his + horses.</p> + + <p>"Can you run those sheep in, at night, or somehow?"</p> + + <p>The Frenchman's eyes sparkled.</p> + + <p>"I run ship two year in Yosemite Park," he bragged. "No + soldier fin' me."</p> + + <p>"That's no great shakes," said Welton drily, "from what I've + seen of Park soldiers. If you can sneak these sheep across + without getting caught, you do it."</p> + + <p>"I snik ship across all right," said Lejeune. "But I can' + stop hees track. The ranger he know I cross all right."</p> + + <p>"What's the penalty?" asked Welton.</p> + + <p>"Mos'ly 'bout one hundred dollars," replied Lejeune + promptly. "Mebbe five hundred."</p> + + <p>Welton sighed. "Is that the limit?" he asked. "Not more than + five hundred?"</p> + + <p>"No. Dat all."</p> + + <p>"Well, it'll take a good half of the rent to get you in, if + they soak us the limit; but you're up against it, and we'll + stand back of you. If we agreed to give you that grazing, by + God, <i>you'll get it</i>, as long as that land is ours."</p> + + <p>He nodded and drove on, while Lejeune, the true sheepman's + delight in dodging the officers burning strong within his + breast, turned his mule's head to the lower country.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="VI"></a> + + <h2>VI</h2><br> + + + <p>The full situation, as far as the wires could tell it, was + laid before Jack Orde in Washington. A detailed letter + followed. Toward evening of that day the mill crews began to + come in with the four and six-horse teams provided for their + transportation. They were a dusty but hilarious lot. The teams + drew up underneath the solitary sycamore tree that gave the + place its name, and at once went into camp. Bob strolled down + to look them over.</p> + + <p>They proved to be fresh-faced, strong farm boys, for the + most part, with a fair sprinkling of older mountaineers, and + quite a contingent of half and quarter-bred Indians. All these + people worked on ranches or in the towns during the off season + when the Sierras were buried under winter snows. Their skill at + woodsmanship might be undoubted, but the intermittent character + of their work precluded any development of individual type, + like the rivermen and shanty boys of the vanished North. For a + moment Bob experienced a twinge of regret that the old, hard, + picturesque days of his Northern logging were indeed gone. Then + the interest of this great new country with its surging life + and its new problems gripped him hard. He left these decent, + hard-working, self-respecting ranch boys, these quiet + mountaineers, these stolid, inscrutable breeds to their + flickering camp fire. Next morning the many-seated vehicles + filled early and started up the road. But within a mile Welton + and Bob in their buckboard came upon old California John square + in the middle of the way. Star stood like a magnificent statue + except that slowly over and over, with relish, he turned the + wheel of the silver-mounted spade-bit under his tongue. As the + ranger showed no indication of getting out of the way, Welton + perforce came to a halt.</p> + + <p>"Road closed to trespass by the Wolverine Company," the + ranger stated impassively.</p> + + <p>Welton whistled.</p> + + <p>"That mean I can't get to my own property?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"My orders are to close this road to the Wolverine + Company."</p> + + <p>"Well, you've obeyed orders. Now get out the way. Tell your + chief he can go ahead on a trespass suit."</p> + + <p>But the old man shook his head.</p> + + <p>"No, you don't understand," he repeated patiently. "My + orders were to <i>close</i> the road to the Company, not just + to give notice."</p> + + <p>Without replying Welton picked up his reins and started his + horses. The man seemed barely to shift his position, but from + some concealment he produced a worn and shiny Colt's. This he + laid across the horn of his saddle.</p> + + <p>"Stop," he commanded, and this time his voice had a bite to + it.</p> + + <p>"Millions for defence," chuckled Welton, who recognized + perfectly the tone, "and how much did you say for tribute?"</p> + + <p>"What say?" inquired the old man.</p> + + <p>"What sort of a hold-up is this? We certainly can't do this + road any damage driving over it once. How much of an inducement + does Plant want, anyway?"</p> + + <p>"This department is only doing its sworn duty," replied the + old man. His blue eyes met Welton's steadily; not a line of his + weatherbeaten face changed. For twenty seconds the lumberman + tried to read his opponent's mind.</p> + + <p>"Well," he said at last. "You can tell your chief that if he + thinks he can annoy and harass me into bribing him to be + decent, he's left."</p> + + <p>By this time the dust and creek of the first heavily laden + vehicle had laboured up to within a few hundred yards.</p> + + <p>"I have over a hundred men there," said Welton, "that I've + hired to work for me at the top of that mountain. It's damn + foolishness that anybody should stop their going there; and + I'll bet they won't lose their jobs. My advice to you is to + stand one side. You can't stop a hundred men alone."</p> + + <p>"Yes, I can," replied the old man calmly. "I'm not + alone."</p> + + <p>"No?" said Welton, looking about him.</p> + + <p>"No; there's eighty million people behind that," said + California John, touching lightly the shield of his Ranger + badge. The simplicity of the act robbed it of all + mock-heroics.</p> + + <p>Welton paused, a frown of perplexity between his brows. + California John was watching him calmly.</p> + + <p>"Of course, the <i>public</i> has a right to camp in all + Forest Reserves—subject to reg'lation," he proffered.</p> + + <p>Welton caught at this.</p> + + <p>"You mean—"</p> + + <p>"No, you got to turn back, and your Company's rigs have got + to turn back," said California John. "But I sure ain't no + orders to stop no campers."</p> + + <p>Welton nodded briefly; and, after some difficulty, + succeeding in turning around, he drove back down the grade. + After he had bunched the wagons he addressed the assembled + men.</p> + + <p>"Boys," said he, "there's been some sort of a row with the + Government, and they've closed this road to us temporarily. I + guess you'll have to hoof it the rest of the way."</p> + + <p>This was no great and unaccustomed hardship, and no one + objected.</p> + + <p>"How about our beds?" inquired some one.</p> + + <p>This presented a difficulty. No Western camp of any + description—lumber, mining, railroad, cow—supplies + the bedding for its men. Camp blankets as dealt out in our + old-time Northern logging camp are unknown. Each man brings his + own blankets, which he further augments with a pair of quilts, + a pillow and a heavy canvas. All his clothing and personal + belongings he tucks inside; the canvas he firmly lashes + outside. Thus instead of his "turkey"—or + duffle-bag—he speaks of his "bed roll," and by that term + means not only his sleeping equipment but often all his worldly + goods.</p> + + <p>"Can't you unhitch your horses and pack them?" asked + Bob.</p> + + <p>"Sure," cried several mountaineers at once.</p> + + <p>Welton chuckled.</p> + + <p>"That sounds like it," he approved; "and remember, boys, + you're all innocent campers out to enjoy the wonders and + beauties of nature."</p> + + <p>The men made short work of the job. In a twinkling the + horses were unhitched from the vehicles. Six out of ten of + these men were more or less practised at throwing packing + hitches, for your Californian brought up in sight of mountains + is often among them. Bob admired the dexterity with which some + of the mountaineers improvised slings and drew tight the bulky + and cumbersome packs. Within half an hour the long procession + was under way, a hundred men and fifty horses. They filed past + California John, who had drawn one side.</p> + + <p>"Camping, boys?" he asked the leader.</p> + + <p>The man nodded and passed on. California John sat at ease, + his elbow on the pommel, his hand on his chin, his blue eyes + staring vacantly at the silent procession filing before him. + Star stood motionless, his head high, his small ears pricked + forward. The light dust peculiar to the mountain soils of + California, stirred by many feet, billowed and rolled upward + through the pines. Long rays of sunlight cut through it like + swords.</p> + + <p>"Now did you ever see such utter damn foolishness?" growled + Welton. "Make that bunch walk all the way up that mountain! + What on earth is the difference whether they walk or ride?"</p> + + <p>But Bob, examining closely the faded, old figure on the + magnificent horse, felt his mind vaguely troubled by another + notion. He could not seize the thought, but its influence was + there. Somehow the irritation and exasperation had gone from + the episode.</p> + + <p>"I know that sort of crazy old mossback," muttered Welton as + he turned down the mountain. "Pin a tin star on them and they + think they're as important as hell!"</p> + + <p>Bob looked back.</p> + + <p>"I don't know," he said vaguely. "I'm kind of for that old + coon."</p> + + <p>The bend shut him out. After the buckboard had dipped into + the horseshoe and out to the next point, they again looked + back. The smoke of marching rose above the trees to eddy lazily + up the mountain. California John, a tiny figure now, still sat + patiently guarding the portals of an empty duty.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="VII"></a> + + <h2>VII</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob and Welton left the buckboard at Sycamore Flats and rode + up to the mill by a détour. There they plunged into + active work. The labour of getting the new enterprise under way + proved to be tremendous. A very competent woods foreman, named + Post, was in charge of the actual logging, so Welton gave his + undivided attention to the mill work. All day the huge peeled + timbers slid and creaked along the greased slides, dragged + mightily by a straining wire cable that snapped and swung + dangerously. When they had reached the solid "bank" that + slanted down toward the mill, the obstreperous "bull" donkey + lowered its crest of white steam, coughed, and was still. A man + threw over the first of these timbers a heavy rope, armed with + a hook, that another man drove home with a blow of his sledge. + The rope tightened. Over rolled the log, out from the greased + slide, to come, finally, to rest among its fellows at the + entrance to the mill.</p> + + <p>Thence it disappeared, moved always by steam-driven hooks, + for these great logs could not be managed by hand implements. + The sawyers, at their levers, controlled the various + activities. When the time came the smooth, deadly steel ribbon + of the modern bandsaws hummed hungrily into the great pines; + the automatic roller hurried the new-sawn boards to the edgers; + little cars piled high with them shot out from the cool dimness + into the dazzling sunlight; men armed with heavy canvas or + leather stacked them in the yards; and then----</p> + + <p>That was the trouble; and then, nothing!</p> + + <p>From this point they should have gone farther. Clamped in + rectangular bundles, pushing the raging white water before + their blunt noses, as strange craft they should have been + flashing at regular intervals down the twisting, turning and + plunging course of the flume. Arrived safely at the bottom, the + eight-and twelve-horse teams should have taken them in charge, + dragging them by the double wagon load to the waiting yards of + Marshall & Harding. Nothing of the sort was happening. + Welton did not dare go ahead with the water for fear of + prejudicing his own case. The lumber accumulated. And, as the + mill's capacity was great and that of the yards small, the + accumulation soon threatened to become embarrassing.</p> + + <p>Bob acted as Welton's lieutenant. As the older lumberman was + at first occupied in testing out his sawyers, and otherwise + supervising the finished product, Bob was necessarily much in + the woods. This suited him perfectly. Every morning at six he + and the men tramped to the scene of operations. There a dozen + crews scattered to as many tasks. Far in the van the fellers + plied their implements. First of all they determined which way + a tree could be made to fall, estimating long and carefully on + the weight of limbs, the slant of the trunk, the slope of + ground, all the elements having to do with the centre of + gravity. This having been determined, the men next chopped + notches of the right depth for the insertion of short boards to + afford footholds high enough to enable them to nick the tree + above the swell of the roots. Standing on these springy and + uncertain boards, they began their real work, swinging their + axes alternately, with untiring patience and incomparable + accuracy. Slowly, very slowly, the "nick" grew, a mouth gaping + ever wider in the brown tree. When it had gaped wide enough the + men hopped down from their springboards, laid aside their axes, + and betook themselves to the saw. And when, at last, the wedges + inserted in the saw-crack started the mighty top, the men + calmly withdrew the long ribbon of steel and stood to one + side.</p> + + <p><img src="images/rgillp206.jpg" + alt= + "The men calmly withdrew the long ribbon of steel and stood to one side."> + </p> + + <p>After the dust had subsided, and the last reverberations of + that mighty crash had ceased to reëcho through the forest, + the fellers stepped forward to examine their work. They took + all things into consideration, such as old wind shakes, new + decay, twist of grain and location of the limbs. Then they + measured off the prostrate trunk into logs of twelve, fourteen, + sixteen, eighteen, or even twenty feet, according to the best + expediency. The division points between logs they notched + plainly, and, shouldering their axes and their sledge and their + long, limber saw, pocketing their wedges and their bottle of + coal oil, they moved on to where the next mighty pine had + through all the centuries been awaiting their coming.</p> + + <p>Now arrived on the scene the "swampers" and cross-cut men, + swarming over the prostrate tree like ants over a piece of + sugar. Some of them cut off limbs; others, with axes and + crowbars, began to pry away great slabs of bark; still others, + with much precaution of shovel, wedge and axe against jamming, + commenced the slow and laborious undertaking of sawing apart + the logs.</p> + + <p>But most interesting and complicated of all were the further + processes of handling the great logs after they had been peeled + and sawed.</p> + + <p>The ends of steel cables were dragged by a horse to the + prostrate tree, where they were made fast by means of chains + and hooks. Then the puffing and snorting donkey engine near the + chute tightened the cable. The log stirred, moved, plunged its + great blunt nose forward, ploughing up the soil. Small trees + and bushes it overrode. But sooner or later it collided head + on, with a large tree, a stump, or a boulder. The cable + strained. Men shouted or waved their arms in signal. The donkey + engine ceased coughing. Then the horse pulled the end of the + log free. Behind it was left a deep trough, a half cylinder + scooped from the soil.</p> + + <p>At the chutes the logs were laid end to end, like a train of + cars. A more powerful cable, endless, running to the mill and + back again, here took up the burden. At a certain point it was + broken by two great hooks. One of these, the one in advance, + the men imbedded in the rear log of the train. The other was + dragged behind. Away from the chutes ten feet the returning + cable snapped through rude pulleys. The train of logs moved + forward slowly and steadily, sliding on the greased ways.</p> + + <p>On the knoll the donkey engine coughed and snorted as it + heaved the mighty timbers from the woods. The drag of the logs + was sometimes heavier than the engine, so it had to be anchored + by other cables to strong trees. Between these opposing + forces—the inertia of the rooted and the fallen—it + leaped and trembled. At its throttle, underneath a canopy + knocked together of rough boards, the engineer stood, ready + from one instant to another to shut off, speed up, or slow + down, according to the demands of an ever-changing exigence. + His was a nervous job, and he earned his repose.</p> + + <p>At the rear of the boiler a boy of eighteen toiled with an + axe, chopping into appropriate lengths the dead wood brought in + for fuel. Next year it would be possible to utilize old tops + for this purpose, but now they were too green. Another boy, in + charge of a solemn mule, tramped ceaselessly back and forth + between the engine and a spring that had been dug out down the + hill in a ravine. Before the end of that summer they had worn a + trail so deep and hard and smooth that many seasons of snow + failed to obliterate it even from the soft earth. On either + side the mule were slung sacks of heavy canvas. At the spring + the boy filled these by means of a pail. Returned to the + engine, he replenished the boiler, draining the sacks from the + bottom, cast a fleeting glance at the water gauge of the donkey + engine, and hastened back to the spring. He had charge of three + engines; and was busy.</p> + + <p>And back along the line of the chutes were other men to fill + out this crew of many activities—old men to signal; young + men to stand by with slush brush, axe, or bar when things did + not go well; axe-men with teams laying accurately new chutes + into new country yet untouched.</p> + + <p>Bob found plenty to keep him busy. Post, the woods foreman, + was a good chute man. By long experience he had gained + practical knowledge of the problems and accidents of this kind + of work. To get the logs out from the beds in which they lay, + across a rugged country, and into the mill was an engineering + proposition of some moment. It is easy to get into difficulties + from which hours of work will not extricate.</p> + + <p>But a man involved closely in the practical management of a + saw log may conceivably possess scant leisure to correlate the + scattered efforts of such divergent activities. The cross + cutters and swampers may get ahead of the fellers and have to + wait in idleness until the latter have knocked down a tree. Or + the donkey may fall silent from lack of logs to haul; or the + chute crews may smoke their pipes awaiting the donkey. Or, + worst and unpardonable disgrace of all, the mill may ran out of + logs! When that happens, the Old Fellow is usually pretty + promptly on the scene.</p> + + <p>Now it is obvious that if somewhere on the works ten men are + always waiting—even though the same ten men are not thus + idle over once a week—the employer is paying for ten men + too many. Bob found his best activity lay in seeing that this + did not happen. He rode everywhere reviewing the work; and he + kept it shaken together. Thus he made himself very useful, he + gained rapidly a working knowledge of this new kind of logging, + and, incidentally, he found his lines fallen in very pleasant + places indeed.</p> + + <p>The forest never lost its marvel to him, but after he had to + some extent become accustomed to the immense trees, he began to + notice the smaller affairs of the woodland. The dogwoods and + azaleas were beginning to come out; the waxy, crimson snow + plants were up; the tiny green meadows near the heads of + streams were enamelled with flowers; hundreds of species of + birds sang and flashed and scratched and crept and soared. The + smaller animals were everywhere. The sun at noon disengaged + innumerable and subtle tepid odours of pine and blossom.</p> + + <p>One afternoon, a little less than a week subsequent to the + beginning of work, Bob, riding home through the woods by a + détour around a hill, came upon sheep. They were + scattered all over the hill, cropping busily at the snowbush, + moving ever slowly forward. A constant murmur arose, a murmur + of a silent, quick, minute activity. Occasionally some mother + among them lifted her voice. Bob sat his horse looking silently + on the shifting grays. In ten seconds his sight blurred; he + experienced a slight giddiness as though the substantial ground + were shifting beneath him in masses, slowly, as in a dream. It + gave him a curious feeling of instability. By an effort he + focused his eyes; but almost immediately he caught himself + growing fuzzy-minded again, exactly as though he had been + gazing absently for a considerable period at a very bright + light. He shook himself.</p> + + <p>"I don't wonder sheep herders go dotty," said he aloud.</p> + + <p>He looked about him, and for the first time became aware of + a tow-headed youth above him on the hill. The youth leaned on a + staff, and at his feet crouched two long-haired dogs. Bob + turned his horse in that direction.</p> + + <p>When he had approached, he saw the boy to be about seventeen + years old. His hair was very light, as were his eyebrows and + eyelashes. Only a decided tinge of blue in his irises saved him + from albinism. His lips were thick and loose, his nose flat, + his expression vacant. In contrast, the two dogs, now seated on + their haunches, their heads to one side, their ears cocked up, + their eyes bright, looked to be the more intelligent + animals.</p> + + <p>"Good evening," said Bob.</p> + + <p>The boy merely stared.</p> + + <p>"You in charge of the sheep?" inquired the young man + presently.</p> + + <p>The boy grunted.</p> + + <p>"Where are you camped?" persisted Bob.</p> + + <p>No answer.</p> + + <p>"Where's your boss?"</p> + + <p>A faint gleam came into the sheep-herder's eyes. He raised + his arm and pointed across through the woods.</p> + + <p>Bob reined his horse in the direction indicated. As he + passed the last of the flock in that direction, he caught sight + of another herder and two more dogs. This seemed to be a + bearded man of better appearance than the boy; but he too + leaned motionless on his long staff; he too gazed unblinking on + the nibbling, restless, changing, imbecile sheep.</p> + + <p>As Bob looked, this man uttered a shrill, long-drawn + whistle. Like arrows from bows the two dogs darted away, their + ears flat, their bodies held low to the ground. The whistle was + repeated by the youth. Immediately his dogs also glided + forward. The noise of quick, sharp barkings was heard. At once + the slow, shifting movement of the masses of gray ceased. The + sound of murmurous, deep-toned bells, of bleating, of the + movement of a multitude arose. The flock drew to a common + centre; it flowed slowly forward. Here and there the dark + bodies of the dogs darted, eager and intelligently busy. The + two herders followed after, leaning on their long staffs. Over + the hill passed the flock. Slowly the sounds of them merged + into a murmur. It died. Only remained the fog of dust drifting + through the trees, caught up by every passing current of air, + light and impalpable as powder.</p> + + <p>Bob continued on his way, but had not proceeded more than a + few hundred feet before he was overtaken by Lejeune.</p> + + <p>"You're the man I was looking for," said Bob. "I see you got + your sheep in all right. Have any trouble?"</p> + + <p>The sheepman's teeth flashed.</p> + + <p>"Not'tall," he replied. "I snik in ver' easy up by Beeg + Rock."</p> + + <p>At the mill, Bob, while luxuriously splashing the ice cold + water on his face and throat, took time to call to Welton in + the next room.</p> + + <p>"Saw your sheep man," he proffered. "He got in all right, + sheep and all."</p> + + <p>Welton appeared in the doorway, mopping his round, red face + with a towel.</p> + + <p>"Funny we haven't heard from Plant, then," said he. "That + fat man must be keeping track of Leejune's where-abouts, or + he's easier than I thought he was."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="VIII"></a> + + <h2>VIII</h2><br> + + + <p>The week slipped by. Welton seemed to be completely immersed + in the business of cutting lumber. In due time Orde senior had + replied by wire, giving assurance that he would see to the + matter of the crossing permits.</p> + + <p>"So <i>that's</i> settled," quoth Welton. "You bet-you Jack + Orde will make the red tape fly. It'll take a couple of weeks, + I suppose—time for the mail to get there and back. + Meantime, we'll get a cut ahead."</p> + + <p>But at the end of ten days came a letter from the + congressman.</p> + + <p>"Don't know just what is the hitch," wrote Jack Orde. "It + ought to be the simplest matter in the world, and so I told + Russell in the Land Office to-day. They seem inclined to fall + back on their technicalities, which is all rot, of course. The + man wants to be annoying for some reason, but I'll take it + higher at once. Have an appointment with the Chief this + afternoon...."</p> + + <p>The next letter came by the following mail.</p> + + <p>"This seems to be a bad mess. I can't understand it, nor get + to the bottom of it. On the face of the showing here we've just + bulled ahead without any regard whatever for law or + regulations. Of course, I showed your letter stating your + agreement and talks with Plant, but the department has his + specific denial that you ever approached him. They stand pat on + that, and while they're very polite, they insist on a detailed + investigation. I'm going to see the Secretary this + morning."</p> + + <p>Close on the heels of this came a wire:</p> + + <p>"Plant submits reports of alleged sheep trespass committed + this spring by your orders. Wire denial."</p> + + <p>"My Lord!" said Welton, as he took this. "That's why we + never heard from that! Bobby, that was a fool move, certainly; + but I couldn't turn Leejune down after I'd agreed to graze + him."</p> + + <p>"How about these lumber contracts?" suggested Bob.</p> + + <p>"We've got to straighten this matter out," said Welton + soberly.</p> + + <p>He returned a long telegram to Congressman Orde in + Washington, and himself interviewed Plant. He made no headway + whatever with the fat man, who refused to emerge beyond the + hard technicalities of the situation. Welton made a journey to + White Oaks, where he interviewed the Superintendent of the + Forest Reserves. The latter proved to be a well-meaning, + kindly, white-whiskered gentleman, named Smith, who listened + sympathetically, agreed absolutely with the equities of the + situation, promised to attend to the matter, and expressed + himself as delighted always to have these things brought to his + personal attention. On reaching the street, however, Welton + made a bee-line for the bank through which he did most of his + business.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Lee," he asked the president, "I want you to be frank + with me. I am having certain dealings with the Forest Reserve, + and I want to know how much I can depend on this man + Smith."</p> + + <p>Lee crossed his white hands on his round stomach, and looked + at Welton over his eyeglasses.</p> + + <p>"In what way?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"I've had a little trouble with one of his subordinates. + I've just been around to state my case to Smith, and he agrees + with my side of the affair and promises to call down his man. + Can I rely on him? Does he mean what he says?"</p> + + <p>"He means what he says," replied the bank president, slowly, + "and you can rely on him—until his subordinate gets a + chance to talk to him."</p> + + <p>"H'm," ruminated Welton. "Chinless, eh? I wondered why he + wore long white whiskers."</p> + + <p>As he walked up the street toward the hotel, where he would + spend the night before undertaking the long drive back, + somebody hailed him. He looked around to see a pair of + beautiful driving horses, shying playfully against each other, + coming to a stop at the curb. Their harness was the lightest + that could be devised—no blinders, no breeching, slender, + well-oiled straps; the rig they drew shone and twinkled with + bright varnish, and seemed as delicate and light as + thistledown. On the narrow seat sat a young man of thirty, + covered with an old-fashioned linen duster, wearing the wide, + gray felt hat of the country. He was a keen-faced, brown young + man, with snapping black eyes.</p> + + <p>"Hullo, Welton," said he as he brought the team to a stand; + "when did you get out of the hills?"</p> + + <p>"How are you, Mr. Harding?" Welton returned his greeting. + "Just down for the day?"</p> + + <p>"How are things going up your way?"</p> + + <p>"First rate," replied Welton. "We're going ahead three bells + and a jingle. Started to saw last week."</p> + + <p>"That's good," said Harding. "I haven't heard of one of your + teams on the road, and I began to wonder. We've got to begin + deliveries on our Los Angeles and San Pedro contracts by the + first of August, and we're depending on you."</p> + + <p>"We'll be there," replied Welton with a laugh.</p> + + <p>The young man laughed back.</p> + + <p>"You'd better be, if you don't want us to come up and take + your scalp," said he, gathering his reins.</p> + + <p>"Guess I lay in some hair tonic so's to have a good one + ready for you," returned Welton, as Harding nodded his + farewell.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="IX"></a> + + <h2>IX</h2><br> + + + <p>Matters stood thus dependent on the efforts of Jack Orde, at + Washington, when, one evening, Baker rode in to camp and + dismounted before the low verandah of the sleeping quarters. + Welton and Bob sat, chair-tilted, awaiting the supper gong.</p> + + <p>"Thrice hail, noble chiefs!" cried Baker, cautiously + stretching out first one sturdy leg, then the other. "Against + which post can I lean my trusty charger?"</p> + + <p>Baker was garbed to suit the rôle. His boots were very + thick and very tall, and most bristly with hobnails; they laced + with belt laces through forty-four calibre eyelets, and were + strapped about the top with a broad piece of leather and two + glittering buckles. Furthermore, his trousers were of khaki, + his shirt of navy blue, his belt three inches broad, his + neckerchief of red, and his hat both wide and high.</p> + + <p>In response to enthusiastic greetings, he struck a pose.</p> + + <p>"How do you like it?" he inquired. "Isn't this the candy + make-up for the simple life—surveyor, hardy prospector, + mountain climber, sturdy pedestrian? Ain't I the real young + cover design for the Out-of-door number?"</p> + + <p>He accepted their congratulations with a lofty wave.</p> + + <p>"That's all right," said he; "but somebody take away this + horse before I bite him. I'm sore on that horse. Joke! + Snicker!"</p> + + <p>Bob delivered over the animal to the stableman who was + approaching.</p> + + <p>"Come up to see the tall buildings?" he quoted Baker + himself.</p> + + <p>"Not so," denied that young man. "My errand is + philanthropic. I'm robin redbreast. Leaves for yours."</p> + + <p>"Pass that again," urged Bob; "I didn't get it."</p> + + <p>"I hear you people have locked horns with Henry Plant," said + Baker.</p> + + <p>"Well, Plant's a little on the peck," amended Welton.</p> + + <p>"Leaves for yours," repeated the self-constituted robin + redbreast. "Babes in the Woods!"</p> + + <p>Beyond this he would vouchsafe nothing until after supper + when, cigars lighted, the three of them sprawled before the + fireplace in quarters.</p> + + <p>"Now," he began, "you fellows are up against it good and + plenty. You can't wish your lumber out, and that's the only + feasible method unless you get a permit. Why in blazes did you + make this break, anyway?"</p> + + <p>"What break?" asked Welton.</p> + + <p>Baker looked at him and smiled slowly.</p> + + <p>"You don't think I own a telephone line without knowing what + little birdies light on the wires, do you?"</p> + + <p>"Does that damn operator leak?" inquired Welton placidly but + with a narrowing of the eyes.</p> + + <p>"Not on your saccharine existence. If he did, he'd be out + among the scenery in two jumps. But I'm different. That's my + <i>business</i>."</p> + + <p>"Mighty poor business," put in Bob quietly.</p> + + <p>Baker turned full toward him.</p> + + <p>"Think so? You'll never get any cigars in the guessing + contest unless you can scare up better ones than that. Let's + get back to cases. How did you happen to make this break, + anyway?"</p> + + <p>"Why," explained Welton, "it was simply a case of build a + road and a flume down a worthless mountain-side. Back with us a + man builds his road where he needs it, and pays for the + unavoidable damage. My head was full of all sorts of details. I + went and asked Plant about it, and he said all right, go ahead. + I supposed that settled it, and that he must certainly have + authority on his own job."</p> + + <p>Baker nodded several times.</p> + + <p>"Sure. I see the point. Just the same, he has you."</p> + + <p>"For the time being," amended Welton. "Bob's father, here, + is congressman from our district in Michigan, and he'll fix the + matter."</p> + + <p>Baker turned his face to the ceiling, blew a cloud of smoke + toward it, and whistled. Then he looked down at Welton.</p> + + <p>"I suppose you know the real difficulty?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"One thousand dollars," replied Welton promptly—"to + hire extra fire-fighters to protect my timber," he added + ironically.</p> + + <p>"Well?"</p> + + <p>"Well!" the lumberman slapped his knee. "I won't be held up + in any such barefaced fashion!"</p> + + <p>"And your congressman will pull you out. Now let me drop a + few pearls of wisdom in the form of conundrums. Why does a fat + man who can't ride a horse hold a job as Forest Supervisor in a + mountain country?"</p> + + <p>"He's got a pull somewhere," replied Welton.</p> + + <p>"Bright boy! Go to the head. Why does a fat man who is hated + by every mountain man, who grafts barefacedly, whose men are + either loafers or discouraged, <i>hold</i> his job?"</p> + + <p>"Same answer."</p> + + <p>Baker leaned forward, and his mocking face became grave.</p> + + <p>"That pull comes from the fact that old Gay is his first + cousin, and that he seems to have some special drag with + him."</p> + + <p>"The Republican chairman!" cried Welton.</p> + + <p>Baker leaned back.</p> + + <p>"About how much chance do you think Mr. Orde has of getting + a hearing? Especially as all they have to do is to stand pat on + the record. You'd better buy your extra fire-fighters."</p> + + <p>"That would be plain bribery," put in Bob from the bed.</p> + + <p>"Fie, fie! Naughty!" chided Baker. "Bribery! to protect + one's timber against the ravages of the devouring element! Now + look here," he resumed his sober tone and more considered + speech; "what else can you do?"</p> + + <p>"Fight it," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Fight what? Prefer charges against Plant? That's been done + a dozen times. Such things never get beyond the clerks. There's + a man in Washington now who has direct evidence of some of the + worst frauds and biggest land steals ever perpetrated in the + West. He's been there now four months, and he hasn't even + <i>succeeded in getting a hearing</i> yet. I tried bucking + Plant, and it cost me first and last, in time, delay and money, + nearly fifty thousand dollars. I'm offering you that expensive + experience free, gratis, for nothing."</p> + + <p>"Make a plain statement of the facts public," said Bob. + "Publish them. Arouse public sentiment."</p> + + <p>Baker looked cynical.</p> + + <p>"Such attacks are ascribed to soreheads," said he, "and + public sentiment <i>isn't interested</i>. The average citizen + wonders what all the fuss is about and why you don't get along + with the officials, anyway, as long as they are fairly + reasonable." He turned to Welton: "How much more of a delay can + you stand without closing down?"</p> + + <p>"A month."</p> + + <p>"How soon must your deliveries begin?"</p> + + <p>"July first."</p> + + <p>"If you default this contract you can't meet your + notes."</p> + + <p>"What notes?"</p> + + <p>"Don't do the baby blue-eyes. You can't start a show like + this without borrowing. Furthermore, if you default this + contract, you'll never get another, even if you do weather the + storm."</p> + + <p>"That's true," said Welton.</p> + + <p>"Furthermore," insisted Baker, "Marshall and Harding will be + considerably embarrassed to fill their contracts down below; + and the building operations will go bump for lack of material, + if they fail to make good. You can't stand or fall alone in + this kind of a game."</p> + + <p>Welton said nothing, but puffed strongly on his cigar.</p> + + <p>"You're still doing the Sister Anne toward Washington," said + Baker, pleasantly. "This came over the 'phone. I wired Mr. Orde + in your name, asking what prospects there were for a speedy + settlement. There's what he says!" He flipped a piece of + scratch paper over to Welton.</p> + + <p>"Deadlock," read the latter slowly. "No immediate prospect. + Will hasten matters through regular channels. Signed, + Orde."</p> + + <p>"Mr. Orde is familiar with the whole situation?" asked + Baker.</p> + + <p>"He is."</p> + + <p>"Well, there's what he thinks about it even there. You'd + better see to that fire protection. It's going to be a dry + year."</p> + + <p>"What's all your interest in this, anyway?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>Baker did not answer, but looked inquiringly toward + Welton.</p> + + <p>"Our interests are obviously his," said Welton. "We're the + only two business propositions in this country. And if one of + those two fail, how's the other to scratch along?"</p> + + <p>"Correct, as far as you go," said Baker, who had listened + attentively. "Now, I'm no tight wad, and I'll give you another, + gratis. It's strictly under your hats, though. If you fellows + bust, how do you think I could raise money to do business up + here at all? It would hoodoo the country."</p> + + <p>Silence fell on the three, while the fire leaped and fell + and crackled. Welton's face showed still a trace of + stubbornness. Suddenly Baker leaned forward, all his customary + fresh spirits shining in his face.</p> + + <p>"Don't like to take his na'ty medicine?" said he. "Well, + now, I'll tell you. I know Plant mighty well. He eats out of my + hand. He just loves me as a father. If I should go to him and + say; 'Plant, my agile sylph, these people are my friends. Give + them their nice little permit and let them run away and play,' + why, he'd do it in a minute." Baker rolled his eyes drolly at + Welton. "Can this be the shadow of doubt! You disbelieve my + power?" He leaned forward and tapped Welton's knee. His voice + became grave: "I'll tell you what I'll do. <i>I'll bet you a + thousand dollars I can get your permit for you!"</i></p> + + <p>The two men looked steadily into each other's eyes.</p> + + <p>At last Welton drew a deep sigh.</p> + + <p>"I'll go you," said he.</p> + + <p>Baker laughed gleefully.</p> + + <p>"It's a cinch," said he. "Now, honest, don't you think so? + Do you give up? Will you give me a check now?"</p> + + <p>"I'll give you a check, and you can hunt up a good + stakeholder," said Welton. "Shall I make it out to Plant?" he + inquired sarcastically.</p> + + <p>"Make the check out to me," said Baker. "I'll just let Plant + hold the stakes and decide the bet."</p> + + <p>He rose.</p> + + <p>"Bring out the fiery, untamed steed!" he cried. "I must + away!"</p> + + <p>"Not to-night?" cried Bob in astonishment.</p> + + <p>"Plant's in his upper camp," said Baker, "and it's only five + miles by trail. There's still a moon."</p> + + <p>"But why this haste?"</p> + + <p>"Well," said Baker, spreading his sturdy legs apart and + surveying first one and then the other. "To tell you the truth, + our old friend Plant is getting hostile about these prods from + Washington, and he intimated he'd better hear from me before + midnight to-day."</p> + + <p>"You've already seen him!" cried Bob.</p> + + <p>But Baker merely grinned.</p> + + <p>As he stood by his horse preparing to mount, he remarked + casually.</p> + + <p>"Just picked up a new man for my land business—name + Oldham."</p> + + <p>"Never heard of him," said Welton.</p> + + <p>"He isn't the <i>Lucky Lands</i> Oldham, is he?" asked + Bob.</p> + + <p>"Same chicken," replied Baker; then, as Bob laughed, "Think + he's phoney? Maybe he'll take watching—and maybe he + won't. I'm a good little watcher. But I do know he's got 'em + all running up the street with their hats in their hands when + it comes to getting results."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="X"></a> + + <h2>X</h2><br> + + + <p>Baker must have won his bet, for Welton never again saw his + check for one thousand dollars, until it was returned to him + cancelled. Nor did Baker himself return. He sent instead a note + advising some one to go over to Plant's headquarters. + Accordingly Bob saddled his horse, and followed the messenger + back to the Supervisor's summer quarters.</p> + + <p>After an hour and a half of pleasant riding through the + great forest, the trail dropped into a wagon road which soon + led them to a fine, open meadow.</p> + + <p>"Where does the road go to in the other direction?" Bob + asked his guide.</p> + + <p>"She 'jines onto your road up the mountain just by the top + of the rise," replied the ranger.</p> + + <p>"How did you get up here before we built that road?" + inquired Bob.</p> + + <p>"Rode," answered the man briefly.</p> + + <p>"Pretty tough on Mr. Plant," Bob ventured.</p> + + <p>The man made no reply, but spat carefully into the tarweed. + Bob chuckled to himself as the obvious humour of the situation + came to him. Plant was evidently finding the disputed right of + way a great convenience.</p> + + <p>The meadow stretched broad and fair to a distant fringe of + aspens. On either side lay the open forest of spruce and pines, + spacious, without undergrowth. Among the trees gleamed several + new buildings and one or two old and weather-beaten structures. + The sounds of busy saws and hammers rang down the forest + aisles.</p> + + <p>Bob found the Supervisor sprawled comfortably in a rude, + homemade chair watching the activities about him. To his + surprise, he found there also Oldham, the real-estate promoter + from Los Angeles. Two men were nailing shakes on a new shed. + Two more were busily engaged in hewing and sawing, from a + cross-section of a huge sugar pine, a set of three steps. Plant + seemed to be greatly interested in this, as were still two + other men squatting on their heels close by. All wore the + badges of the Forest Reserves. Near at hand stood two more men + holding their horses by the bridle. As Bob ceased his + interchange with Oldham, he overhead one of these inquire:</p> + + <p>"All right. Now what do you want us to do?"</p> + + <p>"Get your names on the pay-roll and don't bother me," + replied Plant.</p> + + <p>Plant caught sight of Bob, and, to that young man's + surprise, waved him a jovial hand.</p> + + <p>"'Bout time you called on the old man!" he roared. "Tie your + horse to the ground and come look at these steps. I bet there + ain't another pair like 'em in the mountains!"</p> + + <p>Somewhat amused at this cordiality, Bob dismounted.</p> + + <p>Plant mentioned names by way of introduction.</p> + + <p>"Baker told me that you were with him, but not that you were + on the mountain," said Bob. "Better come over and see us."</p> + + <p>"I'll try, but I'm rushed to get back," replied Oldham + formally.</p> + + <p>"How's the work coming on?" asked Plant. "When you going to + start fluming 'em down?"</p> + + <p>"As soon as we can get our permit," replied Bob.</p> + + <p>Plant chuckled.</p> + + <p>"Well, you did get in a hole there, didn't you? I guess you + better go ahead. It'll take all summer to get the permit, and + you don't want to lose a season, do you?"</p> + + <p>Astonished at the effrontery of the man, Bob could with + difficulty control his expression.</p> + + <p>"We expect to start to-morrow or next day," he replied. + "Just as soon as we can get our teams organized. Just scribble + me a temporary permit, will you?" He offered a fountain pen and + a blank leaf of his notebook.</p> + + <p>Plant hesitated, but finally wrote a few words.</p> + + <p>"You won't need it," he assured Bob. "I'll pass the word. + But there you are."</p> + + <p>"Thanks," said Bob, folding away the paper. "You seem to be + comfortably fixed here."</p> + + <p>Plant heaved his mighty body to its legs. His fat face + beamed with pride.</p> + + <p>"My boy," he confided to Bob, laying a pudgy hand on the + young man's shoulder, "this is the best camp in the + mountains—without any exception."</p> + + <p>He insisted on showing Bob around. Of course, the young + fellow, unaccustomed as yet to the difficulties of mountain + transportation, could not quite appreciate to the full extent + the value in forethought and labour of such things as glass + windows, hanging lamps, enamelled table service, open + fireplaces, and all the thousand and one + conveniences—either improvised or transported + mule-back—that Plant displayed. Nevertheless he found the + place most comfortable and attractive.</p> + + <p>They caught a glimpse of skirts disappearing, but in spite + of Plant's roar of "Minnie!" the woman failed to appear.</p> + + <p>"My niece," he explained.</p> + + <p>In spite of himself, Bob found that he was beginning to like + the fat man. There could be no doubt that the Supervisor was a + great rascal; neither could there be any doubt but that his + personality was most attractive. He had a bull-like way of + roaring out his jokes, his orders, or his expostulations; a + smashing, dry humour; and, above all, an invariably confident + and optimistic belief that everything was going well and + according to everyone's desires. His manner, too, was hearty, + his handclasp warm. He fairly radiated good-fellowship and good + humour as he rolled about. Bob's animosity thawed in spite of + his half-amused realization of what he ought to feel.</p> + + <p>When the tour of inspection had brought them again to the + grove where the men were at work, they found two new + arrivals.</p> + + <p>These were evidently brothers, as their square-cut features + proclaimed. They squatted side by side on their heels. Two good + horses with the heavy saddles and coiled ropes of the stockmen + looked patiently over their shoulders. A mule, carrying a light + pack, wandered at will in the background. The men wore + straight-brimmed, wide felt hats, short jumpers, and overalls + of blue denim, and cowboy boots armed with the long, blunt + spurs of the craft. Their faces were stubby with a week's + growth, but their blue eyes were wide apart and clear.</p> + + <p>"Hullo, Pollock," greeted Plant, as he dropped, blowing, + into his chair.</p> + + <p>The men nodded briefly, never taking their steady gaze from + Plant's face. After a due and deliberate pause, the elder + spoke.</p> + + <p>"They's a thousand head of Wright's cattle been drove in on + our ranges this year," said he.</p> + + <p>"I issued Wright permits for that number, Jim," replied + Plant blandly.</p> + + <p>"But that's plumb crowdin' of our cattle off'n the range," + protested the mountaineer.</p> + + <p>"No, it ain't," denied Plant. "That range will keep a + thousand cattle more. I've had complete reports on it. I know + what I'm doing."</p> + + <p>"It'll <i>keep</i> them, all right," spoke up the younger, + "which is saying they won't die. But they'll come out in the + fall awful pore."</p> + + <p>"I'm using my judgment as to that," said Plant.</p> + + <p>"Yore judgment is pore," said the younger Pollock, bluntly. + "You got to be a cattleman to know about them things."</p> + + <p>"Well, I know Simeon Wright don't put in cattle where he's + going to lose on them," replied Plant. "If he's willing to risk + it, I'll back his judgment."</p> + + <p>"Wright's a crowder," the older Pollock took up the argument + quietly. "He owns fifty thousand head. Me and George, here, we + have five hunderd. He just aims to summer his cattle, anyhow. + When they come out in the fall, he will fat them up on alfalfa + hay. Where is George and me and the Mortons and the Carrolls, + and all the rest of the mountain folks going to get alfalfa + hay? If our cattle come out pore in the fall, they ain't no + good to us. The range is overstocked with a thousand more + cattle on it. We're pore men, and Wright he owns half of + Californy. He's got a million acres of his own without crowdin' + in on us."</p> + + <p>"This is the public domain, for all the public----" began + Plant, pompously, but George Pollock, the younger, cut in.</p> + + <p>"We've run this range afore you had any Forest Reserves, + afore you came into this country, Henry Plant, and our fathers + and our grandfathers! We've built up our business here, and + we've built our ranches and we've made our reg'lations and + lived up to 'em! We ain't going to be run off our range without + knowin' why!"</p> + + <p>"Just because you've always hogged the public land is no + reason why you should always continue to do so," said Plant + cheerfully.</p> + + <p>"Who's the public? Simeon Wright? or the folks up and down + the mountains, who lives in the country?"</p> + + <p>"You've got the same show as Wright or anybody else."</p> + + <p>"No, we ain't," interposed Jim Pollock, "for we're playin' a + different game."</p> + + <p>"Well, what is it you want me to do, anyway?" demanded + Plant. "The man has his permit. You can't expect me to tell him + to get to hell out of there when he has a duly authorized + permit, do you?"</p> + + <p>The Pollocks looked at each other.</p> + + <p>"No," hesitated Jim, at last. "But we're overstocked. Don't + issue no such blanket permits next year. The range won't carry + no more cattle than it always has."</p> + + <p>"Well, I'll have it investigated," promised Plant. "I'll + send out a grazing man to look into the matter."</p> + + <p>He nodded a dismissal, and the two men, rising slowly to + their feet, prepared to mount. They looked perplexed and + dissatisfied, but at a loss. Plant watched them sardonically. + Finally they swung into the saddle with the cowman's easy + grace.</p> + + <p>"Well, good day," said Jim Pollock, after a moment's + hesitation.</p> + + <p>"Good day," returned Plant amusedly.</p> + + <p>They rode away down the forest aisles. The pack mule fell in + behind them, ringing his tiny, sweet-toned bell, his long ears + swinging at every step.</p> + + <p>Plant watched them out of sight.</p> + + <p>"Most unreasonable people in the world," he remarked to Bob + and Oldham. "They never can be made to see sense. Between them + and these confounded sheepmen—I'd like to get rid of the + whole bunch, and deal only with <i>business</i> men. Takes too + much palaver to run this outfit. If they gave me fifty rangers, + I couldn't more'n make a start." He was plainly out of + humour.</p> + + <p>"How many rangers do you get?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Twelve," snapped Plant.</p> + + <p>Bob saw eight of the twelve in sight, either idle or working + on such matters as the steps hewed from the section of pine + log. He said nothing, but smiled to himself.</p> + + <p>Shortly after he took his leave. Plant, his good humour + entirely recovered, bellowed after him a dozen jokes and + invitations.</p> + + <p>Down the road a quarter-mile, just before the trail turned + off to the mill, Bob and his guide, who was riding down the + mountain, passed a man on horseback. He rode a carved-leather + saddle, without tapaderos. <a name="FNanchor1"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> A rawhide riata hung in its + loop on the right-hand side of the horn. He wore a very + stiff-brimmed hat encircled by a leather strap and buckle, a + cotton shirt, and belted trousers tucked into high-heeled boots + embroidered with varied patterns. He was a square-built but + very wiry man, with a bold, aggressive, half-hostile glance, + and rode very straight and easy after the manner of the plains + cowboy. A pair of straight-shanked spurs jingled at his heels, + and he wore a revolver.</p> + + <p>"Shelby," explained the guide, after this man had passed. + "Simeon Wright's foreman with these cattle you been hearing + about. He ain't never far off when there's something doing. + Guess he's come to see about how's his fences."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XI"></a> + + <h2>XI</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob rode jubilantly into camp. The expedition had taken him + all the afternoon, and it was dropping dusk when he had reached + the mill.</p> + + <p>"We can get busy," he cried, waving the permit at Welton. + "Here it is!"</p> + + <p>Welton smiled. "I knew that, my boy," he replied, "and we're + already busy to the extent of being ready to turn her loose + to-morrow morning. I've sent down a yard crew to the lower end + of the flume; and I've started Max to rustling out the teams by + 'phone."</p> + + <p>Next day the water was turned into the flume. Fifty men + stood by. Rapidly the skilled workmen applied the clamps and + binders that made of the boards a compact bundle to be given to + the rushing current. Then they thrust it forward to the drag of + the water. It gathered headway, rubbing gently against the + flume, first on one side, then on the other. Its weight began + to tell; it gathered momentum; it pushed ahead of its blunt + nose a foaming white wave; it shot out of sight grandly, + careening from side to side. The men cheered.</p> + + <p>"Well, we're off!" said Bob cheerfully.</p> + + <p>"Yes, we're off, thank God!" replied Welton.</p> + + <p>From that moment the affairs of the new enterprise went as + well as could be expected. Of course, there were many rough + edges to be smoothed off, but as the season progressed the + community shaped itself. It was indeed a community, of many and + diverse activities, much more complicated, Bob soon discovered, + than any of the old Michigan logging camps. A great many of the + men brought their families. These occupied separate shanties, + of course. The presence of the women and children took away + much of that feeling of impermanence associated with most + pioneer activities. As without exception these women kept + house, the company "van" speedily expanded to a company store. + Where the "van" kept merely rough clothing, tobacco and patent + medicines, the store soon answered demands for all sorts of + household luxuries and necessities. Provisions, of course, were + always in request. These one of the company's bookkeepers doled + out.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Poole," the purchaser would often say to this man, + "next time a wagon comes up from Sycamore Flats would you just + as soon have them bring me up a few things? I want a washboard, + and some shoes for Jimmy, and a double boiler; and there ought + to be an express package for me from my sister."</p> + + <p>"Sure! I'll see to it," said Poole.</p> + + <p>This meant a great deal of trouble, first and last, what + with the charges and all. Finally, Welton tired of it.</p> + + <p>"We've got to keep a store," he told Bob finally.</p> + + <p>With characteristic despatch he put the carpenters to work, + and sent for lists of all that had been ordered from Sycamore + Flats. A study of these, followed by a trip to White Oaks, + resulted in the equipment of a store under charge of a man + experienced in that sort of thing. As time went on, and the + needs of such a community made themselves more evident, the + store grew in importance. Its shelves accumulated dress goods, + dry goods, clothing, hardware; its rafters dangled with tinware + and kettles, with rope, harness, webbing; its bins overflowed + with various food-stuffs unknown to the purveyor of a lumber + camp's commissary, but in demand by the housewife; its one + glass case shone temptingly with fancy stationery, dollar + watches, and even cheap jewelry. There was candy for the + children, gum for the bashful maiden, soda pop for the + frivolous young. In short, there sprang to being in an + astonishingly brief space of time a very creditable specimen of + the country store. It was a business in itself, requiring all + the services of a competent man for the buying, the selling, + and the transportation. At the end of the year it showed a fair + return on the investment.</p> + + <p>"Though we'd have to have it even at a dead loss," Welton + pointed out, "to hold our community together. All we need is a + few tufts of chin whiskers and some politics to be full-fledged + gosh-darn mossbacks."</p> + + <p>The storekeeper, a very deliberate person, Merker by name, + was much given to contemplation and pondering. He possessed a + German pipe of porcelain, which he smoked when not actively + pestered by customers. At such times he leaned his elbows on + the counter, curved one hand about the porcelain bowl of his + pipe, lost the other in the depths of his great seal-brown + beard, and fell into staring reveries. When a customer entered + he came back—with due deliberation—from about one + thousand miles. He refused to accept more than one statement at + a time, to consider more than one person at a time, or to do + more than one thing at a time.</p> + + <p>"Gim'me five pounds of beans, two of sugar, and half a pound + of tea!" demanded Mrs. Max.</p> + + <p>Merker deliberately laid aside his pipe, deliberately moved + down the aisle behind his counter, deliberately filled his + scoop, deliberately manipulated the scales. After the package + was duly and neatly encased, labelled and deposited accurately + in front of Mrs. Max, Merker looked her in the eye.</p> + + <p>"Five pounds of beans," said he, and paused for the next + item.</p> + + <p>The moment the woman had departed, Merker resumed his pipe + and his wide-eyed vacancy.</p> + + <p>Welton was immensely amused and tickled.</p> + + <p>"Seems to me he might keep a little busier," grumbled + Bob.</p> + + <p>"I thought so, too, at first," replied the older man, "but + his store is always neat, and he keeps up his stock. + Furthermore, he never makes a mistake—there's no chance + for it on his one-thing-at-a-time system."</p> + + <p>But it soon became evident that Merker's reveries did not + mean vacancy of mind. At such times the Placid One figured on + his stock. When he put in a list of goods required, there was + little guess-work as to the quantities needed. Furthermore, he + had other schemes. One evening he presented himself to Welton + with a proposition. His waving brown hair was slicked back from + his square, placid brow, his wide, cowlike eyes shone with the + glow of the common or domestic fire, his brown beard was neat, + and his holiday clothes were clean. At Welton's invitation he + sat, but bolt upright at the edge of a chair.</p> + + <p>"After due investigation and deliberation," he stated, "I + have come to the independent conclusion that we are overlooking + a means of revenue."</p> + + <p>"As what?" asked Welton, amused by the man's deadly + seriousness.</p> + + <p>"Hogs," stated Merker.</p> + + <p>He went on deliberately to explain the waste in camp + garbage, the price of young pigs, the cost of their + transportation, the average selling price of pork, the rate of + weight increase per month, and the number possible to maintain. + He further showed that, turned at large, they would require no + care. Amused still at the man's earnestness, Welton tried to + trip him up with questions. Merker had foreseen every + contingency.</p> + + <p>"I'll turn it over to you. Draw the necessary money from the + store account," Welton told him finally.</p> + + <p>Merker bowed solemnly and went out. In two weeks pigs + appeared. They became a feature of the landscape, and those who + experimented with gardens indulged in profanity, clubs and + hog-proof fences. Returning home after dark, the wayfarer was + apt to be startled to the edge of flight by the grunting + upheaval of what had seemed a black shadow under the moon. Bob + in especial acquired concentrated practice in horsemanship for + the simple reason that his animal refused to dismiss his first + hypothesis of bears.</p> + + <p>Nevertheless, at the end of the season Merker gravely + presented a duly made out balance to the credit of hogs.</p> + + <p>Encouraged by the success of this venture, he next attempted + chickens. But even his vacant-eyed figuring had neglected to + take into consideration the abundance of such predatory beasts + and birds as wildcats, coyotes, raccoons, owls and the swift + hawks of the falcon family.</p> + + <p>"I had thought," he reported to the secretly amused Welton, + "that even in feeding the finer sorts of garbage to hogs there + might be an economic waste; hogs fatten well enough on the + coarser grades, and chickens will eat the finer. In that I fell + into error. The percentage of loss from noxious varmints more + than equals the difference in the cost of eggs. I further find + that the margin of profits on chickens is not large enough to + warrant expenditures for traps, dogs and men sufficient for + protection."</p> + + <p>"And how does the enterprise stand now?" asked Welton.</p> + + <p>"We are behind."</p> + + <p>"H'm. And what would you advise by way of retrenchment?"</p> + + <p>"I should advise closing out the business by killing the + fowl," was Merker's opinion. "Crediting the account with the + value of the chickens as food would bring us out with a loss of + approximately ten dollars."</p> + + <p>"Fried chicken is hardly applicable as lumber camp + provender," pointed out Welton. "So it's scarcely a legitimate + asset."</p> + + <p>"I had considered that point," replied Merker, "and in my + calculations I had valued the chickens at the price of + beef."</p> + + <p>Welton gave it up.</p> + + <p>Another enterprise for which Merker was responsible was the + utilization of the slabs and edgings in the construction of + fruit trays and boxes. When he approached Welton on the + subject, the lumberman was little inclined to be receptive to + the idea.</p> + + <p>"That's all very well, Merker," said he, impatiently; "I + don't doubt it's just as you say, and there's a lot of good + tray and box material going to waste. So, too, I don't doubt + there's lots of material for toothpicks and matches and wooden + soldiers and shingles and all sorts of things in our slashings. + The only trouble is that I'm trying to run a big lumber + company. I haven't time for all that sort of little monkey + business. There's too much detail involved in it."</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir," said Merker, and withdrew.</p> + + <p>About two weeks later, however, he reappeared, towing after + him an elderly, bearded farmer and a bashful-looking, hulking + youth.</p> + + <p>"This is Mr. Lee," said Merker, "and he wants to make + arrangements with you to set up a little cleat and box-stuff + mill, and use from your dump."</p> + + <p>Mr. Lee, it turned out, had been sent up by an informal + association of the fruit growers of the valley. Said informal + association had been formed by Merker through the mails. The + store-keeper had submitted such convincing figures that Lee had + been dispatched to see about it. It looked cheaper in the long + run to send up a spare harvesting engine, to buy a saw, and to + cut up box and tray stuff than to purchase these necessities + from the regular dealers. Would Mr. Welton negotiate? Mr. + Welton did. Before long the millmen were regaled by the sight + of a snorting little upright engine connected by a flapping, + sagging belt to a small circular saw. Two men and two boys + worked like beavers. The racket and confusion, shouts, + profanity and general awkwardness were something tremendous. + Nevertheless, the pile of stock grew, and every once in a while + six-horse farm wagons from the valley would climb the mountain + to take away box material enough to pack the fruit of a whole + district. To Merker this was evidently a profound satisfaction. + Often he would vary his usual between-customer reverie by + walking out on his shaded verandah, where he would lean against + an upright, nursing the bowl of his pipe, gazing across the + sawdust to the diminutive and rackety box-plant in the + distance.</p> + + <p>Welton, passing one day, laughed at him.</p> + + <p>"How about your economic waste, Merker?" he called. "Two + good men could turn out three times the stuff all that gang + does in about half the time."</p> + + <p>"There are no two good men for that job," replied Merker + unmoved. His large, cowlike eyes roved across the yards. "Men + grow in a generation; trees grow in ten," he resumed with + unexpected directness. "I have calculated that of a great tree + but 40 per cent. is used. All the rest is economic + waste—slabs, edging, tops, stumps, sawdust." He sighed. + "I couldn't get anybody to consider your toothpick and matches + idea, nor the wooden soldiers, nor even the shingles," he + ended.</p> + + <p>Welton stared.</p> + + <p>"You didn't quote me in the matter, did you?" he asked at + length.</p> + + <p>"I did not take the matter as official. Would I have done + better to have done so?"</p> + + <p>"Lord, no!" cried Welton fervently.</p> + + <p>"The sawdust ought to make something," continued Merker. + "But I am unable to discover a practical use for it." He + indicated the great yellow mound that each day increased.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I got to get a burner for it," said Welton, "it'll + soon swamp us."</p> + + <p>"There might be power in it," mused Merker. "A big furnace, + now----"</p> + + <p>"For heaven's sake, man, what for?" demanded Welton.</p> + + <p>"I don't know yet," answered the store-keeper.</p> + + <p>Merker amused and interested Welton, and in addition proved + to be a valuable man for just his position. It tickled the + burly lumberman, too, to stop for a moment in his rounds for + the purpose of discussing with mock gravity any one of Marker's + thousand ideas on economic waste, Welton discovered a huge + entertainment in this. One day, however, he found Merker in + earnest discussion with a mountain man, whom the store-keeper + introduced as Ross Fletcher. Welton did not pay very much + attention to this man and was about to pass on when his eye + caught the gleam of a Forest Ranger's badge. Then he stopped + short.</p> + + <p>"Merker!" he called sharply.</p> + + <p>The store-keeper looked up.</p> + + <p>"See here a minute. Now," said Welton, as he drew the other + aside, "I want one thing distinctly understood. This Government + gang don't go here. This is my property, and I won't have them + loafing around. That's all there is to it. Now understand me; I + mean business. If those fellows come in here, they must buy + what they want and get out. They're a lazy, loafing, grafting + crew, and I won't have them."</p> + + <p>Welton spoke earnestly and in a low tone, and his face was + red. Bob, passing, drew rein in astonishment. Never, in his + long experience with Welton, had he seen the older man plainly + out of temper. Welton's usual habit in aggravating and contrary + circumstances was to show a surface, at least, of the most + leisurely good nature. So unprecedented was the present + condition that Bob, after hesitating a moment, dismounted and + approached.</p> + + <p>Merker was staring at his chief with wide and astonished + eyes, and plucking nervously at his brown beard.</p> + + <p>"Why, that is Ross Fletcher," he gasped. "We were just + talking about the economic waste in the forests. He is a good + man. He isn't lazy. He—"</p> + + <p>"Economic waste hell!" exploded Welton. "I won't have that + crew around here, and I won't have my employees confabbing with + them. I don't care what you tell them, or how you fix it, but + you keep them out of here. Understand? I hate the sight of one + of those fellows worse than a poison-snake!"</p> + + <p>Merker glanced from Welton to the ranger and back again + perplexed.</p> + + <p>"But—but—" he stammered. "I've known Ross + Fletcher a long time. What can I say—"</p> + + <p>Welton cut in on him with contempt.</p> + + <p>"Well, you'd better say something, unless you want me to + throw him off the place. This is no corner saloon for + loafers."</p> + + <p>"I'll fix it," offered Bob, and without waiting for a reply, + he walked over to where the mountaineer was leaning against the + counter.</p> + + <p>"You're a Forest Ranger, I see," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Yes," replied the man, straightening from his lounging + position.</p> + + <p>"Well, from our bitter experiences as to the activities of a + Forest Ranger we conclude that you must be very busy + people—too busy to waste time on us."</p> + + <p>The man's face changed, but he evidently had not quite + arrived at the drift of this.</p> + + <p>"I think you know what I mean," said Bob.</p> + + <p>A slow flush overspread the ranger's face. He looked the + young man up and down deliberately. Bob moved the fraction of + an inch nearer.</p> + + <p>"Meaning I'm not welcome here?" he demanded.</p> + + <p>"This place is for the transaction of business only. Can I + have Merker get you anything?"</p> + + <p>Fletcher shot a glance half of bewilderment, half of anger, + in the direction of the store-keeper. Then he nodded, not + without a certain dignity, at Bob.</p> + + <p>"Thanks, no," he said, and walked out, his spurs + jingling.</p> + + <p>"I guess he won't bother us again," said Bob, returning to + Welton.</p> + + <p>The latter laughed, a trifle ashamed of his anger.</p> + + <p>"Those fellows give me the creeps," he said, "like cats do + some people. Mossbacks don't know no better, but a Government + grafter is a little more useless than a nigger on a + sawlog."</p> + + <p>He went out. Bob turned to Merker.</p> + + <p>"Sorry for the row," he said briefly, for he liked the + gentle, slow man. "But they're a bad lot. We've got to keep + that crew at arm's length for our own protection."</p> + + <p>"Ross Fletcher is not that kind," protested Merker. "I've + known him for years."</p> + + <p>"Well, he's got a nerve to come in here. I've seen him and + his kind holding down too good a job next old Austin's + bar."</p> + + <p>"Not Ross," protested Merker again. "He's a worker. He's + just back now from the high mountains. Mr. Orde, if you've got + a minute, sit down. I want to tell you about Ross."</p> + + <p>Willing to do what he could to soften Merker's natural + feeling, Bob swung himself to the counter, and lit his + pipe.</p> + + <p>"Ross Fletcher is a ranger because he loves it and believes + in it," said Merker earnestly. "He knows things are going + rotten now, but he hopes that by and by they'll go better. His + district is in good shape. Why, let me tell you: last spring + Ross was fighting fire all alone, and he went out for help and + they docked him a day for being off the reserve!"</p> + + <p>"You don't say," commented Bob.</p> + + <p>"You don't believe it. Well, it's so. And they sent him in + after sheep in the high mountains early, when the feed was + froze, and wouldn't allow him pay for three sacks of barley for + his animals. And Ross gets sixty dollars a month, and he spends + about half of that for trail tools and fire tools that they + won't give him. What do you think of that?"</p> + + <p>"Merker," said Bob kindly, "I think your man is either a + damn liar or a damn fool. Why does he say he does all + this?"</p> + + <p>"He likes the mountains. He—well, he just believes in + it."</p> + + <p>"I see. Are there any more of these altruists? or is he the + only bird of the species?"</p> + + <p>Merker caught the irony of Bob's tone.</p> + + <p>"They don't amount to much, in general," he admitted. "But + there's a few—they keep the torch lit."</p> + + <p>"I supposed their job was more in the line of putting it + out," observed Bob; then, catching Merker's look of slow + bewilderment, he added: "So there are several."</p> + + <p>"Yes. There's good men among 'em. There's Ross, and Charley + Morton, and Tom Carroll, and, of course, old California + John."</p> + + <p>Bob's amused smile died slowly. Before his mental vision + rose the picture of the old mountaineer, with his faded, ragged + clothes, his beautiful outfit, his lean, kindly face, his + steady blue eyes, guarding an empty trail for the sake of an + empty duty. That man was no fool; and Bob knew it. The young + fellow slid from the counter to the floor.</p> + + <p>"I'm glad you believe in your friend, Merker," said he "and + I don't doubt he's a fine fellow; but we can't have rangers, + good, bad, or indifferent, hanging around here. I hope you + understand that?"</p> + + <p>Merker nodded, his wide eyes growing dreamy.</p> + + <p>"It's an economic waste," he sighed, "all this + cross-purposes. Here's you a good man, and Ross a good man, and + you cannot work in harmony because of little things. The + Government and the private owner should conduct business + together for the best utilization of all raw + material—"</p> + + <p>"Merker," broke in Bob, with a kindly twinkle, "you're a + Utopian."</p> + + <p>"Mr. Orde," returned Merker with entire respect, "you're a + lumberman."</p> + + <p>With this interchange of epithets they parted.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XII"></a> + + <h2>XII</h2><br> + + + <p>The establishment of the store attracted a great many + campers. California is the campers' state. Immediately after + the close of the rainy season they set forth. The wayfarer + along any of the country roads will everywhere meet them, + either plodding leisurely through the charming landscape, or + cheerfully gipsying it by the roadside. Some of the outfits are + very elaborate, veritable houses on wheels, with doors and + windows, stove pipes, steps that let down, unfolding devices so + ingenious that when they are all deployed the happy owners are + surrounded by complete convenience and luxury. The man drives + his ark from beneath a canopy; the women and children occupy + comfortably the living room of the house—whose sides, + perchance, fold outward like wings when the breeze is cool and + the dust not too thick. Carlo frisks joyously ahead and astern. + Other parties start out quite as cheerfully with the delivery + wagon, or the buckboard, or even—at a pinch—with + the top buggy. For all alike the country-side is golden, the + sun warm, the sky blue, the birds joyous, and the spring young + in the land. The climate is positively guaranteed. It will not + rain; it will shine; the stars will watch. Feed for the horses + everywhere borders the roads. One can idle along the highways + and the byways and the noways-at-all, utterly carefree, + surrounded by wild and beautiful scenery. No wonder half the + state turns nomadic in the spring.</p> + + <p>And then, as summer lays its heats—blessed by the + fruit man, the irrigator, the farmer alike—over the great + interior valleys, the people divide into two classes. One + class, by far the larger, migrates to the Coast. There the + trade winds blowing softly from the Pacific temper the + semi-tropic sun; the Coast Ranges bar back the furnace-like + heat of the interior; and the result is a summer climate even + nearer perfection—though not so much + advertised—than is that of winter. Here the populace + stays in the big winter hotels at reduced rates, or rents + itself cottages, or lives in one or the other of the unique + tent cities. It is gregarious and noisy, and healthy and + hearty, and full of phonographs and a desire to live in bathing + suits. Another, and smaller contingent, turns to the + Sierras.</p> + + <p>We have here nothing to do with those who attend the resorts + such as Tahoe or Klamath; nor yet with that much smaller + contingent of hardy and adventurous spirits who, with pack-mule + and saddle, lose themselves in the wonderful labyrinth of + granite and snow, of cañon and peak, of forest and + stream that makes up the High Sierras. But rather let us + confine ourselves to the great middle class, the class that has + not the wealth nor the desire for resort hotels, nor the skill + nor the equipment to explore a wilderness. These people hitch + up the farm team, or the grocer's cart, or the family horse, + pile in their bedding and their simple cooking utensils, + whistle to the dog, and climb up out of the scorching inferno + to the coolness of the pines.</p> + + <p>They have few but definite needs. They must have company, + water, and the proximity of a store where they can buy things + to eat. If there is fishing, so much the better. At any rate + there is plenty of material for bonfires. And since other + stores are practically unknown above the six-thousand-foot + winter limit of habitability, it follows that each lumber-mill + is a magnet that attracts its own community of these visitors + to the out of doors.</p> + + <p>As early as the beginning of July the first outfit drifted + in. Below the mill a half-mile there happened to be a small, + round lake with meadows at the upper and lower ends. By the + middle of the month two hundred people were camped there. Each + constructed his abiding place according to his needs and ideas, + and promptly erected a sign naming it. The names were + facetiously intended. The community was out for a good time, + and it had it. Phonographs, concertinas, and even a tiny + transportable organ appeared. The men dressed in loose rough + clothes; the women wore sun-bonnets; the girls inclined to + bandana handkerchiefs, rough-rider skirts and leggings, cowboy + hats caught up at the sides, fringed gauntlet gloves. They were + a good-natured, kindly lot, and Bob liked nothing better than + to stroll down to the Lake in the twilight. There he found the + arrangements differing widely. The smaller ranchmen lived + roughly, sleeping under the stars, perhaps, cooking over an + open fire, eating from tinware. The larger ranchmen did things + in better style. They brought rocking chairs, big tents, + chinaware, camp stoves and Japanese servants to manipulate + them. The women had flags and Chinese lanterns with which to + decorate, hammocks in which to lounge, books to read, tables at + which to sit, cots and mattresses on which to sleep. No + difference in social status was made, however. The young people + undertook their expeditions together: the older folks swapped + yarns in the peaceful enjoyment of the forest. Bob found + interest in all, for as yet the California ranchman has not + lost in humdrum occupations the initiative that brought him to + a new country nor the influences of the experience he has + gained there. To his surprise several of the parties were + composed entirely of girls. One, of four members, was made up + of students from Berkeley, out for their summer vacation. Late + in the summer these four damsels constructed a pack of their + belongings, lashed it on a borrowed mule, and departed. They + were gone for a week in the back country, and returned full of + adventures over the detailing of which they laughed until they + gasped.</p> + + <p>To Bob's astonishment none of the men seemed particularly + wrought up over this escapade.</p> + + <p>"They're used to the mountains," he was assured, "and + they'll get along all right with that old mule."</p> + + <p>"Does anybody live over there?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"No, it's just a wild country, but the trails is good."</p> + + <p>"Suppose they get into trouble?"</p> + + <p>"What trouble? And 'tain't likely they'd all get into + trouble to once."</p> + + <p>"I should think they'd be scared."</p> + + <p>"Nothin' to be scared of," replied the man comfortably.</p> + + <p>Bob thought of the great, uninhabited mountains, the dark + forests, the immense loneliness and isolation, the thousand + subtle and psychic influences which the wilderness exerts over + the untried soul. There might be nothing to be scared of, as + the man said. Wild animals are harmless, the trails are good. + But he could not imagine any of the girls with whom he had + acquaintance pushing off thus joyous and unafraid into a + wilderness three days beyond the farthest outpost. He had yet + to understand the spirit, almost universal among the + native-born Californians, that has been brought up so + intimately with the large things of nature that the sublime is + no longer the terrible. Perhaps this states it a little too + pompously. They have learned that the mere absence of mankind + is 'nothing to be scared of'; they have learned how to be + independent and to take care of themselves. Consequently, as a + matter of course, as one would ride in the park, they undertake + expeditions into the Big Country.</p> + + <p>Many of these travellers, especially toward the close of the + summer, complained bitterly of the scarcity of horse-feed. In + the back country where the mountains were high and the + wilderness unbroken, they depended for forage on the grasses of + the mountain meadows. This year they reported that the cattle + had eaten the forage down to the roots. Where usually had been + abundance and pleasant camping, now were hard, close lawns, and + cattle overrunning and defiling everything. Under the heavy + labour of mountain travel the horses fell off rapidly in flesh + and strength.</p> + + <p>"We're the public just as much as them cattlemen," declaimed + one grizzled veteran waving his pipe. "I come to these + mountains first in sixty-six, and the sheep was bad enough + then, but you always had some horse meadows. Now they're just + plumb overrunning the country. There's thousands and thousands + of folks that come in camping, and about a dozen of these yere + cattlemen. They got no right to hog the public land."</p> + + <p>With so much approval did this view meet that a delegation + went to Plant's summer quarters to talk it over. The delegation + returned somewhat red about the ears. Plant had politely but + robustly told it that a supervisor was the best judge of how to + run his own forest. This led to declamatory denunciation, after + the American fashion, but without resulting in further + activity. Resentment seemed to be about equally divided between + Plant and the cattlemen as a class.</p> + + <p>This resentment as to the latter, however, soon changed to + sympathy. In September the Pollock boys stopped overnight at + the Lake Meadow on their way out. Their cattle, in charge of + the dogs, they threw for the night into a rude corral of logs, + built many years before for just that purpose. Their horses + they fed with barley hay bought from Merker. Their camp they + spread away from the others, near the spring. It was dark + before they lit their fire. Visitors sauntering over found + George and Jim Pollock on either side the haphazard blaze + stolidly warming through flapjacks, and occasionally settling + into a firmer position the huge coffee pot. The dust and sweat + of driving cattle still lay thick on their faces. A boy of + eighteen, plainly the son of one of the other two, was hanging + up the saddles. The whole group appeared low-spirited and + tired. The men responded to the visitors by a brief nod only. + The latter there-upon sat down just inside the circle of + lamplight and smoked in silence. Presently Jim arose stiffly, + frying pan in hand.</p> + + <p>"It's done," he announced.</p> + + <p>They ate in silence, consuming great quantities of + half-cooked flapjacks, chunks of overdone beef, and tin-cupfuls + of scalding coffee. When they had finished they thrust aside + the battered tin dishes with the air of men too weary to bother + further with them. They rolled brown paper cigarettes and + smoked listlessly. After a time George Pollock remarked:</p> + + <p>"We ain't washed up."</p> + + <p>The statement resulted in no immediate action. After a few + moments more, however, the boy arose slowly, gathered the + dishes clattering into a kettle, filled the latter with water, + and set it in the fire. Jim and his brother, too, bestirred + themselves, disappearing in the direction of the spring with a + bar of mottled soap, an old towel, and a battered pan. They + returned after a few moments, their faces shining, their hair + wetted and sleeked down.</p> + + <p>"Plumb too lazy to wash up." George addressed the silent + visitors by way of welcome.</p> + + <p>"Drove far?" asked an old ranchman.</p> + + <p>"Twin Peaks."</p> + + <p>"How's the feed?" came the inevitable cowman's question.</p> + + <p>"Pore, pore," replied the mountaineer. "Ain't never seen it + so short. My cattle's pore."</p> + + <p>"Well, you're overstocked; that's what's the matter," spoke + up some one boldly.</p> + + <p>George Pollock turned his face toward this voice.</p> + + <p>"Don't you suppose I know it?" he demanded. "There's a + thousand head too many on my range alone. I've been crowded and + pushed all summer, and I ain't got a beef steer fit to sell, + right now. My cattle are so pore I'll have to winter 'em on + foothill winter feed. And in the spring they'll be porer."</p> + + <p>"Well, why don't you all get together and reduce your + stock?" persisted the questioner. "Then there'll be a show for + somebody. I got three packs and two saddlers that ain't fatted + up from a two weeks' trip in August. You got the country + skinned; and that ain't no dream."</p> + + <p>George Pollock turned so fiercely that his listeners + shrank.</p> + + <p>"Get together! Reduce our stock!" he snarled, shaken from + the customary impassivity of the mountaineer, "It ain't us! We + got the same number of cattle, all we mountain men, that our + fathers had afore us! There ain't never been no trouble before. + Sometimes we crowded a little, but we all know our people and + we could fix things up, and so long as they let us be, we got + along all right. It don't <i>pay</i> us to overstock. What for + do we keep cattle? To sell, don't we? And we can't sell 'em + unless they're fat. Summer feed's all we got to fat 'em on. + Winter feed's no good. You know that. We ain't going to crowd + our range. You make me tired!"</p> + + <p>"What's the trouble then?"</p> + + <p>"Outsiders," snapped Pollock. "Folks that live on the plains + and just push in to summer their cattle anyhow, and then fat + 'em for the market on alfalfa hay. This ain't their country. + Why don't they stick to their own?"</p> + + <p>"Can't you handle them? Who are they?"</p> + + <p>"It ain't they," replied George Pollock sullenly. "It's him. + It's the richest man in California, with forty ranches and + fifty thousand head of cattle and a railroad or two and God + knows what else. But he'll come up here and take a pore man's + living away from him for the sake of a few hundred dollars + saved."</p> + + <p>"Old Simeon, hey?" remarked the ranchman thoughtfully.</p> + + <p>"Simeon Wright," said Pollock. "The same damn old robber. + Forest Reserves!" he sneered bitterly. "For the use of the + public! Hell! Who's the public? me and you and the other + fellow? The public is Simeon Wright. What do you expect?"</p> + + <p>"Didn't Plant say he was going to look into the matter for + next year?" Bob inquired from the other side the fire.</p> + + <p>"Plant! He's bought," returned Pollock contemptuously. "He's + never seen the country, anyway; and he never will."</p> + + <p>He rose and kicked the fire together.</p> + + <p>"Good night!" he said shortly, and, retiring to the shadows, + rolled himself in a blanket and turned his back on the + visitors.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XIII"></a> + + <h2>XIII</h2><br> + + + <p>The season passed without further incidents of general + interest. It was a busy season, as mountain seasons always are. + Bob had opportunity to go nowhere; but in good truth he had no + desire to do so. The surroundings immediate to the work were + rich enough in interest. After the flurry caused by the delay + in opening communication, affairs fell into their grooves. The + days passed on wings. Almost before he knew it, the dogwood + leaves had turned rose, the aspens yellow, and the pines, + thinning in anticipation of the heavy snows, were dropping + their russet needles everywhere. A light snow in September + reminded the workers of the altitude. By the first of November + the works were closed down. The donkey engines had been roughly + housed in; the machinery protected; all things prepared against + the heavy Sierra snows. Only the three caretakers were left to + inhabit a warm corner. Throughout the winter these men would + shovel away threatening weights of snow and see to the damage + done by storms. In order to keep busy they might make shakes, + or perhaps set themselves to trapping fur-bearing animals. They + would use <i>skis</i> to get about.</p> + + <p>For a month after coming down from the mountain, Bob stayed + at Auntie Belle's. There were a number of things to attend to + on the lower levels, such as anticipating repairs to flumes, + roads and equipment, systematizing the yard arrangements, and + the like. Here Bob came to know more of the countryside and its + people.</p> + + <p>He found this lower, but still mountainous, country threaded + by roads; rough roads, to be sure, but well enough graded. + Along these roads were the ranch houses and spacious corrals of + the mountain people. Far and wide through the wooded and brushy + foothills roamed the cattle, seeking the forage of the winter + range that a summer's absence in the high mountains had saved + for them. Bob used often to "tie his horse to the ground" and + enter for a chat with these people. Harbouring some vague + notions of Southern "crackers," he was at first considerably + surprised. The houses were in general well built and clean, + even though primitive, and Bob had often occasion to notice + excellent books and magazines. There were always plenty of + children of all sizes. The young women were usually attractive + and blooming. They insisted on hospitality; and Bob had the + greatest difficulty in persuading them that he stood in no + immediate need of nourishment. The men repaid cultivation. + Their ideas were often faulty because of insufficient basis of + knowledge: but, when untinged by prejudice, apt to be logical. + Opinions were always positive, and always existent. No + phenomenon, social or physical, could come into their ken + without being mulled over and decided upon. In the field of + their observations were no dead facts. Not much given to + reception of contrary argument or idea they were always eager + for new facts. Bob found himself often held in good-humoured + tolerance as a youngster when he advanced his opinion; but + listened to thirstily when he could detail actual experience or + knowledge. The head of the house held patriarchal sway until + the grown-up children were actually ready to leave the paternal + roof for homes of their own. One and all loved the mountains, + though incoherently, and perhaps without full consciousness of + the fact. They were extremely tenacious of personal rights.</p> + + <p>Bob, being an engaging and open-hearted youth, soon gained + favour. Among others he came to know the two Pollock families + well. Jim Pollock, with his large brood, had arrived at a + certain philosophical, though watchful, acceptance of life; but + George, younger, recently married, and eagerly ambitious, + chafed sorely. The Pollocks had been in the country for three + generations. They inhabited two places on opposite sides of a + cañon. These houses possessed the distinction of having + the only two red-brick chimneys in the hills. They were low, + comfortable, rambling, vine-clad.</p> + + <p>"We always run cattle in these hills," said George fiercely + to Bob, "and got along all right. But these last three years + it's been bad. Unless we can fat our cattle on the summer + ranges in the high mountains, we can't do business. The grazing + on these lower hills you just <i>got</i> to save for winter. + You can't raise no hay here. Since they begun to crowd us with + old Wright's stock it's tur'ble. I ain't had a head of beef + cattle fittin' to sell, bar a few old cows. And if I ain't got + cattle to sell, where do I get money to live on? I always been + out of debt; but this year I done put a mortgage on the place + to get money to go on with."</p> + + <p>"We can always eat beef, George," said his wife with a + little laugh, "and miner's lettuce. We ain't the first folks + that has had hard times—and got over it."</p> + + <p>"Mebbe not," agreed George, glancing with furrowed brow at a + tiny garment on which Mrs. George was sewing.</p> + + <p>Jim Pollock, smoking comfortably in his shirt sleeves before + his fire, was not so worried. His youngest slept in his arms; + two children played and tumbled on the floor; buxom Mrs. + Pollock bustled here and there on household business; the older + children sprawled over the table under the lamp reading; the + oldest boy, with wrinkled brow, toiled through the instructions + of a correspondence school course.</p> + + <p>"George always takes it hard," said Jim. "I've got six kids, + and he'll have one—or at most two—mebbe. It's hard + times all right, and a hard year. I had to mortgage, too. Lord + love you, a mortgage ain't so bad as a porous plaster. It'll + come off. One good year for beef will fix us. We ain't lost + nothing but this year's sales. Our cattle are too pore for + beef, but they're all in good enough shape. We ain't lost none. + Next year'll be better."</p> + + <p>"What makes you think so?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well, Smith, he's superintendent at White Oaks, you know, + he's favourable to us. I seed him myself. And even Plant, he's + sent old California John back to look over what shape the + ranges are in. There ain't no doubt as to which way he'll + report. Old John is a cattleman, and he's square."</p> + + <p>One day Bob found himself belated after a fishing excursion + to the upper end of the valley. As a matter of course he + stopped over night with the first people whose ranch he came + to. It was not much of a ranch and it's two-room house was of + logs and shakes, but the owners were hospitable. Bob put his + horse into a ramshackle shed, banked with earth against the + winter cold. He had a good time all the evening.</p> + + <p>"I'm going to hike out before breakfast," said he before + turning in, "so if you'll just show me where the lantern is, I + won't bother you in the morning."</p> + + <p>"Lantern!" snorted the mountaineer. "You turn on the switch. + It's just to the right of the door as you go in."</p> + + <p>So Bob encountered another of the curious anomalies not + infrequent to the West. He entered a log stable in the remote + backwoods and turned on a sixteen-candle-power electric globe! + As he extended his rides among the low mountains of the First + Rampart, he ran across many more places where electric light + and even electric power were used in the rudest + habitations.</p> + + <p>The explanation was very simple; these men had possessed + small water rights which Baker had needed. As part of their + compensation they received from Power House Number One what + current they required for their own use.</p> + + <p>Thus reminded, Bob one Sunday visited Power House Number + One. It proved to be a corrugated iron structure through which + poured a great stream and from which went high-tension wires + strung to mushroom-shaped insulators. It was filled with the + clean and shining machinery of electricity. Bob rode up the + flume to the reservoir, a great lake penned in cañon + walls by a dam sixty feet high. The flume itself was of + concrete, large enough to carry a rushing stream. He made the + acquaintance of some of the men along the works. They tramped + and rode back and forth along the right of way, occupied with + their insulations, the height of their water, their watts and + volts and amperes. Surroundings were a matter of indifference + to them. Activity was of the same sort, whether in the city or + in the wilderness. As influences—city or + wilderness—it was all the same to them. They made their + own influences—which in turn developed a special type of + people—among the delicate and powerful mysteries of their + craft. Down through the land they had laid the narrow, uniform + strip of their peculiar activities; and on that strip they + dwelt satisfied with a world of their own. Bob sat in a + swinging chair talking in snatches to Hicks, between calls on + the telephone. He listened to quick, sharp orders as to men and + instruments, as to the management of water, the undertaking of + repairs. These were couched in technical phrases and slang, for + the most part. By means of the telephone Hicks seemed to keep + in touch not only with the plants in his own district, but also + with the activities in Power Houses Two, Three and Four, many + miles away. Hicks had never once, in four years, been to the + top of the first range. He had had no interest in doing so. + Neither had he an interest in the foothill country to the + west.</p> + + <p>"I'd kind of like to get back and kill a buck or so," he + confessed; "but I haven't got the time."</p> + + <p>"It's a different country up where we are," urged Bob. "You + wouldn't know it for the same state as this dry and brushy + country. It has fine timber and green grass."</p> + + <p>"I suppose so," said Hicks indifferently. "But I haven't got + the time."</p> + + <p>Bob rode away a trifle inclined to that peculiar form of + smug pity a hotel visitor who has been in a place a week feels + for yesterday's arrival. He knew the coolness of the great + mountain.</p> + + <p>At this point an opening in the second growth of yellow + pines permitted him a vista. He looked back. He had never been + in this part of the country before. A little portion of Baldy, + framed in a pine-clad cleft through the First Range, towered + chill, rugged and marvellous in its granite and snow. For the + first time Bob realized that even so immediately behind the + scene of his summer's work were other higher, more wonderful + countries. As he watched, the peak was lost in the blackness of + one of those sudden storms that gather out of nothing about the + great crests. The cloud spread like magic in all directions. + The faint roll of thunder came down a wind, damp and cool, + sucked from the high country.</p> + + <p>Bob rounded a bend in the road to overtake old California + John, jingling placidly along on his beautiful sorrel. Though + by no means friendly to any member of this branch of government + service, Bob reined his animal.</p> + + <p>"Hullo," said he, overborne by an unexpected impulse.</p> + + <p>"Good day," responded the old man, with a friendly deepening + of the kindly wrinkles about his blue eyes.</p> + + <p>"John," asked Bob, "were you ever in those big mountains + there?"</p> + + <p>"Baldy?" said the Ranger. "Lord love you, yes. I have to + cross Baldy 'most every time I go to the back country. There's + two good passes through Baldy."</p> + + <p>"Back country!" repeated Bob. "Are there any higher + mountains than those?"</p> + + <p>Old California John chuckled.</p> + + <p>"Listen, son," said he. "There's the First Range, and then + Stone Creek, and then Baldy. And on the other side of Baldy + there's the cañon of the Joncal which is three thousand + foot down. And then there's the Burro Mountains, which is half + again as high as Baldy, and all the Burro country to Little + Jackass. That's a plateau covered with lodge-pole pine and + meadows and creeks and little lakes. It's a big plateau, and + when you're a-ridin' it, you shore seem like bein' in a wide, + flat country. And then there's the Green Mountain country; and + you drop off five or six thousand foot into the box + cañon of the north fork; and then you climb out again to + Red Mountain; and after that is the Pinnacles. The Pinnacles is + the Fourth Rampart. After them is South Meadow, and the + Boneyard. Then you get to the Main Crest. And that's only if + you go plumb due east. North and south there's all sorts of big + country. Why, Baldy's only a sort of taster."</p> + + <p>Bob's satisfaction with himself collapsed. This land so + briefly shadowed forth was penetrable only in summer: that he + well knew. And all summer Bob was held to the great tasks of + the forest. He hadn't the time! Wherein did he differ from + Hicks? In nothing save that his right of way happened to be a + trifle wider.</p> + + <p>"Have you been to all these places?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Many times," replied California John. "From Stanislaus to + the San Bernardino desert I've ridden."</p> + + <p>"How big a country is that?"</p> + + <p>"It's about four hundred mile long, and about eighty mile + wide as the crow flies—a lot bigger as a man must + ride."</p> + + <p>"All big mountains?"</p> + + <p>"Surely."</p> + + <p>"You must have been everywhere?"</p> + + <p>"No," said California John, "I never been to Jack Main's + Cañon. It's too fur up, and I never could get time off + to go in there."</p> + + <p>So this man, too, the ranger whose business it was to travel + far and wide in the wild country, sighed for that which lay + beyond his right of way! Suddenly Bob was filled with a desire + to transcend all these activities, to travel on and over the + different rights of way to which all the rest of the world was + confined until he knew them all and what lay beyond them. The + impulse was but momentary, and Bob laughed at himself as it + passed.</p> + + <p>"Something hid beyond the ranges," he quoted softly to + himself.</p> + + <p>Suddenly he looked up, and gathered his reins.</p> + + <p>"John," he said, "we're going to catch that storm."</p> + + <p>"Surely," replied the old man looking at him with surprise; + "just found that out?"</p> + + <p>"Well, we'd better hurry."</p> + + <p>"What's the use? It'll catch us, anyhow. We're shore due to + get wet."</p> + + <p>"Well, let's hunt a good tree."</p> + + <p>"No," said California John, "this is a thunder-storm, and + trees is too scurce. You just keep ridin' along the open road. + I've noticed that lightnin' don't hit twice in the same place + mainly because the same place don't seem to be thar any more + after the first time."</p> + + <p>The first big drops of the storm delayed fully five minutes. + It did seem foolish to be jogging peacefully along at a foxtrot + while the tempest gathered its power, but Bob realized the + justice of his companion's remarks.</p> + + <p>When it did begin, however, it made up for lost time. The + rain fell as though it had been turned out of a bucket. In an + instant every runnel was full. The water even flowed in a thin + sheet from the hard surface of the ground. The men were + soaked.</p> + + <p>Then came the thunder in a burst of fury and noise. The + lightning flashed almost continuously, not only down, but + aslant, and even—Bob thought—<i>up</i>. The thunder + roared and reverberated and reëchoed until the world was + filled with its crashes. Bob's nerves were steady with youth + and natural courage, but the implacable rapidity with which + assault followed assault ended by shaking him into a sort of + confusion. His horse snorted, pricking its ears backward and + forward, dancing from side to side. The lightning seemed fairly + to spring into being all about them, from the substance of the + murk in which they rode.</p> + + <p>"Isn't this likely to hit us?" he yelled at California + John.</p> + + <p>"Liable to," came back the old man's reply across the roar + of the tempest.</p> + + <p>Bob looked about him uneasily. The ranger bent his head to + the wind. Star, walking more rapidly, outpaced Bob's horse, + until they were proceeding single file some ten feet apart.</p> + + <p>Suddenly the earth seemed to explode directly ahead. A + blinding flare swept the ground, a hissing crackle was drowned + in an overwhelming roar of thunder. Bob dodged, and his horse + whirled. When he had mastered both his animal and himself he + spurred back. California John had reined in his mount. Not + twenty feet ahead of him the bolt had struck. California John + glanced quizzically over his shoulder at the sky.</p> + + <p>"Old Man," he remarked, "you'll have to lower your sights a + little, if you want to git me."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XIV"></a> + + <h2>XIV</h2><br> + + + <p>At Christmas Bob took a brief trip East, returning to + California about the middle of January. The remainder of the + winter was spent in outside business, and in preparatory + arrangements for the next season's work. The last of April he + returned to the lower mountains.</p> + + <p>He found Sycamore Flats in a fever of excitement over the + cattle question. After lighting his post-prandial pipe he + sauntered down to chat with Martin, the lank and leisurely + keeper of the livery, proprietor of the general store, and + clearing house of both information and gossip.</p> + + <p>"It looks like this," Martin answered Bob's question. "You + remember Plant sent back old California John to make a report + on the grazing. John reported her over-stocked, of course; + nobody could have done different. Plant kind of promised to fix + things up; and the word got around pretty definite that the + outside stock would be reduced."</p> + + <p>"Wasn't it?"</p> + + <p>"Not so you'd notice. When the permits was published for + this summer, they read good for the same old number."</p> + + <p>"Then Wright's cattle will be in again this year."</p> + + <p>"That's the worst of it; they <i>are</i> in. Shelby brought + up a thousand head a week ago, and was going to push them right + in over the snow. The feed's <i>just</i> starting on the low + meadows in back, and it hasn't woke up a mite in the higher + meadows. You throw cattle in on that mushy, soft ground and new + feed, and they tromp down and destroy more'n they eat. No + mountain cattleman goes in till the feed's well started, + never."</p> + + <p>"But what does Shelby do it for, then?"</p> + + <p>Martin spat accurately at a knothole.</p> + + <p>"Oh, he don't care. Those big men don't give a damn what + kind of shape cattle is in, as long as they stay alive. Same + with humans; only they ain't so particular about the staying + alive part."</p> + + <p>"Couldn't anything be done to stop them?"</p> + + <p>"Plant could keep them out, but he won't. Jim and George + Pollock, and Tom Carroll and some of the other boys put up such + a kick, though, that they saw a great light. They ain't going + in for a couple of weeks more."</p> + + <p>"That's all right, then," said Bob heartily.</p> + + <p>"Is it?" asked Martin.</p> + + <p>"Isn't it?" inquired Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well, some says not. Of course they couldn't be expected to + drive all those cattle back to the plains, so they're just + naturally spraddled out grazing over this lower country."</p> + + <p>"Why, what becomes of the winter feed?" cried Bob aghast, + well aware that in these lower altitudes the season's growth + was nearly finished and the ripening about to begin.</p> + + <p>"That's just it," said Martin; "where, oh, where?"</p> + + <p>"Can't anything be done?" repeated Bob, with some show of + indignation.</p> + + <p>"What? This is all government land. The mountain boys ain't + got any real exclusive rights there. It's public property. The + regulations are pretty clear about preference being given to + the small owner, and the local man; but that's up to + Plant."</p> + + <p>"It'll come pretty hard on some of the boys, if they keep on + eating off their winter feed and their summer feed too," + hazarded Bob.</p> + + <p>"It'll drive 'em out of business," said Martin. "It'll do + more; it'll close out settlement in this country. There ain't + nothing doing <i>but</i> cattle, and if the small cattle + business is closed up, the permanent settlement closes up too. + There's only lumber and power and such left; and they don't + mean settlement. That's what the Government is supposed to look + out for."</p> + + <p>"Government!" said Bob with contempt.</p> + + <p>"Well, now, there's a few good ones, even at that," stated + Martin argumentively. "There's old John, and Ross Fletcher, and + one or two more that are on the square. It may be these little + grafters have got theirs coming yet. Now and then an inspector + comes along. He looks over the books old Hen Plant or the next + fellow has fixed up; asks a few questions about trails and + such; writes out a nice little recommend on his pocket + typewriter, and moves on. And if there's a roar from some of + these little fellows, why it gets lost. Some clerk nails it, + and sends it to Mr. Inspector with a blue question mark on it; + and Mr. Inspector passes it on to Mr. Supervisor for + explanation; and Mr. Supervisor's strong holt is explanations. + There you are! But it only needs one inspector <i>who + inspects</i> to knock over the whole apple-cart. Once get by + your clerk to your chief, and you got it."</p> + + <p>Whether Martin made this prediction in a spirit of hope and + a full knowledge, or whether his shot in the air merely chanced + to hit the mark, it would be impossible to say. As a matter of + fact within the month appeared Ashley Thorne, an inspector who + inspected.</p> + + <p>By this time all the cattle, both of the plainsmen and the + mountaineers, had gone back. The mill had commenced its + season's operations. After the routine of work had been well + established, Bob had descended to attend to certain grading of + the lumber for a special sale of uppers. Thus he found himself + on the scene.</p> + + <p>Ashley Thorne was driven in. He arrived late in the + afternoon. Plant with his coat on, and a jovial expression + illuminating his fat face, held out both hands in greeting as + the vehicle came to a stop by Martin's barn. The Inspector + leaped quickly to the ground. He was seen to be a man between + thirty and forty, compactly built, alert in movement. He had a + square face, aggressive gray eyes, and wore a small moustache + clipped at the line of the lips.</p> + + <p>"Hullo! Hullo!" roared Plant in his biggest voice. "So here + we are, hey! Kind of dry, hot travel, but we've got the remedy + for that."</p> + + <p>"How are you?" said Thorne crisply; "are you Mr. Plant? Glad + to meet you."</p> + + <p>"Leave your truck," said Plant. "I'll send some one after + it. Come right along with me."</p> + + <p>"Thanks," said Thorne, "but I think I'll take a wash and + clean up a bit, first."</p> + + <p>"That's all right," urged Plant. "We can fix you up."</p> + + <p>"Where is the hotel?" asked Thorne.</p> + + <p>"Hotel!" cried Plant, "ain't you going to stay with me?"</p> + + <p>"It is kind of you, and I appreciate it," said Thorne + briefly, "but I never mix official business with social + pleasure. This is an invariable rule and has no personal + application, of course. After my official work is done and my + report written, I shall be happy to avail myself of your + hospitality."</p> + + <p>"Just as you say, of course," said Plant, quite + good-humouredly. To him this was an extraordinarily shrewd, + grand-stand play; and he approved of it.</p> + + <p>"I shall go to your office at nine to-morrow," Thorne + advised him. "Please have your records ready."</p> + + <p>"Always ready," said Plant.</p> + + <p>Thorne was assigned a room at Auntie Belle's, washed away + the dust of travel, and appeared promptly at table when the + bell rang. He wore an ordinary business suit, a flannel shirt + with white collar, and hung on the nail a wide felt hat. + Nevertheless his general air was of an out-of-door man, + competent and skilled in the open. His manner was + self-contained and a trifle reserved, although he talked freely + enough with Bob on a variety of subjects.</p> + + <p>After supper he retired to his room, the door of which, + however, he left open. Any one passing down the narrow hallway + could have seen him bent over a mass of papers on the table, + his portable typewriter close at hand.</p> + + <p>The following morning, armed with a little hand satchel, he + tramped down to Henry Plant's house. The Supervisor met him on + the verandah.</p> + + <p>"Right on deck!" he roared jovially. "Come in! All ready for + the doctor!"</p> + + <p>Thorne did not respond to this jocosity.</p> + + <p>"Good morning," he said formally, and that was all.</p> + + <p>Plant led the way into his office, thrust forward a chair, + waved a comprehensive hand toward the filing cases, over the + bill files, at the tabulated reports laid out on the desk.</p> + + <p>"Go to it," said he cheerfully. "Have a cigar! Everything's + all ready."</p> + + <p>Thorne laid aside his broad hat, and at once with keen + concentration attacked the tabulations. Plant sat back watching + him. Occasionally the fat man yawned. When Thorne had digested + the epitome of the financial end, he reached for the bundles of + documents.</p> + + <p>"That's just receipts and requisitions," said Plant, "and + such truck. It'll take you an hour to wade through that + stuff."</p> + + <p>"Any objections to my doing so?" asked Thorne.</p> + + <p>"None," replied Plant drily.</p> + + <p>"Now rangers' reports," requested Thorne at the end of + another busy period.</p> + + <p>"What, that flapdoodle?" cried Plant. "Nobody bothers much + with that stuff! A man has to write the history of his life + every time he gets a pail of water."</p> + + <p>"Do I understand your ranger reports are remiss?" insisted + Thorne.</p> + + <p>"Lord, there they are. Wish you joy of them. Most of the + boys have mighty vague ideas of spelling."</p> + + <p>At noon Thorne knocked off, announcing his return at one + o'clock. Most inspectors would have finished an hour ago. At + the gate he paused.</p> + + <p>"This place belong to you or the Government?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"To me," replied Plant. "Mighty good little joint for the + mountains, ain't it?"</p> + + <p>"Why have you a United States Forest Ranger working on the + fences then?" inquired Thorne crisply.</p> + + <p>Plant stared after his compact, alert figure. The fat man's + lower jaw had dropped in astonishment. Nobody had ever dared + question his right to use his own rangers as he damn well + pleased! A slow resentment surged up within him. He would have + been downright angry could he have been certain of this + inspector's attitude. Thorne was cold and businesslike, but he + had humorous wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. Perhaps all + this monkey business was one elaborate josh. If so it wouldn't + do to fall into the trap by getting mad. That must be it. Plant + chuckled a cavernous chuckle. Nevertheless he ordered his + ranger to knock off fence mending for the present.</p> + + <p>By two o'clock Thorne pushed back his chair and stretched + his arms over his head. Plant laughed.</p> + + <p>"That pretty near finishes what we have here," said he. + "There really isn't much to it, after all. We've got things + pretty well going. To-morrow I'll get one of the boys to ride + out with you near here. If you want to take any trips back + country, I'll scare up a pack."</p> + + <p>This was the usual and never-accepted offer.</p> + + <p>"I haven't time for that," said Thorne, "but I'll look at + that bridge site to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"When must you go?"</p> + + <p>"In a couple of days."</p> + + <p>Plant's large countenance showed more than a trace of + satisfaction.</p> + + <p>On leaving the Supervisor's headquarters, Thorne set off + vigorously up the road. He felt cramped for exercise, and he + was out for a tramp. Higher and higher he mounted on the road + to the mill, until at last he stood on a point far above the + valley. The creak and rattle of a wagon aroused him from his + contemplation of the scene spread wide before him. He looked up + to see a twelve-horse freight team ploughing toward him through + a cloud of dust that arose dense and choking. To escape this + dust Thorne deserted the road and struck directly up the side + of the mountain. A series of petty allurements led him on. + Yonder he caught a glimpse of tree fungus that interested him. + He pushed and plunged through the manzañita until he had + gained its level. Once there he concluded to examine a dying + yellow pine farther up the hill. Then he thought to find a + drink of water in the next hollow. Finally the way ahead seemed + easier than the brush behind. He pushed on, and after a moment + of breathless climbing reached the top of the ridge.</p> + + <p>Here Thorne had reached a lower spur of that range on which + were located both the sawmill and Plant's summer quarters. He + drew a deep breath and looked about him over the topography + spread below. Then he examined with an expert's eye the wooded + growths. His glance fell naturally to the ground.</p> + + <p>"Well, I'll be----" began Thorne, and stopped.</p> + + <p>Through the pine needles at his feet ran a shallow, narrow + and meandering trough. A rod or so away was a similar trough. + Thorne set about following their direction.</p> + + <p>They led him down a gentle slope, through a young growth of + pines and cedars to a small meadow. The grass had been eaten + short to the soil and trampled by many little hoofs. Thorne + walked to the upper end of the meadow. Here he found old ashes. + Satisfied with his discoveries, he glanced at the westering + sun, and plunged directly down the side of the mountain.</p> + + <p>Near the edge of the village he came upon California John. + The old man had turned Star into the corral, and was at this + moment seated on a boulder, smoking his pipe, and polishing + carefully the silver inlay of his Spanish spade-bit. Thorne + stopped and examined him closely, coming finally to the worn + brass ranger's badge pinned to the old man's suspenders. + California John did not cease his occupation.</p> + + <p>"You're a ranger, I take it," said Thorne curtly.</p> + + <p>California John looked up deliberately.</p> + + <p>"You're an inspector, I take it," said he, after a + moment.</p> + + <p>Thorne grinned appreciation under his close-clipped + moustache. This was the first time he had relaxed his look of + official concentration, and the effect was most boyish and + pleasing. The illumination was but momentary, however.</p> + + <p>"There have been sheep camped at a little meadow on that + ridge," he stated.</p> + + <p>"I know it," replied California John tranquilly.</p> + + <p>"You seem to know several things," retorted Thorne crisply, + "but your information seems to stop short of the fact that + you're supposed to keep sheep out of the Reserve."</p> + + <p>"Not when they have permission," said California John.</p> + + <p>"Permission!" echoed Thorne. "Sheep are absolutely + prohibited by regulation. What do you mean?"</p> + + <p>"What I say. They had a permit."</p> + + <p>"Who gave it?"</p> + + <p>"Supervisor Plant, of course."</p> + + <p>"What for?"</p> + + <p>California John polished his bit carefully for some moments + in silence. Then he laid it one side and deliberately faced + about.</p> + + <p>"For ten dollars," said he coolly, looking Thorne in the + eye.</p> + + <p>Thorne looked back at him steadily.</p> + + <p>"You'll swear to that?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"I sure will," said California John.</p> + + <p>"How long has this sort of thing gone on?"</p> + + <p>"Always," replied the ranger.</p> + + <p>"How long have you known about it?"</p> + + <p>"Always," said California John.</p> + + <p>"Why have you never said anything before?"</p> + + <p>"What for?" countered the old man. "I'd just get fired. + There ain't no good in saying anything. He's my superior + officer. They used to teach me in the army that I ain't got no + call to criticize what my officer does. It's my job to obey + orders the best I can."</p> + + <p>"Why do you tell me, then?"</p> + + <p>"You're my superior officer, too—and his."</p> + + <p>"So were all the other inspectors who have been here."</p> + + <p>"Them—hell!" said California John.</p> + + <p>Thorne returned to his hotel very thoughtful. It was falling + dark, and the preliminary bell had rung for supper. + Nevertheless he lit his lamp and clicked off a letter to a + personal friend in the Land Office requesting the latter to + forward all Plant's vouchers for the past two years. Then he + hunted up Auntie Belle.</p> + + <p>"I thought I should tell you that I won't be leaving my room + Wednesday, as I thought," said he. "My business will detain me + longer."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XV"></a> + + <h2>XV</h2><br> + + + <p>Thorne curtly explained himself to Plant as detained on + clerical business. While awaiting the vouchers from Washington, + he busily gathered the gossip of the place. Naturally the + cattle situation was one of the first phases to come to his + attention. After listening to what was to be said, he + despatched a messenger back into the mountains requesting the + cattlemen to send a representative. Ordinarily he would have + gone to the spot himself; but just now he preferred to remain + nearer the centre of Plant's activities.</p> + + <p>Jim Pollock appeared in due course. He explained the state + of affairs carefully and dispassionately. Thorne heard him to + the end without comment.</p> + + <p>"If the feed is too scarce for the number of cattle, that + fact should be officially ascertained," he said finally.</p> + + <p>"Davidson—California John—was sent back last + fall to look into it. I didn't see his report, but John's a + good cattleman himself, and there couldn't be no two opinions + on the matter."</p> + + <p>Thorne had been shown no copy of such a report during his + official inspection. He made a note of this.</p> + + <p>"Well," said he finally, "if on investigation I find the + facts to be as you state them—and that I can determine + only on receiving all the evidence on both sides—I can + promise you relief for next season. The Land Office is just, + when it is acquainted with the facts. I will ask you to make + affidavits. I am obliged to you for your trouble in + coming."</p> + + <p>Jim Pollock made his three-day ride back more cheered by + these few and tentative words than by Superintendent Smith's + effusive assurances, or Plant's promises. He so reported to his + neighbours in the back ranges.</p> + + <p>Thorne established from California John the truth as to the + suppressed reports.</p> + + <p>Some rumour of all this reached Henry Plant. Whatever his + faults, the Supervisor was no coward. He had always bulled + things through by sheer weight and courage. If he could outroar + his opponent, he always considered the victory as his. + Certainly the results were generally that way.</p> + + <p>On hearing of Thorne's activities, Plant drove down to see + him. He puffed along the passageway to Thorne's room. The + Inspector was pecking away at his portable typewriter and did + not look up as the fat man entered.</p> + + <p>Plant surveyed the bent back for a moment.</p> + + <p>"Look here," he demanded, "I hear you're still investigating + my district—as well as doing 'clerical work.'"</p> + + <p>"I am," snapped Thorne without turning his head.</p> + + <p>"Am I to consider myself under investigation?" demanded + Plant truculently. To this direct question he, of course, + expected a denial—a denial which he would proceed to + demolish with threats and abuse.</p> + + <p>"You are," said Thorne, reaching for a fresh sheet of + paper.</p> + + <p>Plant stared at him a moment; then went out. Next day he + drove away on the stage, and was no more seen for several + weeks.</p> + + <p>This did not trouble Thorne. He began to reach in all + directions for evidence. At first there came to him only those + like the Pollock boys who were openly at outs with Plant, and + so had nothing to lose by antagonizing him further. Then, + hesitating, appeared others. Many of these grievances Thorne + found to be imaginary; but in several cases he was able to + elicit definite affidavits as to graft and irregularity. + Evidence of bribery was more difficult to obtain. Plant's + easy-going ways had made him friends, and his facile suspension + of gracing regulations—for a consideration—appealed + strongly to self-interest. However, as always in such cases, + enough had at some time felt themselves discriminated against + to entertain resentment. Thorne took advantage of this both to + get evidence, and to secure information that enabled him to + frighten evidence out of others.</p> + + <p>The vouchers arrived from Washington. In them Plant's + methods showed clearly. Thorne early learned that it had been + the Supervisor's habit to obtain duplicate bills for + everything—purchases, livery, hotels and the like. He had + explained to the creditors that a copy would be necessary for + filing, and of course the mountain people knew no better. Thus, + by a trifling manipulation of dates, Plant had been able to + collect twice over for his expenses.</p> + + <p>"There is the plumb limit," said Martin, while running over + the vouchers he had given. He showed Thorne two bearing the + same date. One read:</p> + + <p>"<i>To team and driver to Big Baldy post office, + $4.</i>"</p> + + <p>"That item's all right," said Martin; "I drove him there + myself. But here's the joke."</p> + + <p>He handed the second bill to Thorne:</p> + + <p>"<i>To saddle horse Big Baldy to McClintock claim, + $2.</i>"</p> + + <p>"Why," said Martin, "when we got to Big Baldy he put his + saddle on one of the driving horses and rode it about a mile + over to McClintock's. I remember objecting on account of his + being so heavy. Say," reflected the livery-man after a moment, + "he's right out for the little stuff, ain't he? When his hand + gets near a dollar, it cramps!"</p> + + <p>In the sheaf of vouchers Thorne ran across one item repeated + several hundred times in the two years. It read:</p> + + <p>"<i>To M. Aiken, team, $3.</i>"</p> + + <p>Inquiry disclosed the fact that "M. Aiken," was Minnie, + Plant's niece. By the simple expedient of conveying to her + title in his team and buckboard, the Supervisor was enabled to + collect three dollars every time he drove anywhere.</p> + + <p>Thus the case grew, fortified by affidavits. Thorne found + that Plant had been grafting between three and four thousand + dollars a year.</p> + + <p>Of course the whole community soon came to know all about + it. The taking of testimony and the giving of affidavits were + matters for daily discussion. Thorne inspired faith, because he + had faith himself.</p> + + <p>"I don't wonder you people have been hostile to the Forest + Reserves," said he. "You can't be blamed. But it is not the + Office's fault. I've been in the Land Office a great many + years, and they won't stand for this sort of thing a minute. I + found very much the same sort of thing in one of the reserves + in Oregon, only there was a gang operating there. I got eleven + convictions, and a new deal all round. The Land Office is all + right, when you get to it. You'll see us in a different light, + after this is over."</p> + + <p>The mountaineers liked him. He showed them a new kink by + which the lash rope of a pack could be jammed in the cinch-hook + for convenience of the lone packer; he proved to be an + excellent shot with the revolver; in his official work he had + used and tested the methods of many wilderness travellers, and + could discuss and demonstrate. Furthermore, he got results.</p> + + <p>Austin conducted a roadhouse on the way to the Power House + Number One: this in addition to his saloon in Sycamore Flats. + The roadhouse was, as a matter of fact, on government land, but + Austin established the shadow of a claim under mineral + regulations, and, by obstructionist tactics, had prevented all + the red tape from being unwound. His mineral claim was flimsy; + he knew it, and everybody else knew it. But until the case + should be reported back, he remained where he was. It was up to + Plant; and Plant had been lenient. Probably Austin could have + told why.</p> + + <p>Thorne became cognizant of all this. He served Austin + notice. Austin offered no comment, but sat tight. He knew by + previous experience that the necessary reports, + recommendations, endorsements and official orders would take + anywhere from one to three months. By that time this inspector + would have moved on—Austin knew the game. But three days + later Thorne showed up early in the morning followed by a + half-dozen interested rangers. In the most business-like + fashion and despite the variegated objections of Austin and his + disreputable satellites, Thorne and his men attached their + ropes to the flimsy structure and literally pulled it to pieces + from the saddle.</p> + + <p>"You have no right to use force!" cried Austin, who was well + versed in the regulations.</p> + + <p>"I've saved my office a great deal of clerical work," Thorne + snapped back at him. "Report me if you feel like it!"</p> + + <p>The débris remained where it had fallen. Austin did + not venture again—at least while this energetic youth was + on the scene. Nevertheless, after the first anger, even the + saloon-keeper had in a way his good word to say.</p> + + <p>"If they's anythin' worse than a—of a—comes out + in the next fifty year, he'll be it!" stormed Austin. "But, + damn it," he added, "the little devil's worse'n a catamount for + fight!"</p> + + <p>Thorne was little communicative, but after he and Bob became + better acquainted the Inspector would tell something of his + past inspections. All up and down the Sierras he had unearthed + enough petty fraud and inefficiency to send a half-dozen men to + jail and to break another half-dozen from the ranks.</p> + + <p>"And the Office has upheld me right along," said Thorne in + answer to Bob's scepticism regarding government sincerity. "The + Office is all right; don't make any mistake on that. It's just + a question of getting at it. I admit the system is all wrong, + where the complaints can't get direct to the chiefs; but that's + what I'm here for. This Plant is one of the easiest cases I've + tackled yet. I've got direct evidence six times over to put him + over the road. He'll go behind the bars sure. As for the cattle + situation, it's a crying disgrace and a shame. There's no + earthly reason under the regulations why Simeon Wright should + bring cattle in at all; and I'll see that next year he + doesn't."</p> + + <p>At the end of two weeks Thorne had finished his work and + departed. The mountain people with whom he had come in contact + liked and trusted him in spite of his brusque and business-like + manners. He could shoot, pack a horse, ride and follow trail, + swing an axe as well as any of them. He knew what he was + talking about. He was square. The mountain men "happened + around"—such of them as were not in back with the + cattle—to wish him farewell.</p> + + <p>"Good-bye, boys," said he. "You'll see me again. I'm glad to + have had a chance to straighten things out a little. Don't lose + faith in Uncle Sam. He'll do well by you when you attract his + attention."</p> + + <p>Fully a week after his departure Plant returned and took his + accustomed place in the community. He surveyed his old + constituents with a slightly sardonic eye, but had little to + say.</p> + + <p>About this time Bob moved up on the mountain. He breathed in + a distinct pleasure over again finding himself among the pines, + in the cool air, with the clean, aromatic woods-work. The + Meadow Lake was completely surrounded by camps this year. + Several canvas boats were on the lake. Bob even welcomed the + raucous and confused notes of several phonographs going at full + speed. After the heat and dust and brown of the lower hills, + this high country was inexpressibly grateful.</p> + + <p>At headquarters he found Welton rolling about, jovial, + good-natured, efficient as ever. With him was Baker.</p> + + <p>"Well," said Bob to the latter. "Where did you get by me? I + didn't know you were here."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I blew in the other day. Didn't have time to stop + below; and, besides, I was saving my strength for your partner + here." He looked at Welton ruefully. "I thought I'd come up and + get that water-rights matter all fixed up in a few minutes, and + get back to supper. Nothing doing!"</p> + + <p>"This smooth-faced pirate," explained Welton, "offers to + take our water if we'll pay him for doing it, as near as I can + make out—that is, if we'll supply the machinery to do it + with. In return he'll allow us the privilege of buying back + what we are going to need for household purposes. I tell him + this is too liberal. We cannot permit him to rob himself. Since + he has known our esteemed fellow-citizen, Mr. Plant, he's + falling into that gentleman's liberal views."</p> + + <p>Baker grinned at his accusor appreciatively, but at the + mention of Plant's name Bob broke in.</p> + + <p>"Plant's landed," said he briefly. "They've got him. Prison + bars for his."</p> + + <p>"What?" cried Welton and Baker in a breath.</p> + + <p>Bob explained; telling them of Thorne, his record, methods, + and the definite evidence he had acquired. Long before he had + finished both men relaxed from their more eager attention.</p> + + <p>"That all?" commented Baker. "From what you said I thought + he was in the bastile!"</p> + + <p>"He will be shortly," said Bob. "They've got the evidence + direct. It's an open-and-shut case."</p> + + <p>Baker merely grinned.</p> + + <p>"But Thorne's jugged them all up the range," persisted Bob. + "He's convicted a whole lot of them—men who have been at + it for years."</p> + + <p>"H'm," said Baker.</p> + + <p>"But how can they dodge it?" cried Bob. "They can't deny the + evidence! The Department has upheld Thorne warmly."</p> + + <p>"Sure," said Baker.</p> + + <p>"Well," concluded Bob. "Do you mean to say that they'll have + the nerve to pass over such direct evidence as that?"</p> + + <p>"Don't know anything about it," replied Baker briefly. "I + only know results when I see them. These other little grafters + that your man Thorne has bumped off probably haven't any + drag."</p> + + <p>"Well, what does Plant amount to once he's exposed?" + challenged Bob.</p> + + <p>"I haven't figured it out on the Scribner scale," admitted + Baker, "but I know what happens when you try to bump him. Bet + you a thousand dollars I do," he shot at Welton. "It isn't the + wraith-like Plant you run up against; it's + <i>interests</i>."</p> + + <p>"Well, I don't believe yet a great government will keep in a + miserable, petty thief like Plant against the direct evidence + of a man like Thorne!" stated Bob with some heat.</p> + + <p>"Listen," said Baker kindly. "That isn't the scrap. Thorne + <i>vs.</i> Plant—looks like easy money on Thorne, eh? + Well, now, Plant has a drag with Chairman Gay; don't know what + it is, but it's a good one, a peacherino. We know because we've + trained some heavy guns on it ourselves, and it's stood the + shock. All right. Now it's up to Chairman Gay to support his + cousin. Then there's old Simeon Wright. Where would he get off + at without Plant? He's going to do a little missionary work. + Simeon owns Senator Barrow, and Senator Barrow is on the Ways + and Means Committee, so lots of people love the Senator. And so + on in all directions—I'm from Missouri. You got to show + me. If it came to a mere choice of turning down Plant or + Thorne, they'd turn down Plant, every time. But when it comes + to a choice between Thorne and Gay, Thorne and Barrow, Thorne + and Simeon Wright, Thorne and a dozen others that have their + own Angel Children to protect, and won't protect your Angel + Child unless you'll chuck a front for theirs—why Thorne + is just lost in the crowd!"</p> + + <p>"I don't believe it," protested Bob. "It would be a + scandal."</p> + + <p>"No, just politics," said Baker.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XVI"></a> + + <h2>XVI</h2><br> + + + <p>The sawmill lay on the direct trail to the back country. + Every man headed for the big mountains by way of Sycamore Flats + passed fairly through the settlement itself. So every cattleman + out after provisions or stock salt, followed by his docile + string of pack mules, paused to swap news and gossip with + whoever happened for the moment to have leisure for such an + exchange.</p> + + <p>The variety poured through this funnel of the mountains + comprised all classes. Professional prospectors with their + burros, ready alike for the desert or the most inaccessible + crags, were followed by a troupe of college boys afoot leading + one or two old mares as baggage transportation. The + business-like, semi-military outfits of geological survey + parties, the worn but substantial hunters' equipments, the + marvellous and oftentimes ridiculous luxury affected by the + wealthy camper, the makeshifts of the poorer ranchmen of the + valley, out with their entire families and the farm stock for a + "real good fish," all these were of never-failing interest to + Bob. In fact, he soon discovered that the one absorbing + topic—outside of bears, of course—was the + discussion, the comparison and the appraising of the various + items of camping equipment. He also found each man amusingly + partisan for his own. There were schools + advocating—heatedly—the merits respectively of the + single or double cinch, of the Dutch oven or the reflector, of + rawhide or canvas kyacks, of sleeping bags or blankets. Each + man had invented some little kink of his own without which he + could not possibly exist. Some of these kinks were very handy + and deserved universal adoption, such as a small rubber tube + with a flattened brass nozzle with which to encourage reluctant + fires. Others expressed an individual idiosyncrasy only; as in + the case of the man who carried clothes hooks to screw into the + trees. A man's method of packing was also closely watched. Each + had his own favourite hitch. The strong preponderance seemed to + be in favour of the Diamond, both single and double, but many + proved strongly addicted to the Lone Packer, or the Basco, or + the Miners', or the Square, or even the generally despised + Squaw, and would stoutly defend their choices, and give reasons + therefore. Bob sometimes amused himself practising these + hitches in miniature by means of a string, a bent nail, and two + folded handkerchiefs as packs. After many trials, and many + lapses of memory, he succeeded on all but the Double Diamond. + Although apparently he followed every move, the result was + never that beautiful all-over tightening at the last pull. He + reluctantly concluded that on this point he must have + instruction.</p> + + <p>Although rarely a day went by during the whole season that + one or more parties did not pass through, or camp over night at + the Meadow Lake, it was a fact that, after passing Baldy, these + hundreds could scatter so far through the labyrinth of the + Sierras that in a whole summer's journeying they were extremely + unlikely to see each other—or indeed any one else, save + when they stumbled on one of the established cow camps. The + vastness of the California mountains cannot be conveyed to one + who has not travelled them. Men have all summer pastured + illegally thousands of head of sheep undiscovered, in spite of + the fact that rangers and soldiers were out looking for them. + One may journey diligently throughout the season, and cover but + one corner of the three great maps that depict about one-half + of them. If one wills he can, to all intents and purposes, + become sole and undisputed master of kingdoms in extent. He can + occupy beautiful valleys miles long, guarded by cliffs rising + thousands of feet, threaded by fish-haunted streams, spangled + with fair, flower-grown lawns, cool with groves of trees, neck + high in rich feed. Unless by sheer chance, no one will disturb + his solitude. Of course he must work for his kingdom. He must + press on past the easy travel, past the wide cattle country of + the middle elevations, into the splintered, frowning granite + and snow, over the shoulders of the mighty peaks of the High + Sierras. Nevertheless, the reward is sure for the hardy + voyager.</p> + + <p>Most men, however, elect to spend their time in the easier + middle ground. There the elevations run up to nine or ten + thousand feet; the trails are fairly well defined and + travelled; the streams are full of fish; meadows are in every + moist pocket; the great box cañons and peaks of the spur + ranges offer the grandeur of real mountain scenery.</p> + + <p>From these men, as they ended their journeys on the way out, + came tales and rumours. There was no doubt whatever that the + country had too many cattle in it. That was brought home to + each and every man by the scarcity of horse feed on meadows + where usually an abundance for everybody was to be expected. + The cattle were thin and restless. It was unsafe to leave a + camp unprotected; the half-wild animals trampled everything + into the ground. The cattlemen, of whatever camp, appeared + sullen and suspicious of every comer.</p> + + <p>"It's mighty close to a cattle war," said one old lean and + leathery individual to Bob; "I know, for I been thar. Used to + run cows in Montana. I hear everywhar talk about Wright's + cattle dyin' in mighty funny ways. I know that's so, for I seen + a slather of dead cows myself. Some of 'em fall off cliffs; + some seem to have broke their legs. Some bogged down. Some look + like to have just laid down and died."</p> + + <p>"Well, if they're weak from loss of feed, isn't that + natural?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Wall," said the old cowman, "in the first place, they're + pore, but they ain't by no means weak. But the strange part is + that these yere accidents always happens to Wright's + cattle."</p> + + <p>He laughed and added:</p> + + <p>"The carcasses is always so chawed up by b'ar and + coyote—or at least that's what they <i>say</i> done + it—that you can't sw'ar as to how they <i>did</i> come to + die. But I heard one funny thing. It was over at the Pollock + boys' camp. Shelby, Wright's straw boss, come ridin' in pretty + mad, and made a talk about how it's mighty cur'ous only + Wright's cattle is dyin'.</p> + + <p>"'It shorely looks like the country is unhealthy for plains + cattle,' says George Pollock; 'ours is brought up in the + hills.'</p> + + <p>"'Well,' says Shelby, 'if I ever comes on one of these + accidents a-happenin', I'll shore make some one hard to + catch!'</p> + + <p>"'Some one's likely one of these times to make you almighty + <i>easy</i> to catch!' says George.</p> + + <p>"Now," concluded the old cattleman, "folks don't make them + bluffs for the sake of talkin' at a mark—not in this + country."</p> + + <p>Nevertheless, in spite of that prediction, the summer passed + without any personal clash. The cattle came out from the + mountains rather earlier than usual, gaunt, wiry, active. They + were in fine shape, as far as health was concerned; but + absolutely unfit, as they then stood, for beef. The Simeon + Wright herds were first, thousands of them, in charge of many + cowboys and dogs. The punchers were a reckless, joyous crew, + skylarking in anticipation of the towns of the plains. They + kissed their hands and waved their hats at all women, old and + young, in the mill settlement; they played pranks on each + other; they charged here and there on their wiry ponies, + whirling to right and left, 'turning on a ten-cent piece,' + throwing their animals from full speed to a stand, indulging in + the cowboys' spectacular 'flash riding' for the sheer joy of + it. The leading cattle, eager with that strange instinct that, + even early in the fall, calls all ruminants from good mountain + feed to the brown lower country, pressed forward, their necks + outstretched, their eyes fixed on some distant vision. Their + calls blended into an organ note. Occasionally they broke into + a little trot. At such times the dogs ran forward, yelping, to + turn them back into their appointed way. At an especially bad + break to right or left one or more of the men would dash to the + aid of the dogs, riding with a splendid recklessness through + the timber, over fallen trees, ditches, rocks, boulders and + precipitous hills. The dust rose chokingly. At the rear of the + long procession plodded the old, the infirm, the cripples and + the young calves. Three or four men rode compactly behind this + rear guard, urging it to keep up. Their means of persuasion + were varied. Quirts, ropes, rattles made of tin cans and + pebbles, strong language were all used in turn and + simultaneously. Long after the multitude had passed, the vast + and composite voice of it reëchoed through the forest; the + dust eddied and swirled among the trees.</p> + + <p>The mountain men's cattle, on the other hand, came out + sullenly, in herds of a few hundred head. There was more + barking of dogs; more scurrying to and fro of mounted men, for + small bands are more difficult to drive than large ones. There + were no songs, no boisterous high spirits, no flash riding. In + contrast to the plains cowboys, even the herders' appearance + was poor. They wore blue jeans overalls, short jeans jumpers, + hats floppy and all but disintegrated by age and exposure to + the elements. Wright's men, being nothing but cowboys, without + other profession, ties or interests, gave more attention to + details of professional equipment. Their wide hats were + straight of brim and generally encircled by a leather or hair + or snakeskin band; their shirts were loose; they wore + handkerchiefs around their necks, and oiled leather "chaps" on + their legs. Their distinguishing and especial mark, however, + was their boots. These were made of soft leather, were + elaborately stitched or embroidered in patterns, possessed + exaggeratedly wide and long straps like a spaniel's ears, and + were mounted on thin soles and very high heels. They were + footwear such as no mountain man, nor indeed any man who might + ever be required to go a mile afoot, would think of wearing. + The little herds trudged down the mountains. While the + plainsmen anticipated easy duty, the pleasures of the town, + fenced cattle growing fat on alfalfa raised during the summer + by irrigation, these sober-faced mountaineers looked forward to + a winter range much depleted, a market closed against such + wiry, active animals as they herded, and an impossibility of + rounding into shape for sale any but a few old cows.</p> + + <p>"If it wasn't for this new shake-up," said Jim Pollock, "I'd + shore be gettin' discouraged. But if they keep out Simeon + Wright's cattle this spring, we'll be all right. It's cost us + money, though."</p> + + <p>"A man with a wife and child can't afford to lose money," + said George Pollock.</p> + + <p>Jim laughed.</p> + + <p>"You and your new kid!" he mocked. "No, I suppose he can't. + Neither can a man with a wife and six children. But I reckon + we'll be all right as long as there's a place to crawl under + when it rains."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XVII"></a> + + <h2>XVII</h2><br> + + + <p>The autumn passed, and winter closed down. Plant continued + his administration. For a month the countryside was on a + tip-toe of expectation. It counted on no immediate results, but + the "suspension pending investigation" was to take place within + a few weeks. As far as surface indications were concerned + nothing happened. Expectation was turned back on itself. + Absolute confidence in Plant's removal and criminal conviction + gave place to scepticism and doubt, finally to utter disbelief. + And since Thorne had succeeded in arousing a real faith and + enthusiasm, the reaction was by so much the stronger. Tolerance + gave way to antagonism; distrust to bitterness; grievance to + open hostility. The Forest Reserves were cursed as a vicious + institution created for the benefit of the rich man, depriving + the poor man of his rights and privileges, imposing on him + regulations that were at once galling and senseless.</p> + + <p>The Forest Rangers suddenly found themselves openly + unpopular. Heretofore a ranger had been tolerated by the + mountaineers as either a good-for-nothing saloon loafer + enjoying the fats of political perquisite; or as a species of + inunderstandable fanatic to be looked down upon with + good-humoured contempt. Now a ranger became a partisan of the + opposing forces, and as such an enemy. Men ceased speaking to + him, or greeted him with the curtest of nods. Plant's men were + ostracized in every way, once they showed themselves obstinate + in holding to their positions. Every man was urged to resign. + Many did so. Others hung on because the job was too soft to + lose. Some, like Ross Fletcher, California John, Tom Carroll, + Charley Morton and a few others, moved on their accustomed + way.</p> + + <p>One of the inspiring things in the later history of the + great West is the faith and insight, the devotion and + self-sacrifice of some of the rough mountain men in some few of + the badly managed reserves to truths that were but slowly being + recognized by even the better educated of the East. These men, + year after year, without leadership, without encouragement, + without the support and generally against the covered or open + hostility of their neighbours, under most disheartening + official conditions kept the torch alight. They had no wide + theory of forestry to sustain their interest; they could + certainly have little hope of promotion and advancement to a + real career; their experience with a bureaucratic government + could not arouse in their breasts any expectation of a broad, a + liberal, or even an enlightened policy of conservation or use. + They were set in opposition to their neighbours without + receiving the support of the power that so placed them. + Nevertheless, according to their knowledge they worked + faithfully. Five times out of ten they had little either of + supervision or instruction. Turned out in the mountains, like a + bunch of stock, each was free to do as much or as little of + whatever he pleased. Each improved his district according to + his ideas or his interests. One cared most for building trails; + another for chasing sheep trespassers; a third for construction + of bridges, cabins and fences. All had occasionally to fight + fires. Each was given the inestimable privilege of doing what + he could. Everything he did had to be reported on enormous and + complicated forms. If he made a mistake in any of these, he + heard from it, and perhaps his pay was held up. This pay ran + somewhere about sixty or seventy-five dollars a month, and he + was required to supply his own horses and to feed them. Most + rangers who were really interested in their profession spent + some of this in buying tools with which to work.<a name= + "FNanchor2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> The + Government supplied next to nothing. In 1902 between the King's + River and the Kaweah, an area of somewhere near a million + acres, the complete inventory of fire-fighting tools consisted + of two rakes made from fifty cents' worth of twenty-penny + nails.</p> + + <p>But these negative discouragements were as nothing compared + to the petty rebuffs and rulings that emanated from the Land + Office itself.</p> + + <p>One spring Ross Fletcher, following specific orders, was + sent out after twenty thousand trespassing sheep. It was early + in the season. His instructions took him up into the frozen + meadows, so he had to carry barley for his horses. He used + three sacks and sent in a bill for one. Item refused. Feed was + twenty dollars a thousand. Salary seventy-five dollars.</p> + + <p>One of Simeon Wright's foremen broke down government fences + and fed out all the ranger horse feed. Tom Carroll wrote to + Superintendent Smith; later to Washington. The authorities, + however, refused to revoke the cattleman's licence. At + Christmas time, when Carroll was in White Oaks the foreman and + his two sons jeered at and insulted the ranger in regard to + this matter until the latter lost his temper and thrashed all + three, one after the other. For this he was severely + reprimanded by Washington.</p> + + <p>Charley Morton was ordered to Yosemite to consult with the + military officers there. He was instructed to do so in a + certain number of days. To keep inside his time limit he had to + hire a team. Item refused.</p> + + <p>California John fought fire alone for two days and a night, + then had to go outside for help. Docked a day for going off the + reserve.</p> + + <p>Why did these men prefer to endure neglect and open + hostility to the favour of their neighbours and easier work? + Bob, with a growing wonder and respect, tried to find out.</p> + + <p>He did not succeed. There certainly was no overwhelming love + for the administration of Henry Plant; nor loyalty to the Land + Office. Indeed for the latter, one and all entertained the deep + contempt of the out-of-door man for the red-tape clerk.</p> + + <p>"What do you think is the latest," asked California John one + day, "from them little squirts? I just got instructions that + during of the fire season I must patrol the whole of my + district every day!" The old man grinned. "I only got from here + to Pumice Mountain! I wonder if those fellows ever saw a + mountain? I suppose they laid off an inch on the map and let it + go at that. Patrol every day!"</p> + + <p>"How long would it take you?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"By riding hard, about a week."</p> + + <p>Rather the loyalty seemed to be gropingly to the idea back + of it all, to something broad and dim and beautiful which these + rough, untutored men had drawn from their native mountains and + which thus they rendered back.</p> + + <p>As Bob gradually came to understand more of the situation + his curiosity grew. The lumberman's instinctive hostility to + government control and interference had not in the slightest + degree modified; but he had begun to differentiate this small, + devoted band from the machinery of the Forest Reserves as they + were then conducted. He was a little inclined to the fanatic + theory; he knew by now that the laziness hypothesis would not + apply to these.</p> + + <p>"What is there in it?" he asked. "You surely can't hope for + a boost in salary; and certainly your bosses treat you + badly."</p> + + <p>At first he received vague and evasive answers. They liked + the work; they got along all right; it was a lot better than + the cattle business just now, and so on. Then as it became + evident that the young man was genuinely interested, California + John gradually opened up. One strange and beautiful feature of + American partisanship for an ideal is its shyness. It will work + and endure, will wait and suffer, but it will not go forth to + proselyte.</p> + + <p>"The way I kind of look at it is this," said the old man one + evening. "I always did like these here mountains—and the + big trees—and the rocks and water and the snow. + Everywhere else the country belongs to some one: it's staked + out. Up here it belongs to me, because I'm an American. This + country belongs to all of us—the people—all of us. + We most of us don't know we've got it, that's all. I kind of + look at it this way: suppose I had a big pile of twenty-dollar + gold pieces lying up, say in Siskiyou, that I didn't know + nothing whatever about; and some fellow come along and took + care of it for me and hung onto it even when I sent out word + that anybody was welcome to anything I owned in + Siskiyou—I not thinking I really owned anything there, + you understand—why—well, you see, I sort of like to + feel I'm one of those fellows!"</p> + + <p>"What good is there in hanging onto a lot of land that would + be better developed?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>But California John refused to be drawn into a discussion. + He had his faith, but he would not argue about it. Sometime or + other the people would come to that same faith. In the meantime + there was no sense in tangling up with discussions.</p> + + <p>"They send us out some reading that tells about it," said + California John. "I'll give you some."</p> + + <p>He was as good as his word. Bob carried away with him a + dozen government publications of the sort that, he had always + concluded, everybody received and nobody read. Interested, not + in the subject matter of the pamphlets, but in their influence + on these mountain men, he did read them. In this manner he + became for the first time acquainted with the elementary + principles of watersheds and water conservation. This was + actually so. Nor did he differ in this respect from any other + of the millions of well-educated youth of the country. In a + vague way he knew that trees influence climate. He had always + been too busy with trees to bother about climate.</p> + + <p>The general facts interested him, and appealed to his + logical common sense. He saw for the first time, because for + the first time it had been presented to his attention, the real + use and reason for the forest reserves. Hitherto he had + considered the whole institution as semi-hostile, at least as + something in potential antagonism. Now he was willing fairly to + recognize the wisdom of preserving some portion of the mountain + cover. He had not really denied it; simply he hadn't considered + it.</p> + + <p>Early in this conviction he made up to Ross Fletcher for his + brusqueness in ordering the ranger off the mill property.</p> + + <p>"I just classed you with your gang, which was natural," said + Bob.</p> + + <p>"I am one of my gang, of course," said Fletcher.</p> + + <p>"Do you consider yourself one of the same sort of dicky bird + as Plant and that crew?" demanded Bob.</p> + + <p>"There ain't no humans all alike," replied the + mountaineer.</p> + + <p>Although Bob was thus rebuffed in immediately getting inside + of the man's loyalty to his service and his superiors, he was + from that moment made to feel at his ease. Later, in a fuller + intimacy, he was treated more frankly.</p> + + <p>Welton laughed openly at Bob's growing interest in these + matters.</p> + + <p>"You're the first man I ever saw read any of those things," + said he in regard to the government reports. "I once read one," + he went on in delightful contradiction to his first statement. + "It told how to cut timber. When you cut down a tree, you pile + up the remains in a neat pile and put a little white picket + fence around them. It would take a thousand men and cost enough + to buy a whole new tract to do all the monkey business they + want you to do. I've only been in the lumber business forty + years! When a college boy can teach me, I'm willing to listen; + but he can't teach me the A B C of the business."</p> + + <p>Bob laughed. "Well, I can't just see us taking time in a + short season to back-track and pile up ornamental brush piles," + he admitted.</p> + + <p>"Experimental farms, and experimental chickens, and + experimental lumbering are all right for the gentleman farmer + and the gentleman poultry fancier and the gentleman + lumberman—if there are any. But when it comes to + business----"</p> + + <p>Bob laughed. "Just the same," said he, "I'm beginning to see + that it's a good thing to keep some of this timber standing; + and the only way it can be done is through the Forest + Reserves."</p> + + <p>"That's all right," agreed Welton. "Let'em reserve. I don't + care. But they are a nuisance. They keep stepping on my toes. + It's too good a chance to annoy and graft. It gives a hard lot + of loafers too good a chance to make trouble."</p> + + <p>"They are a hard lot in general," agreed Bob, "but there's + some good men among them, men I can't help but admire."</p> + + <p>Welton rolled his eyes drolly at the younger man.</p> + + <p>"Who?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>"Well, there's old California John."</p> + + <p>"There's three or four mossbacks in the lot that are + honest," cut in Welton, "but it's because they're too damn + thick-headed to be anything else. Don't get kiddish enough to + do the picturesque mountaineer act, Bobby. I can dig you up + four hundred of that stripe anywhere—and holding down + just about as valuable jobs. Don't get too thick with that + kind. In the city you'll find them holding open-air meetings. I + suppose our friend Plant has been pinched?"</p> + + <p>"Not yet," grinned Bob, a trifle shamefacedly.</p> + + <p>"Don't get the reform bug, Bob," said Welton kindly, "That's + all very well for those that like to amuse themselves, but + we're busy."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XVIII"></a> + + <h2>XVIII</h2><br> + + + <p>The following spring found Plant still in command. No word + had come from the silence of political darkness. His only + concession to the state of affairs had been an acknowledgment + under coercion that the cattle ranges had been overstocked, and + that outside cattle would not be permitted to enter, at least + for the coming season. This was just the concession to relieve + the immediate pressure against him, and to give the Supervisor + time to apply all his energies to details within the + shades.</p> + + <p>Details were important, in spite of the absence of surface + indications. Many considerations were marshalled. On one side + were arrayed plain affidavits of fraud. In the lower ranks of + the Land Office it was necessary to corrupt men, by one means + or another. These lesser officials in the course of routine + would come face to face with the damaging affidavits, and must + be made to shut their eyes deliberately to what they know. The + cases of the higher officials were different. They must know of + the charges, of course, but matters must be so arranged that + the evidence must never meet their eyes, and that they must + adopt en bloc the findings of their subordinates. Bribery was + here impossible; but influence could be brought to bear.</p> + + <p>Chairman Gay upheld his cousin, Henry Plant, because of the + relationship. This implied a good word, and personal influence. + After that Chairman Gay forgot the matter. But a great number + of people were extremely anxious to please Chairman Gay. These + exerted themselves. They came across evidence that would have + caused Chairman Gay to throw his beloved cousin out neck and + crop, but they swallowed it and asked for more simply because + Gay possessed patronage, and it was not to their interest to + bring disagreeable matters before the great man. Nor was the + Land Office unlikely to listen to reason. A strong fight was at + that time forward to transfer control of the Forest Reserves + from a department busy in other lines to the Bureau of Forestry + where it logically belonged. This transfer was violently + opposed by those to whom the distribution of supervisorships, + ranger appointments and the like seemed valuable. The Land + Office adherents needed all the political backing they could + procure; and the friends of Chairman Gay epitomized political + backing. So the Land Office, too, was anxious to please the + Chairman.</p> + + <p>At the same time Simeon Wright had bestirred himself. There + seems to be no good and valid reason for owning a senator if + you don't use him. Wright was too shrewd to think it worth + while to own a senator from California. That was too obvious. + Few knew how closely affiliated were the Wright and the Barrow + interests. Wright dropped a hint to the dignified senator; the + senator paid a casual call to an official high up in the Land + Office. Senators would by their votes ultimately decide the + question of transfer. The official agreed to keep an eye on the + recommendations in this case.</p> + + <p>Thus somebody submerged beneath the Gay interests saw + obscurely somebody equally submerged beneath the Wright and + Barrow interests. In due course all Thorne's careful work was + pigeonholed. An epitome of the charges was typed and submitted + to the High Official. On the back of them had been written:</p> + + <p>"I find the charges not proved."</p> + + <p>This was signed by the very obscure clerk who had filed away + the Thorne affidavits and who happened to be a friend of the + man to whom in devious ways and through many mouths had come an + expression of the Gay wishes. It was O.K.'d by a dozen others. + The High Official added his O.K. to the others. Then he + promptly forgot about it, as did every one else concerned, save + the men most vitally interested.</p> + + <p>In due time Thorne, then in Los Angeles, received a brief + communication from Stafford, the obscure clerk.</p> + + <p>"In regard to your charges against Supervisor H.M. Plant, + the Department begs to advise you that, after examining + carefully the evidence for the defence, it finds the charges + not proven."</p> + + <p>Thorne stared at the paper incredulously, then he did + something he had never permitted himself before; he wrote in + expostulation to the Higher Official.</p> + + <p>"I cannot imagine what the man's defence could be," he + wrote, in part, "but my evidence a mere denial could hardly + controvert. The whole countryside knows the man is crooked; + they know he was investigated; they are now awaiting with full + confidence the punishment for well-understood peculation. I can + hardly exaggerate the body blow to the Service such a decision + would give. Nobody will believe in it again."</p> + + <p>On reading this the Higher Official called in one of his + subordinates.</p> + + <p>"I have this from Thorne," said he. "What do you think of + it?"</p> + + <p>The subordinate read it through.</p> + + <p>"I'll look it up," said he.</p> + + <p>"Do so and bring me the papers," advised the Higher + Official.</p> + + <p>The Higher Official knew Thorne's work and approved it. The + inspector was efficient, and throughout all his reforming of + conditions in the West, the Department had upheld him. The + Department liked efficiency, and where the private interests of + its own grafters were not concerned, it gave good + government.</p> + + <p>In due time the subordinate came back, but without the + papers.</p> + + <p>"Stafford says he'll look them up, sir," said he. "He told + me to tell you that the case was the one you were asking + Senator Barrow about."</p> + + <p>"Ah!" said the Higher Official.</p> + + <p>He sat for some time in deep thought. Then he called through + the open door to his stenographer.</p> + + <p>"<i>In re</i> your's 21st," he dictated, "I repose every + confidence in Mr. Stafford's judgment; and unless I should care + to supersede him, it would hardly be proper for me to carry any + matter over his head."</p> + + <p>Thorne immediately resigned, and shortly went into + landlooking for a lumbering firm in Oregon. Chairman Gay wrote + a letter advising Plant to "adopt a policy of conciliation + toward the turbulent element."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XIX"></a> + + <h2>XIX</h2><br> + + + <p>Shortly after Bob's return in the early spring, George + Pollock rode to Auntie Belle's in some disorder to say that the + little girl, now about a year old, had been taken sick.</p> + + <p>"Jenny has a notion it's something catching," said he, "so + she won't let Jim send Mary over. There's too many young-uns in + that family to run any risks."</p> + + <p>"How does she seem?" called Auntie Belle from the bedroom + where she was preparing for departure.</p> + + <p>"She's got a fever, and is restless, and won't eat," said + George anxiously. "She looks awful sick to me."</p> + + <p>"They all do at that age," said Auntie Belle comfortably; + "don't you worry a mite."</p> + + <p>Nevertheless Auntie Belle did not return that day, nor the + next, nor the next. When finally she appeared, it was only to + obtain certain supplies and clothes. These she caused to be + brought out and laid down where she could get them. She would + allow nobody to come near her.</p> + + <p>"It's scarlet fever," she said, "and Lord knows where the + child got it. But we won't scatter it, so you-all stay away. + I'll do what I can. I've been through it enough times, Lord + knows."</p> + + <p>Three days later she appeared again, very quietly.</p> + + <p>"How's the baby?" asked Bob. "Better, I hope?"</p> + + <p>"The poor little thing is dead," said Auntie Belle shortly, + "and I want you or somebody to ride down for the minister."</p> + + <p>The community attended the funeral in a body. It was held in + the open air, under a white oak tree, for Auntie Belle, with + unusual caution and knowledge for the mountains, refused to + permit even a chance of spreading the contagion. The mother + appeared dazed. She sat through the services without apparent + consciousness of what was going on; she suffered herself to be + led to the tiny enclosure where all the Pollocks of other + generations had been buried; she allowed herself to be led away + again. There was in the brief and pathetic ceremony no meaning + and no pain for her. The father, on the other hand, seemed + crushed. So broken was his figure that, after the services, Bob + was impelled to lay his hand on the man's shoulder and mutter a + few incoherent but encouraging words. The mountaineer looked up + dully, but sharpened to comprehension and gratitude as his eyes + met those of the tall, vigorous young man leaning over him.</p> + + <p>"I mean it," said Bob; "any time—any place."</p> + + <p>On the way back to Sycamore Flats Auntie Belle expressed her + mind to the young man.</p> + + <p>"Nobody realizes how things are going with those Pollocks," + said she. "George sold his spurs and that Cruces bit of his to + get medicine. He wouldn't take anything from me. They're proud + folks, and nobody'd have a chance to suspect anything. I tell + you," said the good lady solemnly, "it don't matter where that + child got the fever; it's Henry Plant, the old, fat scoundrel, + that killed her just as plain as if he'd stuck a gun to her + head. He has a good deal to answer for. There's lots of folks + eating their own beef cattle right now; and that's ruinous. I + suppose Washington ain't going to do anything. We might have + known it. I don't suppose you heard anything outside about + it?"</p> + + <p>"Only that Thorne had resigned."</p> + + <p>"That so!" Auntie Belle ruminated on this a moment. "Well, + I'm right glad to hear it. I'd hate to think I was fooled on + him. Reckon 'resign' means fired for daring to say anything + about His High-and-mightiness?" she guessed.</p> + + <p>Bob shook his head. "Couldn't say," said he.</p> + + <p>The busy season was beginning. Every day laden teams crawled + up the road bringing supplies for the summer work. Woodsmen + came in twos, in threes, in bunches of a dozen or more. Bob was + very busy arranging the distribution and forwarding, putting + into shape the great machinery of handling, so that when, a few + weeks later, the bundles of sawn lumber should begin to shoot + down the flume, they would fall automatically into a systematic + scheme of further transportation. He had done this twice + before, and he knew all the steps of it, and exactly what would + be required of him. Certain complications were likely to arise, + requiring each their individual treatments, but as Bob's + experience grew these were becoming fewer and of lesser + importance. The creative necessity was steadily lessening as + the work became more familiar. Often Bob found his eagerness + sinking to a blank; his attention economizing itself to the + bare needs of the occasion. He caught himself at times slipping + away from the closest interest in what he had to do. His + spirit, although he did not know it, was beginning once more to + shake itself restlessly, to demand, as it had always demanded + in the past from the time of his toy printing press in his + earliest boyhood, fresh food for the creative instinct that was + his. Bobby Orde, the child, had been thorough. No superficial + knowledge of a subject sufficed. He had worked away at the + mechanical difficulties of the cheap toy press after Johnny + English, his partner in enterprise, had given up in disgust. By + worrying the problem like a terrier, Bobby had shaken it into + shape. Then when the commercial possibilities of job printing + for parents had drawn Johnny back ablaze with enthusiasm, Bobby + had, to his partner's amazement, lost completely all interest + in printing presses. The subject had been exhausted; he had no + desire for repetitions.</p> + + <p>So it had gone. One after another he had with the utmost + fervour taken up photography, sailing, carpentry, metal + working—a dozen and one occupations—only to drop + them as suddenly. This restlessness of childhood came to be + considered a defect in young manhood. It indicated instability + of character. Only his mother, wiser in her quiet way, saw the + thoroughness with which he ransacked each subject. Bobby would + read and absorb a dozen technical books in a week, reaching + eagerly for the vital principles of his subject. She alone + realized, although but dimly, that the boy did not relinquish + his subject until he had grasped those vital principles.</p> + + <p>"He's learning all the time," she ventured.</p> + + <p>"'Jack of all trades: master of none,'" quoted Orde + doubtfully.</p> + + <p>The danger being recognized, little Bobby's teaching was + carefully directed. He was not discouraged in his varied + activities; but the bigger practical principles of American + life were inculcated. These may be very briefly stated. An + American must not idle; he must direct his energies toward + success; success means making one's way in life; nine times out + of ten, for ninety-nine men out of a hundred, that means the + business world. To seize the business opportunity; to develop + that opportunity through the business virtues of attention to + detail, industry, economy, persistence, and + enthusiasm—these represented the plain and manifest duty + of every citizen who intended to "be somebody."</p> + + <p>Now Bob realized perfectly well that here he was more + fortunate than most. A great many of his friends had to begin + on small salaries in indoor positions of humdrum and mechanical + duty. He had started on a congenial out-of-door occupation of + great interest and picturesqueness, one suited to his abilities + and promising a great future. Nevertheless, he had now been in + the business five years. He was beginning to see through and + around it. As yet he had not lost one iota of his enthusiasm + for the game; but here and there, once in a while, some of the + necessary delays and slow, long repetitions of entirely + mechanical processes left him leisure to feel irked, to look + above him, beyond the affairs that surrounded him. At such + times the old blank, doped feeling fell across his mind. It had + always been so definite a symptom in his childhood of that + state wherein he simply could not drag himself to blow up the + embers of his extinguished enthusiasm, that he recoiled from + himself in alarm. He felt his whole stability of character on + trial. If he could not "make good" here, what excuse could + there be for him; what was there left for him save the + profitless and honourless life of the dilettante and idler? He + had caught on to a big business remarkably well, and it was + worse than childish to lose his interest in the game even for + the fraction of a second. Of course, it amounted to nothing but + that. He never did his work better than that spring.</p> + + <p>A week after the burial of the Pollock baby, Mrs. Pollock + was reported seriously ill. Bob rode up a number of times to + inquire, and kept himself fully informed. The doctor came twice + from White Oaks, but then ceased his visits. Bob did not know + that such visits cost fifty dollars apiece. Mary, Jim's wife, + shared the care of the sick woman with George. She was reported + very weak, but getting on. The baby's death, together with the + other anxieties of the last two years, had naturally pulled her + down.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XX"></a> + + <h2>XX</h2><br> + + + <p>Before the gray dawn one Sunday morning Bob, happening to + awaken, heard a strange, rumbling, distant sound to the west. + His first thought was that the power dam had been opened and + was discharging its waters, but as his senses came to him, he + realized that this could not be so. He stretched himself idly. + A mocking bird uttered a phrase outside. No dregs of drowsiness + remained in him, so he dressed and walked out into the + freshness of the new morning. Here the rumbling sound, which he + had concluded had been an effect of his half-conscious + imagination, came clearer to his ears. He listened for a + moment, then walked rapidly to the Lone Pine Hill from whose + slight elevation he could see abroad over the low mountains to + the west. The gray light before sunrise was now strengthening + every moment. By the time Bob had reached the summit of the + knoll it had illuminated the world.</p> + + <p>A wandering suction of air toward the higher peaks brought + with it the murmur of a multitude. Bob topped the hill and + turned his eyes to the west. A great cloud of dust arose from + among the chaparral and oaks, drifting slowly but certainly + toward the Ranges. Bob could now make out the bawling, + shouting, lowing of great herds on the march. In spite of + pledges and promises, in spite of California John's reports, of + Thorne's recommendations, of Plant's assurances, Simeon + Wright's cattle were again coming in!</p> + + <p>Bob shook his head sadly, and his clear-cut young face was + grave. No one knew better than himself what this must mean to + the mountain people, for his late spring and early fall work + had brought him much in contact with them. He walked + thoughtfully down the hill.</p> + + <p>When just on the outskirts of the little village he was + overtaken by George Pollock on horseback. The mountaineer was + jogging along at a foot pace, his spurs jingling, his bridle + hand high after the Western fashion. When he saw Bob he reined + in, nodding a good morning. Bob noticed that he had strapped on + a blanket and slicker, and wore his six-shooter.</p> + + <p>"You look as though you were going on a journey," remarked + Bob.</p> + + <p>"Thinking of it," said Pollock. Bob glanced up quickly at + the tone of his voice, which somehow grated unusually on the + young man's ear, but the mountaineer's face was placid under + the brim of his floppy old hat. "Might as well," continued the + cattleman after a moment. "Nothin' special to keep me."</p> + + <p>"I'm glad Mrs. Pollock is better," ventured Bob.</p> + + <p>"She's dead," stated Pollock without emotion. "Died this + morning about two o'clock."</p> + + <p>Bob cried out at the utterly unexpected shock of this + statement. Pollock looked down on him as though from a great + height.</p> + + <p>"I sort of expected it," he answered Bob's exclamation. "I + reckon we won't talk of it. 'Spose you see that Wright's cattle + is coming in again? I'm sorry on account of Jim and the other + boys. It wipes me out, of course, but it don't matter as far as + I'm concerned, because I'm going away, anyway."</p> + + <p>Bob laid his hand on the man's stirrup leather and walked + alongside, thinking rapidly. He did not know how to take hold + of the situation.</p> + + <p>"Where are you thinking of going?" he asked.</p> + + <p>Pollock looked down at him.</p> + + <p>"What's that to you?" he demanded roughly.</p> + + <p>"Why—nothing—I was simply interested," gasped + Bob in astonishment.</p> + + <p>The mountaineer's eyes bored him through and through. + Finally the man dropped his gaze.</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you," said he at last, "'cause you and Jim are + the only square ones I know. I'm going to Mexico. I never been + there. I'm going by Vermilion Valley, and Mono Pass. If they + ask you, you can tell 'em different. I want you to do something + for me."</p> + + <p>"Gladly," said Bob. "What is it?"</p> + + <p>"Just hold my horse for me," requested Pollock, dismounting. + "He stands fine tied to the ground, but there's a few things + he's plumb afraid of, and I don't want to take chances on his + getting away. He goes plumb off the grade for freight teams; he + can't stand the crack of their whips. Sounds like a gun to him, + I reckon. He won't stand for shooting neither."</p> + + <p>While talking the mountaineer handed the end of his hair + rope into Bob's keeping.</p> + + <p>"Hang on to him," he said, turning away.</p> + + <p>George Pollock sauntered easily down the street. At + Supervisor Plant's front gate, he turned and passed within. Bob + saw him walk rapidly up the front walk, and pound on Plant's + bedroom door. This, as usual in the mountains, opened directly + out on the verandah. With an exclamation Bob sprang forward, + dropping the hair rope. He was in time to see the bedroom door + snatched open from within, and Plant's huge figure, + white-robed, appear in the doorway. The Supervisor was + evidently angry.</p> + + <p>"What in hell do you want?" he demanded.</p> + + <p>"You," said the mountaineer.</p> + + <p>He dropped his hand quite deliberately to his holster, + flipped the forty-five out to the level of his hip, and fired + twice, without looking at the weapon. Plant's expression + changed; turned blank. For an appreciable instant he tottered + upright, then his knees gave out beneath him and he fell + forward with a crash. George Pollock leaned over him. + Apparently satisfied after a moment's inspection, the + mountaineer straightened, dropped his weapon into the holster, + and turned away.</p> + + <p>All this took place in so short a space of time that Bob had + not moved five feet from the moment he guessed Pollock's + intention to the end of the tragedy. As the first shot rang + out, Bob turned and seized again the hair rope attached to + Pollock's horse. His habit of rapid decision and cool judgment + showed him in a flash that he was too late to interfere, and + revealed to him what he must do.</p> + + <p>Pollock, looking neither to the right nor the left, took the + rope Bob handed him and swung into the saddle. His calm had + fallen from him. His eyes burned and his face worked. With a + muffled cry of pain he struck spurs to his horse and + disappeared.</p> + + <p>Considerably shaken, Bob stood still, considering what he + must do. It was manifestly his duty to raise the alarm. If he + did so, however, he would have to bear witness to what he knew; + and this, for George Pollock's sake, he desired to avoid. He + was the only one who could know positively and directly and + immediately how Plant had died. The sound of the shots had not + aroused the village. If they had been heard, no one would have + paid any attention to them; the discharge of firearms was too + common an occurrence to attract special notice. It was better + to let the discovery come in the natural course of events.</p> + + <p>However, Bob was neither a coward nor a fool. He wanted to + save George Pollock if he could, but he had no intention of + abandoning another plain duty in the matter. Without the + slightest hesitation he opened Plant's gate and walked to the + verandah where the huge, unlovely hulk huddled in the doorway. + There, with some loathing, he determined the fact that the man + was indeed dead. Convinced as to this point, he returned to the + street, and looked carefully up and down it. It was still quite + deserted.</p> + + <p>His mind in a whirl of horror, pity, and an unconfessed, + hidden satisfaction, he returned to Auntie Belle's. The + customary daylight breakfast for the teamsters had been omitted + on account of the Sabbath. A thin curl of smoke was just + beginning to rise straight up from the kitchen stovepipe. Bob, + his mouth suddenly dry and sticky, went around to the back + porch, where a huge <i>olla</i> hung always full of spring + water. He rounded the corner to run plump against Oldham, + tilted back in a chair smoking the butt of a cigar.</p> + + <p>In his agitation of mind, Bob had no stomach for casual + conversation. By an effort he smoothed out his manner and + collected his thoughts.</p> + + <p>"How are you, Mr. Oldham?" he greeted the older man; "when + did you get in?"</p> + + <p>"About an hour ago," replied Oldham. His spare figure in the + gray business suit did not stir from its lazy posture, nor did + the expression of his thin sardonic face change, but somehow, + after swallowing his drink, Bob decided to revise his first + intention of escaping to his room.</p> + + <p>"An hour ago," he repeated, when the import of the words + finally filtered through his mental turmoil. "You travelled up + at night then?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. It's getting hot on the plains."</p> + + <p>"Got in just before daylight, then?"</p> + + <p>"Just before. I'd have made it sooner, but I had to work my + way through the cattle."</p> + + <p>"Where's your team?"</p> + + <p>"I left it down at the Company's stables; thought you + wouldn't mind."</p> + + <p>"Sure not," said Bob.</p> + + <p>The Company's stables were at the other end of the village. + Oldham must have walked the length of the street. He had said + it was before daylight; but the look of the man's eyes was + quizzical and cold behind the glasses. Still, it was always + quizzical and cold. Bob called himself a panicky fool. Just the + same, he wished now he had looked for footprints in the dust of + the street. While his brain was thus busy with swift conjecture + and the weighing of probabilities, his tongue was making random + conversation, and his vacant eye was taking in and reporting to + his intelligence the most trivial things. Generally speaking, + his intelligence did not catch the significance of what his + eyes reported until after an appreciable interval. Thus he + noted that Oldham had smoked his cigar down to a short butt. + This unimportant fact meant nothing, until his belated mind + told him that never before had he seen the man actually + smoking. Oldham always held a cigar between his lips, but he + contented himself with merely chewing it or rolling it about. + And this was very early, before breakfast.</p> + + <p>"Never saw you smoke before," he remarked abruptly, as this + bubble of irrelevant thought came to the surface.</p> + + <p>"No?" said Oldham, politely.</p> + + <p>"It would make me woozy all day to smoke before I ate," said + Bob, his voice trailing away, as his inner ear once more took + up its listening for the hubbub that must soon break.</p> + + <p>As the moments went by, the suspense of this waiting became + almost unbearable. A small portion of him kept up its semblance + of conversation with Oldham; another small portion of him made + minute and careful notes of trivial things; all the rest of + him, body and soul, was listening, in the hope that soon, very + soon, a scream would break the suspense. From time to time he + felt that Oldham was looking at him queerly, and he rallied his + faculties to the task of seeming natural.</p> + + <p>"Aren't you feeling well?" asked the older man at last. + "You're mighty pale. You want to watch out where you drink + water around some of these places."</p> + + <p>Bob came to with a snap.</p> + + <p>"Didn't sleep well," said he, once more himself.</p> + + <p>"Well, that wouldn't trouble me," yawned Oldham; "if it + hadn't been for cigars I'd have dropped asleep in this chair an + hour ago. You said you couldn't smoke before breakfast; neither + can I ordinarily. This isn't before breakfast for me, it's + after supper; and I've smoked two just to keep awake."</p> + + <p>"Why keep awake?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"When I pass away, it'll be for all day. I want to eat + first."</p> + + <p>There, at last, it had come! A man down the street shouted. + There followed a pounding at doors, and then the murmur of + exclamations, questions and replies.</p> + + <p>"It sounds like some excitement," yawned Oldham, bringing + his chair down with a thump. "They haven't even rung the first + bell yet; let's wander out and stretch our legs."</p> + + <p>He sauntered off the wide back porch toward the front of the + house. Bob followed. When near the gate Bob's mind grasped the + significance of one of the trivial details that his eyes had + reported to it some moments before. He uttered an exclamation, + and returned hurriedly to the back porch to verify his + impressions. They had been correct. Oldham had stated + definitely that he had arrived before daylight, that he had + been sitting in his chair for over an hour; that during that + time he had smoked two cigars through.</p> + + <p><i>Neither on the broad porch, nor on the ground near it, + nor in any possible receptacle were there any cigar + ashes.</i></p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXI"></a> + + <h2>XXI</h2><br> + + + <p>The hue and cry rose and died; the sheriff from the plains + did his duty; but no trace of the murderer was found. Indeed, + at the first it was not known positively who had done the deed; + a dozen might have had motive for the act. Only by the process + of elimination was the truth come at. No one could say which + way the fugitive had gone. Jim Pollock, under pressure, + admitted that his brother had stormed against the door, had + told the awakened inmates that his wife was dead and that he + was going away. Immediately on making this statement, he had + clattered off. Jim steadfastly maintained that his brother had + given no inkling of whither he fled. Simeon Wright's cattle, on + their way to the high country, filed past. The cowboys listened + to the news with interest, and a delight which they did not + attempt to conceal. They denied having seen the fugitive. The + sheriff questioned them perfunctorily. He knew the breed. + George Pollock might have breakfasted with them for all that + the denials assured him.</p> + + <p>There appeared shortly on the scene of action a United + States marshal. The murder of a government official was + serious. Against the criminal the power of the nation was + deployed. Nevertheless, in the long run, George Pollock got + clean away. Nobody saw him from that day—or nobody would + acknowledge to have seen him.</p> + + <p>For awhile Bob expected at any moment to be summoned for his + testimony. He was morally certain that Oldham had been an + eye-witness to the tragedy. But as time went on, and no + faintest indication manifested itself that he could have been + connected with the matter, he concluded himself mistaken. + Oldham could have had no motive in concealment, save that of + the same sympathy Bob had felt for Pollock. But in that case, + what more natural than that he should mention the matter + privately to Bob? If, on the other hand, he had any desire to + further the ends of the law, what should prevent him from + speaking out publicly? In neither case was silence compatible + with knowledge.</p> + + <p>But Bob knew positively the man had lied, when he stated + that he had for over an hour been sitting in the chair on + Auntie Belle's back porch. Why had he done so? Where had he + been? Bob could not hazard even the wildest guess. Oldham's + status with Baker was mysterious; his occasional business in + these parts—it might well be that Oldham thought he had + something to conceal from Bob. In that case, where had the + elder man been, and what was he about during that fatal hour + that Sunday morning? Bob was not conversant with the affairs of + the Power Company, but he knew vaguely that Baker was always + shrewdly reaching out for new rights and privileges, for fresh + opportunities which the other fellow had not yet seen and which + he had no desire that the other fellow should see until too + late. It might be that Oldham was on some such errand. In the + rush of beginning the season's work, the question gradually + faded from Bob's thoughts.</p> + + <p>Forest Reserve matters locally went into the hands of a + receiver. That is to say, the work of supervision fell to + Plant's head-ranger, while Plant's office was overhauled and + straightened out by a clerk sent on from Washington. Forest + Reserve matters nationally, however, were on a different + footing. The numerous members of Congress who desired to leave + things as they were, the still more numerous officials of the + interested departments, the swarming petty politicians dealing + direct with small patronage—all these powerful interests + were unable satisfactorily to answer one common-sense question; + why is the management of our Forest Reserves left to a Land + Office already busy, already doubted, when we have organized + and equipped a Bureau of Forestry consisting of trained, + enthusiastic and honest men? Reluctantly the transfer was made. + The forestry men picked up the tangle that incompetent, + perfunctory and often venal management had dropped.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXII"></a> + + <h2>XXII</h2><br> + + + <p>To most who heard of it this item of news was interesting, + but not especially important; Bob could not see where it made + much difference who held the reins three thousand miles away. + To others it came as the unhoped-for, dreamed-of culmination of + aspiration.</p> + + <p>California John got the news from Martin. The old man had + come in from a long trip.</p> + + <p>"You got to take a brace now and be scientific," chaffed + Martin. "You old mossback! Don't you dare fall any more trees + without measuring out the centre of gravity; and don't you + split any more wood unless you calculate first the probable + direction of riving; and don't you let any doodle-bug get away + without looking at his teeth."</p> + + <p>California John grinned slowly, but his eyes were + shining.</p> + + <p>"And what's more, you old grafters'll get bounced, sure + pop," continued Martin. "They won't want you. You don't wear + spectacles, and you eat too many proteids in your beans."</p> + + <p>"You ain't heard who's going to be sent out for Supervisor?" + asked old John.</p> + + <p>"They haven't found any one with thick enough glasses yet," + retorted Martin.</p> + + <p>California John made some purchases, packed his mule, and + climbed back up the mountain to the summer camp. Here he threw + off his saddle and supplies, and entered the ranger cabin. A + rusty stove was very hot. Atop bubbled a capacious kettle. + California John removed the cover and peered in.</p> + + <p>"Chicken 'n' dumpling!" said he.</p> + + <p>He drew a broken-backed chair to the table and set to + business. In ten minutes his plate contained nothing but + chicken bones. He contemplated them with satisfaction.</p> + + <p>"I reckon that'll even up for that bacon performance," he + remarked in reference to some past joke on himself.</p> + + <p>At dusk three men threw open the outside door and entered. + They found California John smoking his pipe contemplatively + before a clean table.</p> + + <p>"Now, you bowlegged old sidewinder," said Ross Fletcher, + striding to the door, "we'll show you something you don't get + up where you come from."</p> + + <p>"What is it?" asked California John with a mild + curiosity.</p> + + <p>"Chicken," replied Fletcher.</p> + + <p>He peered into the kettle. Then he lit a match and peered + again. He reached for a long iron spoon with which he fished + up, one after another, several dumplings. Finally he swore + softly.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter, Ross?" inquired California John.</p> + + <p>"You know what's the matter," retorted Ross shaking the + spoon.</p> + + <p>California John arose and looked down into the kettle.</p> + + <p>"Thought you said you had chicken," he observed; "looks to + me like dumplin' soup."</p> + + <p>"I did have chicken," replied the man. "Oh, you + Miles!—Bob!—come here. This old wreck has gone and + stole all our chicken."</p> + + <p>The boys popped in from the next room.</p> + + <p>"I never," expostulated California John, his eyes twinkling. + "I never stole nothin'. I just came in and found a poor old hen + bogged down in a mess of dough, so I rescued her."</p> + + <p>The other man said nothing for some time, but surveyed + California John from head to toe and from toe to head + again.</p> + + <p>"Square," said he at last.</p> + + <p>"Square," replied California John with equal gravity. They + shook hands.</p> + + <p>While the newcomers ate supper, California John read + laboriously his accumulated mail. After spelling through one + document he uttered a hearty oath.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" asked Ross, suspending operations.</p> + + <p>"They've put me in as Supervisor to succeed Plant," replied + California John, handing over the official document. "I ain't + no supervisor."</p> + + <p>"I'd like to know why not," spoke up Miles indignantly. "You + know these mountains better'n any man ever set foot in + 'em."</p> + + <p>"I ain't got no education," replied California John.</p> + + <p>"Damn good thing," growled Ross.</p> + + <p>California John smoked with troubled brow.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter with you, anyhow?" demanded Ross + impatiently, after a while; "ain't you satisfied?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I'm satisfied well enough, but I kind of hate to leave + the service; I like her."</p> + + <p>"Quit!" cried Ross.</p> + + <p>"No," denied California John, "but I'll get fired. First + thing," he explained, "I'm going after Simeon Wright's grazing + permits. He ain't no right in the mountains, and the ranges are + overstocked. He can't trail in ten thousand head while I'm + supposed to be boss, so it looks as though I wasn't going to be + boss long after Simeon Wright comes in."</p> + + <p>"Oh, go slow," pleaded Ross; "take things a little easy at + first, and then when you get going you can tackle the big + things."</p> + + <p>"I ain't going to enforce any regulations they don't give + me," stated California John, "and I'm going to try to enforce + all they do. That's what I'm here for."</p> + + <p>"That means war with Wright," said Ross.</p> + + <p>"Then war it is," agreed California John comfortably.</p> + + <p>"You won't last ten minutes against Wright."</p> + + <p>"Reckon not," agreed old John, "reckon not; but I'll last + long enough to make him take notice."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXIII"></a> + + <h2>XXIII</h2><br> + + + <p>By end of summer California John was fairly on his road. He + entered office at a time when the local public sentiment was + almost unanimously against the system of Forest Reserves. The + first thing he did was to discharge eight of the Plant rangers. + These fell back on their rights, and California John, to his + surprise, found that he could not thus control his own men. He + wagged his head in his first discouragement. It was necessary + to recommend to Washington that these men be removed; and + California John knew well by experience what happened to such + recommendations. Nevertheless he sat him down to his + typewriter, and with one rigid forefinger, pecked out such a + request. Having thus accomplished his duty in the matter, but + without hope of results, he went about other things. Promptly + within two weeks came the necessary authority. The eight + ornamentals were removed.</p> + + <p>Somewhat encouraged, California John next undertook the + sheep problem. That, under Plant, had been in the nature of a + protected industry. California John and his delighted rangers + plunged neck deep into a sheep war. They found themselves with + a man's job on their hands. The sheepmen, by long immunity, had + come to know the higher mountains intimately, and could hide + themselves from any but the most conscientious search. When + discovered, they submitted peacefully to being removed from the + Reserve. At the boundaries the rangers' power ceased. The + sheepmen simply waited outside the line. It was manifestly + impossible to watch each separate flock all the time. As soon + as surveillance was relaxed, over the line they slipped, again + to fatten on prohibited feed until again discovered, and again + removed. The rangers had no power of arrest; they could use + only necessary force in ejecting the trespassers. It was + possible to sue in the United States courts, but the process + was slow and unsatisfactory, and the damages awarded the + Government amounted to so little that the sheepmen cheerfully + paid them as a sort of grazing tax. The point was, that they + got the feed—either free or at a nominal cost—and + the rangers were powerless to stop them.</p> + + <p>Over this problem California John puzzled a long time.</p> + + <p>"We ain't doing any good playing hide and coop," he told + Ross; "it's just using up our time. We got to get at it + different. I wish those regulations was worded just the least + mite different!"</p> + + <p>He produced the worn Blue Book and his own instructions and + thumbed them over for the hundredth time.</p> + + <p>"'Employ only necessary force,'" he muttered; "'remove them + beyond the confines of the reserve.'" He bit savagely at his + pipe. Suddenly his tension relaxed and his wonted shrewdly + humorous expression returned to his brown and lean old face. + "Ross," said he, "this is going to be plumb amusing. Do you + guess we-all can track up with any sheep?"</p> + + <p>"Jim Hutchins's herders must have sneaked back over by Iron + Mountain," suggested Fletcher.</p> + + <p>"Jim Hutchins," mused California John; "where is he now? + Know?"</p> + + <p>"I heard tell he was at Stockton."</p> + + <p>"Well, that's all right then. If Jim was around, he might + start a shootin' row, and we don't want any of that."</p> + + <p>"Well, I don't know as I'm afraid of Jim Hutchins," said + Ross Fletcher.</p> + + <p>"Neither am I, sonny," replied California John; "but this is + a grand-stand play, and we got to bring her off without + complications. You get the boys organized. We start + to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"What you got up your sleeve?" asked Ross.</p> + + <p>"Never you mind."</p> + + <p>"Who's going to have charge of the office?"</p> + + <p>"Nobody," stated California John positively; "we tackle one + thing to a time."</p> + + <p>Next day the six rangers under command of their supervisor + disappeared in the wilderness. When they reached the trackless + country of the granite and snow and the lost short-hair + meadows, they began scouting. Sign of sheep they found in + plenty, but no sheep. Signal smokes over distant ranges rose + straight up, and died; but never could they discover where the + fire had been burned. Sheepmen of the old type are the best of + mountaineers, and their skill has been so often tested that + they are as full of tricks as so many foxes. The fires they + burned left no ash. The smokes they sent up warned all for two + hundred miles.</p> + + <p>Nevertheless, by the end of three days young Tom Carroll and + Charley Morton trailed down a band of three thousand head. They + came upon the flock grazing peacefully over blind hillsides in + the torment of splintered granite. The herders grinned, as the + rangers came in sight. They had been "tagged" in this "game of + hide and coop." As a matter of course they began to pack their + camp on the two burros that grazed among the sheep; they + ordered the dogs to round up the flock. For two weeks they had + grazed unmolested, and they were perfectly satisfied to pay the + inconvenience of a day's journey over to the Inyo line.</p> + + <p>"'llo boys," said their leader, flashing his teeth at them. + "'Wan start now?"</p> + + <p>"These Jim Hutchins's sheep?" inquired Carroll.</p> + + <p>But at that question the Frenchman suddenly lost all his + command of the English language.</p> + + <p>"They're Hutchins's all right," said Charley, who had ridden + out to look at the brand painted black on the animals' flanks. + "No go to-night," he told the attentive herder. "Camp + here."</p> + + <p>He threw off his saddle. Tom Carroll rode away to find + California John.</p> + + <p>The two together, with Ross Fletcher, whom they had stumbled + upon accidentally, returned late the following afternoon. By + sunrise next morning the flocks were under way for Inyo. The + sheep strung out by the dogs went forward steadily like + something molten; the sheepherders plodded along staff in hand; + the rangers brought up the rear, riding. Thus they went for the + marching portions of two days. Then at noon they topped the + main crest at the broad Pass, and the sheer descents on the + Inyo side lay before them. From beneath them flowed the plains + of Owen's Valley, so far down that the white roads showed like + gossamer threads, the ranches like tiny squares of green. Eight + thousand feet almost straight down the precipice fell away. + Across the valley rose the White Mountains and the Panamints, + and beyond them dimly could be guessed Death Valley and the + sombre Funeral Ranges. To the north was a lake with islands + swimming in it, and above it empty craters looking from above + like photographs of the topography of the moon; and beyond it + tier after tier, as far as the eye could reach, the blue + mountains of Nevada. A narrow gorge, standing fairly on end, + led down from the Pass. Without hesitation, like a sluggishly + moving, viscid brown fluid, the sheep flowed over the edge. The + dogs, their flanking duties relieved by the walls of dark + basalt on either hand, fell to the rear with their masters. The + mountain-bred horses dropped calmly down the rough and + precipitous trail.</p> + + <p>At the end of an hour the basalt gorge opened out to a wide + steep slope of talus on which grew in clumps the first sage + brush of the desert. Here California John called a halt. The + line of the Reserve, unmarked as yet save by landmarks and rare + rough "monuments" of loose stones, lay but just beyond.</p> + + <p>"This is as far as we go," he told the chief herder.</p> + + <p>The Frenchman flashed his teeth, and bowed with some + courtesy. "Au revoi'," said he.</p> + + <p>"Hold on," repeated California John, "I said this is as far + as we go. That means you, too; and your men."</p> + + <p>"But th' ship!" cried the chief herder.</p> + + <p>"My rangers will put them off the Reserve, according to + regulation," stated California John.</p> + + <p>The Frenchman stared at him.</p> + + <p>"W'at you do?" he gasped at last. "Where we go?"</p> + + <p>"I'm going to put you off the Reserve, too, but on the west + side," said California John. The old man's figure straightened + in his saddle, and his hand dropped to the worn and shiny butt + of his weapon: "No; none of that! Take your hand off your gun! + I got the right to use <i>necessary</i> force; and, by God, + I'll do it!"</p> + + <p>The herder began a voluble discourse of mingled + protestations and exposition. California John cut him + short.</p> + + <p>"I know my instructions as well as you do," said he. "They + tell me to put sheep and herders off the Reserve without using + unnecessary force; but <i>there ain't nothing said about + putting them off in the same place!</i>"</p> + + <p>Ross Fletcher rocked with joy in his saddle.</p> + + <p>"So that's what you had up your sleeve!" he fairly shouted. + "Why, it's as simple as a b'ar trap!"</p> + + <p>California John pointed his gnarled forefinger at the + herder.</p> + + <p>"Call your dogs!" he commanded sharply. "Call them in, and + tie them! The first dog loose in camp will be shot. If you care + for your dogs, tie them up. Now drop your gun on the ground. + Tom, you take their shootin'-irons." He produced from his + saddle bags several new pairs of hand-cuffs, which he surveyed + with satisfaction, "This is business," said he; "I bought these + on my own hook. You bet I don't mean to have to shoot any of + you fellows in the back; and I ain't going to sit up nights + either. Snap 'em on, Charley. Now, Ross, you and Tom run those + sheep over the line, and then follow us up."</p> + + <p>As the full meaning of the situation broke on the + Frenchman's mind, he went frantic. By the time he and his + herders should be released, the whole eighty-mile width of the + Sierras would lie between him and his flocks. He would have to + await his chance to slip by the rangers. In the three weeks or + more that must elapse before he could get back, the flocks + would inevitably be about destroyed. For it is a striking fact, + and one on which California John had built his plan, that sheep + left to their own devices soon perish. They scatter. The + coyotes, bears and cougars gather to the feast. It would be + most probable that the sheep-hating cattlemen of Inyo would + enjoy mutton chops.</p> + + <p>California John collected his scattered forces, delegated + two men to eject the captives; and went after more sheep. He + separated thus three flocks from their herders. After that the + sheep question was settled; government feed was too + expensive.</p> + + <p>"That's off'n our minds," said he. "Now we'll tackle the + next job."</p> + + <p>He went at it in his slow, painstaking way, and accomplished + it. Never, if he could help it, did he depend on the mails when + the case was within riding distance. He preferred to argue the + matter out, face to face.</p> + + <p>"The Government <i>prefers</i> friends," he told everybody, + and then took his stand, in all good feeling, according as the + other man proved reasonable. Some of the regulations were + galling to the mountain traditions. He did not attempt to + explain or defend them, but simply stated their provisions.</p> + + <p>"Now, I'm swore in to see that these are carried out," said + he, "always, and if you ain't going to toe the mark, why, you + see, it puts me in one hell of a hole, don't it? I ain't liking + to be put in the position of fighting all my old neighbours, + and I sure can't lie down on my job. It don't <i>really</i> + mean much to you, now does it, Link? and it helps me out a + lot."</p> + + <p>"Well, I know you're square, John, and I'll do it," said the + mountaineer reluctantly, "but I wouldn't do it for any other + blank of a blank in creation!"</p> + + <p>Thus California John was able, by personality, to reduce + much friction and settle many disputes. He could be + uncompromising enough on occasion.</p> + + <p>Thus Win Spencer and Tom Hoyt had a violent quarrel over + cattle allotments which they brought to California John for + settlement. Each told a different story, so the evidence + pointed clearly to neither party. California John listened in + silence.</p> + + <p>"I won't take sides," said he; "settle it for yourselves. + <i>I'd just as soon make enemies of both of you as of + one</i>."</p> + + <p>Then in the middle of summer came the trial of it all. The + Service sent notice that, beginning the following season, a + grazing tax would be charged, and it requested the Supervisor + to send in his estimate of grazing allotments. California John + sat him down at his typewriter and made out the required list. + Simeon Wright's name did not appear therein. In due time + somebody wanted, officially, to know why not. California John + told them, clearly, giving the reasons that the range was + overstocked, and quoting the regulations as to preference being + given to the small owner dwelling in or near the Forests. He + did this just as a good carpenter might finish the under side + of a drain; not that it would do any good, but for his own + satisfaction.</p> + + <p>"We will now listen to the roar of the lion," he told Ross + Fletcher, "after which I'll hand over my scalp to save 'em the + trouble of sharpening up their knives."</p> + + <p>As a matter of fact the lion did roar, but no faintest echo + reached the Sierras. For the first time Simeon Wright and the + influence Simeon Wright could bring to bear failed of their + accustomed effect at Washington. An honest, fearless, and + single-minded Chief, backed by an enthusiastic Service, saw + justice rather than expediency. California John received back + his recommendation marked "Approved."</p> + + <p>The old man tore open the long official envelope, when he + received it from Martin's hand, and carried it to the light, + where he adjusted precisely his bowed spectacles, and, in his + slow, methodical way, proceeded to investigate the contents. As + he caught sight of the word and its initials his hand + involuntarily closed to crush the papers, and his gaunt form + straightened. In his mild blue eye sprang fire. He turned to + Martin, his voice vibrant with an emotion carefully suppressed + through the nine long years of his faithful service.</p> + + <p>"They've turned down Wright," said he, "and they've give us + an appropriation. They've turned down old Wright! By God, we've + got a man!"</p> + + <p>He strode from the store, his head high. As he went up the + street a canvas sign over the empty storehouse attracted his + attention. He pulled his bleached moustache a moment; then + removed his floppy old hat, and entered.</p> + + <p>An old-fashioned exhorting evangelist was holding forth to + three listless and inattentive sinners. A tired-looking woman + sat at a miniature portable organ. At the close of the services + California John wandered forward.</p> + + <p>"I'm plumb busted," said he frankly, "and that's the reason + I couldn't chip in. I couldn't buy fleas for a dawg. I'm afraid + you didn't win much."</p> + + <p>The preacher looked gloomily at a nickle and a ten-cent + piece.</p> + + <p>"Dependin' on this sort of thing to get along?" asked + California John.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said the preacher. The woman looked out of the + window.</p> + + <p>California John said no more, but went out of the building + and down the street to Austin's saloon.</p> + + <p>"Howdy, boys," he greeted the loungers and card players. + "Saw off a minute. There's goin' to be a gospel meetin' right + here a half-hour from now. I'm goin' to hold it and I'm goin' + out now to rustle a congregation. At the close we'll take up a + collection for the benefit of the church."</p> + + <p>At the end of the period mentioned he placed himself behind + the bar and faced a roomful of grinning men.</p> + + <p>"This is serious, boys. Take off your hat, Bud. Wipe them + snickers off'n your face. We're all sinners; and I reckon now's + as good a time as any to realize the fact. I don't know much + about the Bible; but I do recall enough to hold divine services + for once, and I intend to have 'em respected."</p> + + <p>For fifteen minutes California John conducted his services + according to his notion. Then he stated briefly his cause and + took up his collection.</p> + + <p>"Nine-forty-five," said he thoughtfully, looking at the + silver. He carefully extracted two nickels, and dumped the rest + in his pocket. "I reckon I've earned a drink out of this," he + stated; "any objections?"</p> + + <p>There were none; so California John bought his drink and + departed.</p> + + <p>"That's all right," he told the astonished and grateful + evangelist, "I had to do somethin' to blow off steam, or else + go on a hell of a drunk. And it would have been plumb ruinous + to do that. So you see, it's lucky I met you." The old man's + twinkling and humorous blue eyes gazed quizzically at the + uneasy evangelist, divided between gratitude and his notion + that he ought to reprobate this attitude of mind. Then they + softened. California John laid his hand on the preacher's + shoulder. "Don't get discouraged," said he; "don't do it. The + God of Justice still rules. I've just had some news that proves + it."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXIV"></a> + + <h2>XXIV</h2><br> + + + <p>From this moment the old man held his head high, and went + about the work with confidence. He built trails where trails + had long been needed; he regulated the grazing; he fought fire + so successfully that his burned area dropped that year from two + per cent. to one-half of one per cent.; he adjusted minor cases + of special use and privilege justly. Constantly he rode his + district on the business of his beloved Forest. His beautiful + sorrel, Star, with his silver-mounted caparisons, was a + familiar figure on all the trails. When a man wanted his first + Special Privilege, he wrote the Supervisor. The affair was + quite apt to bungle. Then California John saw that man + personally. After that there was no more trouble. The + countryside dug up the rest of California John's name, and + conferred on him the dignity of it. John had heard it scarcely + at all for over thirty years. Now he rather liked the sound of + "Supervisor Davidson." In the title and the simple dignities + attaching thereunto he took the same gentle and innocent pride + that he did in Star, and the silver-mounted bridle and the + carved-leather saddle.</p> + + <p>But when evening came, and the end of the month, Supervisor + Davidson always found himself in trouble. Then he sat down + before his typewriter, on which he pecked methodically with the + rigid forefinger of his right hand. Naturally slow of thought + when confronted by blank paper, the mechanical limitations put + him far behind in his reports and correspondence. Naturally + awkward of phrase when deprived of his picturesque vernacular, + he stumbled among phrases. The monthly reports were a nightmare + to him. When at last they were finished, he breathed a deep + sigh, and went out into his sugar pines and spruces.</p> + + <p>In August California John received his first inspector. At + that time the Forest Service, new to the saddle, heir to the + confusion left by the Land Office, knew neither its field nor + its office men as well as it does now. Occasionally it made + mistakes in those it sent out. Brent was one of them.</p> + + <p>Brent was of Teutonic extraction, brought up in Brookline, + educated in the Yale Forestry School, and experienced in the + offices of the Bureau of Forestry before it had had charge of + the nation's estates. He possessed a methodical mind, a rather + intolerant disposition, thick glasses, a very cold and precise + manner, extreme personal neatness, and abysmal ignorance of the + West. He disapproved of California John's rather slipshod + dress, to start with; his ingrained reticence shrank from + Davidson's informal cordiality; his orderly mind recoiled with + horror from the jumble of the Supervisor's accounts and + reports. As he knew nothing whatever of the Sierras, he was + quite unable to appreciate the value of trails, of fenced + meadows, of a countryside of peace—those things were so + much a matter of course back East that he hardly noticed them + one way or another. Brent's thoroughness burrowed deep into + office failures. One by one he dragged them to the light and + examined them through his near-sighted glasses. They were bad + enough in all conscience; and Brent was not in the least + malicious in the inferences he drew. Only he had no conception + of judging the Man with the Time and the Place.</p> + + <p>He believed in military smartness, in discipline, in ordered + activities.</p> + + <p>"It seems to me you give your rangers a great deal of + freedom and latitude," said he one day.</p> + + <p>"Well," said California John, "strikes me that's the only + way. With men like these you got to get their confidence."</p> + + <p>Brent peered at him.</p> + + <p>"H'm," said he sarcastically, "do you think you have done + so?"</p> + + <p>California John flushed through his tan at the implication, + but he replied nothing.</p> + + <p>This studied respect for his superior officer on the + Supervisor's part encouraged Brent to deliver from time to time + rather priggish little homilies on the way to run a Forest. + California John listened, but with a sardonic smile concealed + beneath his sun-bleached moustache. After a little, however, + Brent became more inclined to bring home the personal + application. Then California John grew restive.</p> + + <p>"In fact," Brent concluded his incisive remarks one day, + "you run this place entirely too much along your own + lines."</p> + + <p>California John leaned forward.</p> + + <p>"Is that an official report?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"What?" inquired Brent, puzzled.</p> + + <p>"That last remark. Because if it ain't you'd better put it + in writing and make it official. Step right in and do it + now!"</p> + + <p>Brent looked at him in slight bewilderment.</p> + + <p>"I'm willing to hear your talk," went on California John + quietly. "Some of it's good talk, even if it ain't put out in + no very good spirit; and I ain't kicking on + criticism—that's what I'm here for, and what you're here + for. But I ain't here for no <i>private</i> remarks. If you've + got anything to kick on, put it down and sign it and send it + on. I'll stand for it, and explain it if I can; or take my + medicine if I can't. But anything you ain't ready and willing + to report on, I don't want to take from you private. + <i>Sabe?</i>"</p> + + <p>Brent bowed coldly, turned his back and walked away without + a word. California John looked after him.</p> + + <p>"Well, that wasn't no act of Solomon," he told himself; + "but, anyway, I feel better."</p> + + <p>After Brent's departure it took California John two weeks to + recover his equanimity and self-confidence. Then the importance + of his work gripped him once more. He looked about him at the + grazing, the policing, the fire-fighting, all the varied + business of the reserves. In them all he knew was no graft, and + no favouritism. The trails were being improved; the cabins + built; the meadows for horse-feed fenced; the bridges built and + repaired; the country patrolled by honest and enthusiastic men. + He recalled the old days of Henry Plant's administration under + the Land-Office—the graft, the supineness, the + inefficiency, the confusion.</p> + + <p>"We're savin' the People's property, and keepin' it in good + shape," he argued to himself, "and that's sure the main point. + If we take care of things, we've done the main job. Let the + other fellows do the heavy figgerin'. The city's full of cheap + bookkeepers who can't do nothing else."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXV"></a> + + <h2>XXV</h2><br> + + + <p>But a month later, at the summer camp, California John had + opportunity to greet a visitor whom he was delighted to see. + One morning a very dusty man leaned from his saddle and + unlatched the gate before headquarters. As he straightened + again, he removed his broad hat and looked up into the cool + pine shadows with an air of great refreshment.</p> + + <p>"Why, it's Ashley Thorne!" cried California John, leaping to + his feet.</p> + + <p>"The same," replied Thorne, reaching out his hand.</p> + + <p>He dismounted, and Charley Morton, grinning a welcome, led + his horse away to the pasture.</p> + + <p>"I sure am glad to see you!" said California John over and + over again; "and where did you come from? I thought you were + selling pine lands in Oregon."</p> + + <p>Thorne dropped into a chair with a sigh of contentment. "I + was," said he, "and then they made the Transfer, so I came + back."</p> + + <p>"You're in the Service again?" cried California John + delighted.</p> + + <p>"Couldn't stay out now that things are in proper hands."</p> + + <p>"Good! I expect you're down here to haul me over the coals," + California John chuckled.</p> + + <p>"Oh, just to look around," said Thorne, biting at his + close-clipped, bristling moustache.</p> + + <p>Next morning they began to look around. California John was + overjoyed at this chance to show a sympathetic and congenial + man what he had done.</p> + + <p>"I got a trail 'way up Baldy now," he confided as they swung + aboard. "It's a good trail too; and it makes a great fire + lookout. We'll take a ride up there, if you have time before + you go. Well, as I was telling you about that Cook cattle + case—the old fellow says----"</p> + + <p>At the end of the Supervisor's long and interested + dissertation on the Cook case, Thorne laughed gently.</p> + + <p>"Looks as if you had him," said he, "and I think the Chief + will sustain you. You like this work, don't you?"</p> + + <p>"I sure just naturally love it," replied California John + earnestly. "I've got the chance now to straighten things out. + What I say goes. For upward of nine years I've been ridin' + around seein' how things had ought to be done. And I couldn't + get results nohow. Somebody always had a graft in it that + spoiled the whole show. I could see how simple and easy it + would be to straighten everythin' all out in good shape; but I + couldn't do nothing."</p> + + <p>"Hard enough to hold your job," suggested Thorne.</p> + + <p>"That's it. And everybody in the country thought I was a + damn fool. Only damn fools and lazy men took rangers' jobs + those days. But I hung on because I believed in it. And now I + got the best job in the bunch. In place of being looked down on + as that old fool John, I'm Mr. Davidson, the Forest + Supervisor."</p> + + <p>"It's a matter for pride," said Thorne non-committally.</p> + + <p>"It isn't that," denied the old man; "I'm not proud because + I'm Supervisor. Lord love you, Henry Plant was Supervisor; and + I never heard tell that any one was proud of him, not even + himself. But I'm proud of being a <i>good</i> supervisor. They + ain't a sorehead near us now. Everybody's out for the Forest. + I've made 'em understand that it's for them. They know the + Service is square. And we ain't had fires to amount to nothing; + nor trespass."</p> + + <p>"You've done good work," said Thorne soberly; "none better. + No one could have done it but you. You have a right to be proud + of it."</p> + + <p>"Then you'll be sending in a good report," said California + John, solely by way of conversation. "I suspicion that last + fellow gave me an awful roast."</p> + + <p>"I'm not an inspector," replied Thorne.</p> + + <p>"That so? You used to be before you resigned; so I thought + sure you must be now. What's your job?"</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you when we have more time," said Thorne.</p> + + <p>For three days they rode together. The Supervisor was a very + busy man. He had errands of all sorts to accomplish. Thorne + simply went along. Everywhere he found good feeling, + satisfactory conditions.</p> + + <p>At the end of the third day as the two men sat before the + rough stone fireplace at headquarters, Thorne abruptly broke + the long silence.</p> + + <p>"John," said he, "I've got a few things to say that are not + going to be pleasant either for you or for me. Nevertheless, I + am going to say them. In fact, I asked the Chief for the + privilege rather than having you hear through the regular + channels."</p> + + <p>California John had not in the least changed his position, + yet all at once the man seemed to turn still and watchful.</p> + + <p>"Fire ahead," said he.</p> + + <p>"You asked me the other day what my job is. It is Supervisor + of this district. They have appointed me in your place."</p> + + <p>"Oh, they have," said California John. He sat for some time, + his eyes narrowing, looking straight ahead of him. "I'd like to + know why!" he burst out at last. A dull red spot burned on each + side his weather-beaten cheeks.</p> + + <p>"I—"</p> + + <p>"You had nothing to do with it," interrupted California John + sharply; "I know that. But who did? Why did they do it? By + God," he brought his fist down sharply, "I intend to get to the + bottom of this! I've been in the Service since she started. + I've served honest. No man can say I haven't done all my duty + and been square. And that's been when every man-jack of them + was getting his graft as reg'lar as his pay check. And since + I've been Supervisor is the only time this Forest has ever been + in any kind of shape, if I do say it myself. I've rounded her + up. I've stopped the graft. I've fixed the 'soldiers.' I've got + things in shape. They can't remove me without cause—I + know that—and if they think I'm goin' to lie down and + take it without a kick, they've got off the wrong foot good and + plenty!"</p> + + <p>Thorne sat tight, nor offered a word of comment.</p> + + <p>"You've been an inspector," California John appealed to him. + "You've been all over the country among the different reserves. + Ain't mine up to the others?"</p> + + <p>"Things are in better shape here than in any of them," + replied Thorne decisively; "your rangers have more <i>esprit de + corps</i>, your neighbours are better disposed, your fires have + a smaller percentage of acreage, your trails are better."</p> + + <p>"Well?" demanded California John.</p> + + <p>"Well," repeated Thorne leaning forward, "just this. What's + the use of it all?"</p> + + <p>"Use?" repeated California John vaguely.</p> + + <p>"Yes. Of what you and all the rest of us are doing."</p> + + <p>"To save the public's property."</p> + + <p>"That's part of it; and that's the part you've been doing + superlatively well. It's the old idea, that: the idea expressed + by the old name—the Forest <i>Reserves</i>—to save, + to set aside. It seemed the most important thing. The forests + had so many eager enemies—unprincipled land-grabbers and + lumbermen, sheep, fire. To beat these back required all our + best efforts. It was all we could think of. We hadn't time to + think of anything else. It was a full job."</p> + + <p>"You bet it was," commented the old man grimly.</p> + + <p>"Well, it's done. There will be attempts to go back to the + old state of affairs, but they will grow feebler from year to + year. Things will never slide back again. The people are + awake."</p> + + <p>"Think so?" doubted California John.</p> + + <p>"I know it. Now comes the new idea. We no longer speak of + Forest Reserves, but of National Forests. We've saved them; now + what are we going to do with them? What would you think of a + man who cleared a 'forty', and pulled all the stumps, and then + quit work?"</p> + + <p>"I never thought of that," said California John, "but what's + that got to do with these confounded whelps----"</p> + + <p>"We are going to use these forests for the benefit of the + people. We're going to cut the ripe trees and sell them to the + lumber manufacturer; we're going to develop the water power; + we're going to improve the grazing; we're going to study what + we have here, so that by and by from our forests we will be + getting the income the lumberman now gets, and will not be + injuring the estate. Each Forest is going to be a big and + complicated business, like railroading or wholesaling. Anybody + can run Martin's store down at the Flats. It takes a trained + man to oversee even a proposition like the Star at White + Oaks."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I see what you're drivin' at," said California John, + "but I've made good up to now; and until they try me out, + they've no right to fire me. I'll defy 'em to find anythin' + crooked!!!"</p> + + <p>"John, you're as straight as a string. But they have tried + you out. Your office work has been away off."</p> + + <p>"Oh, that! What's those dinkey little reports and + monkeydoodle business amount to, anyhow? You know perfectly + well it's foolish to ask a ranger to fill out an eight-page + blank every time he takes a ride. What does that amount + to?"</p> + + <p>"Not very much," confessed Thorne. "But when things begin to + hum around here there'll be a thousand times as much of the + same sort of stuff, and it'll <i>all</i> be important."</p> + + <p>"They'd better get me a clerk."</p> + + <p>"They would get you a clerk, several of them. But no man has + a right to even boss a job he doesn't himself understand. What + do you know about timber grading? estimating? mapping? What is + your scientific training—?"</p> + + <p>"I've give my soul and boot-straps to this Service for nine + years—at sixty and ninety a month," interrupted + California John. "Part of that I spent for tools they was too + stingy to give me. Now they kick me out."</p> + + <p>"Oh, no, they don't," said Thorne. "Not any! But you agree + with me, don't you, that you couldn't hold down the job?"</p> + + <p>"I suppose so," snapped California John. "To hell with such + a game. I think I'll go over Goldfield way."</p> + + <p>"No, you won't," said Thorne gently. "You'll stay here, in + the Service."</p> + + <p>"What!" cried the old man rising to his feet; "stay here in + the Service! And every mountain man to point me out as that old + fool Davidson who got fired after workin' nine years like a + damn ijit. You talk foolish!"</p> + + <p>Thorne arose too, and put one hand on the old man's + shoulder.</p> + + <p>"And what about those nine years?" he asked gently. "Things + looked pretty dark, didn't they? You didn't have enough to live + on; and you got your salary docked without any reason or + justice; and you had to stand one side while the other fellows + did things dishonest and wrong; and it didn't look as though it + was ever going to get better. Nine years is a long time. Why + did you do it?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know," muttered California John.</p> + + <p>"It was just waiting for this time that is coming. In five + years we'll have the people with us; we'll have Congress, and + the money to do things; we'll have sawmills and water-power, + and regulated grazing, and telephone lines, and comfortable + quarters. We'll have a Service safeguarded by Civil Service, + and a body of disciplined men, and officers as the Army and + Navy have. It's coming; and it's coming soon. You've been nine + years at the other thing—"</p> + + <p>"It's humiliating," insisted California John, "to do a job + well and get fired."</p> + + <p>"You'll still have just the job you have now—only + you'll be called a head-ranger."</p> + + <p>"My people won't see it that way."</p> + + <p>Ashley Thorne hesitated.</p> + + <p>"No, they won't," said he frankly at last. "I could argue on + the other side; but they won't. They'll think you've dropped + back a peg; and they'll say to each other—at least some + of them will: 'Old Davidson bit off more than he could chew; + and it serves him right for being a damn fool, anyway.' You've + been content to play along misunderstood for nine years because + you had faith. Has that faith deserted you?"</p> + + <p>California John looked down, and his erect shoulders shrunk + forward a little.</p> + + <p>"Old friend," said Thorne, "it's a sacrifice. Are you going + to stay and help me?"</p> + + <p>California John for a long time studied a crack in the + floor. When he looked up his face was illuminated with his + customary quizzical grin.</p> + + <p>"I've sure got it on Ross Fletcher," he drawled. "I done + <i>told</i> him I wasn't no supervisor, and he swore I + was."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="PART_FOUR"></a> + + <h2>PART FOUR</h2><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="I"></a> + + <h2>I</h2><br> + + + <p>When next Bob was able to visit the Upper Camp, he found + Thorne fully established. He rode in from the direction of Rock + Creek, and so through the pasture and by the back way. In the + tiny potato and garden patch behind the house he came upon a + woman wielding a hoe.</p> + + <p>Her back was toward him, and a pink sunbonnet, freshly + starched, concealed all her face. The long, straight lines of + her gown fell about a vigorous and supple figure that swayed + with every stroke of the hoe. Bob stopped and watched her. + There was something refreshing in the eagerness with which she + attacked the weeds, as though it were less a drudgery than a + live interest which it was well to meet joyously. After a + moment she walked a few steps to another row of tiny beans. Her + movements had the perfect grace of muscular control; one + melted, flowed, into the other. Bob's eye of the athlete noted + and appreciated this fact. He wondered to which of the mountain + clans this girl belonged. Vigorous and breezy as were the + maidens of the hills, able to care for themselves, like the + paladins of old, afoot or ahorse, they lacked this grace of + movement. He stepped forward.</p> + + <p>"I beg pardon," said he.</p> + + <p>The girl turned, resting the heel of her hoe on the earth, + and both hands on the end of its handle. Bob saw a dark, oval + countenance, with very red cheeks, very black eyes and hair, + and an engaging flash of teeth. The eyes looked at him as + frankly as a boy's, and the flash of teeth made him + unaffectedly welcome.</p> + + <p>"Is Mr. Thorne here?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Why, no," replied the girl; "but I'm Mr. Thorne's sister. + Won't I do?"</p> + + <p>She was leisurely laying aside her hoe, and drawing the + fringed buckskin gauntlets from her hands. Bob stepped + gallantly forward to relieve her of the implement.</p> + + <p>"Do?" he echoed. "Why, of course you'll do!"</p> + + <p>She stopped and looked him full in the face, with an air of + great amusement.</p> + + <p>"Did you come to see Mr. Thorne on business?" she asked.</p> + + <p>"No," replied Bob; "just ran over to see him."</p> + + <p>She laughed quietly.</p> + + <p>"Then I'm afraid I won't do," she said, "for I must cook + dinner. You see," she explained, "I'm Mr. Thorne's clerk, and + if it were business, I might attend to it."</p> + + <p>Bob flushed to the ears. He was ordinarily a young man of + sufficient self-possession, but this young woman's directness + was disconcerting. She surveyed his embarrassment with + approving eyes.</p> + + <p>"You might finish those beans," said she, offering the hoe. + "Of course, you must stay to dinner, and I must go light the + fire."</p> + + <p>Bob finished the beans, leaned the hoe up against the house, + and went around to the front. There he stopped in + astonishment.</p> + + <p>"Well, you have changed things!" he cried.</p> + + <p>The stuffy little shed kitchen was no longer occupied. A + floor had been laid between the bases of four huge trees, and + walls enclosing three sides to the height of about eight feet + had been erected. The affair had no roof. Inside these three + walls were the stove, the kitchen table, the shelves and + utensils of cooking. Miss Thorne, her sunbonnet laid aside from + her glossy black braids, moved swiftly and easily here and + there in this charming stage-set of a kitchen. About ten feet + in front of it, on the pine needles, stood the dining table, + set with white.</p> + + <p><img src="images/rgillp332.jpg" + alt="I beg pardon, said he. The girl turned"></p> + + <p>The girl nodded brightly to Bob.</p> + + <p>"Finished?" she inquired. She pointed to the water pail: + "There's a useful task for willing hands."</p> + + <p>Bob filled the pail, and set it brimming on the section of + cedar log which seemed to be its appointed resting place.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," said the girl. Bob leaned against the tree and + watched her as she moved here and there about the varied + business of cooking. Every few minutes she would stop and look + upward through the cool shadows of the trees, like a bird + drinking. At times she burst into snatches of song, so brief as + to be unrecognizable.</p> + + <p>"Do you like sticks in your food?" she asked Bob, as though + suddenly remembering his presence, "and pine needles, and the + husks of pine nuts, and other débris? because that's + what the breezes and trees and naughty little squirrels are + always raining down on me."</p> + + <p>"Why don't you have the men stretch you a canvas?" asked + Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well," said the girl, stopping short, "I have considered + it. I no more than you like unexpected twigs in my dough. But + you see I do like shadows and sunlight and upper air and + breezes in my food. And you can't have one without the other. + Did you get all the weeds out?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Bob. "Look here; you ought not to have to do + such work as that."</p> + + <p>"Do you think it will wear down my fragile strength?" she + asked, looking at him good-humouredly. "Is it too much exercise + for me?"</p> + + <p>"No—" hesitated Bob, "but—"</p> + + <p>"Why, bless you, I like to help the babies to grow big and + green," said she. "One can't have the theatre or bridge up + here; do leave us some of the simple pleasures."</p> + + <p>"Why did you want me to finish for you then?" demanded Bob + shrewdly.</p> + + <p>She laughed.</p> + + <p>"Young man," said she, "I could give you at least ten + reasons," with which enigmatic remark she whipped her apron + around her hand and whisked open the oven door, where were + displayed rows of beautifully browned biscuits.</p> + + <p>"Nevertheless----" began Bob.</p> + + <p>"Nevertheless," she took him up, raising her face, slightly + flushed by the heat, "all the men-folks are busy, and this one + woman-folk is not harmed a bit by playing at being a farmer + lassie."</p> + + <p>"One of the rangers could do it all in a couple of + hours."</p> + + <p>"The rangers are in the employ of the United States + Government, and this garden is mine," she stated evenly. "How + could I take a Government employee to work on my property?"</p> + + <p>"But surely Mr. Thorne—"</p> + + <p>"Ashley, bless his dear old heart, takes beans for granted, + as something that happens on well-regulated tables."</p> + + <p>She walked to the edge of the kitchen floor and looked up + through the trees. "He ought to be along soon now. I hope so; + my biscuits are just on the brown." She turned to Bob, her eyes + dancing: "Now comes the exciting moment of the day, the great + gamble! Will he come alone, or will he bring a half-dozen with + him? I am always ready for the half-dozen, and as a consequence + we live in a grand, ingenious debauch of warmed-ups and + next-days. You don't know what good practice it is; nor what + fun! I've often thought I could teach those cooks of Marc + Antony's something—you remember, don't you, they used to + keep six dinners going all at different stages of preparation + because they never knew at what hour His High-and-mightiness + might choose to dine. Or perhaps you don't know? Football men + don't have to study, do they?"</p> + + <p>"What makes you think I'm a football man?" grinned Bob; + "generally bovine expression?"</p> + + <p>"Not know the great Bob Orde!" cried the girl. "Why, not one + of us but had your picture, generally in a nice gilt shrine, + but <i>always</i> with violets before it."</p> + + <p>But on this ground Bob was sure.</p> + + <p>"You have been reading a ten-cent magazine," he admonished + her gravely. "It is unwise to take your knowledge of the + customs in girls' colleges from such sources."</p> + + <p>From the depths of the forest eddied a cloud of dust. Miss + Thorne appraised it carefully.</p> + + <p>"Warmed-overs to-night," she pronounced. "There's no more + than two of them."</p> + + <p>The accuracy of her guess was almost immediately verified by + the appearance of two riders. A moment later Thorne and + California John dismounted at the hitching rail, some distance + removed among the azaleas, and came up afoot. The younger man + had dropped all his dry, official precision, his incisive + abruptness, his reticence. Clad in the high, laced cruisers, + the khaki and gray flannel, the broad, felt hat and gay + neckerchief of what might be called the professional class of + out-of-door man, his face glowing with health and enthusiasm, + he seemed a different individual.</p> + + <p>"Hullo! Hullo!" he cried out a joyous greeting as he drew + nearer; "I couldn't bring you much company to-day, Amy. But I + see you've found some. How are you, Orde? I'm glad to see + you."</p> + + <p>He and California John disappeared behind the shed, where + the wash basin was; while Amy, with deftness, rearranged the + table to accord with the numbers who would sit down to it.</p> + + <p>The meal in the open was most delightful; especially to Bob, + after his long course of lumber-camp provender. The deep + shadows shifted slowly across the forest floor. Sparkles of + sunlight from unexpected quarters touched gently in turn each + of the diners, or glittered back from glass or linen. + Occasionally a wandering breeze lifted a corner of the + tablecloth and let it fall, or scurried erratically across the + table itself. Occasionally, too, a pine needle, a twig, a leaf + would zigzag down through the air to fall in some one's coffee + or glass or plate. Birds flashed across the open vault of this + forest room—brilliant birds, like the Louisiana Tanager; + sober little birds like the creepers and nuthatches. + Circumspect and reserved whitecrowns and brush tohees scratched + and hopped silently over the forest litter. Once a swift + falcon, glancing like a shadowy death, slanted across the upper + spaces. The food was excellent, and daintily served.</p> + + <p>"I am proud of my blue and white enamel-ware," Miss Thorne + told Bob; "it's so much better than tin or this ugly gray. And + that glass pitcher I got with coupons from the coffee + packages."</p> + + <p>"You didn't get these with coupons?" said Bob, lifting one + of the massive silver forks.</p> + + <p>"No," she admitted. "That is my one foolishness. All the + rest does not matter, but I can't get along without my + silver."</p> + + <p>"And a great nuisance it is to those who have to move as we + move," put in Ashley Thorne.</p> + + <p>The forest officers took up their broken conversation. Bob + found himself a silent but willing listener. He heard + discussion of policies, business dealings, plans that widened + the horizon of what the Forest had meant to him. In these + discussions the girl took an active and intelligent part. Her + opinion seemed to be accepted seriously by both the men, as one + who had knowledge, and indeed, her grasp of details seemed as + comprehensive as that of the men themselves.</p> + + <p>Finally Thorne pushed his chair back and began to fill his + pipe.</p> + + <p>"Anybody here to-day?" he asked.</p> + + <p>The girl ran over rapidly a half-dozen names, sketching + briefly the business they had brought. Then, one after the + other, she told the answers she had made to them. This one had + been given blanks, forms and instructions. That one had been + told clearly that he was in the wrong, and must amend his ways. + The other had been advised but tentatively, and informed that + he must see the Supervisor personally. To each of these Thorne + responded by a brief nod, puffing, meanwhile, on his pipe.</p> + + <p>"All right?" she asked, when she had finished.</p> + + <p>"All right but one," said he, removing his pipe at last. "I + don't think it will be advisable to let Francotti have what he + wants."</p> + + <p>"Pull the string, then!" cried the girl gaily.</p> + + <p>Thorne turned to California John in discussion of the + Francotti affair.</p> + + <p>"What do you mean by 'pull the string'?" Bob took the + occasion to inquire.</p> + + <p>"I settle a lot of these little matters that aren't worth + bothering Ashley with," she explained, "but I tie a string to + each of my decisions. I always make them 'subject to the + Supervisor's approval.' Then if I do wrong, all I have to do is + to write the man and tell him the Supervisor does not + approve."</p> + + <p>"I shouldn't think you'd like that," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Like what?"</p> + + <p>"Why, it sort of puts you in a hole, doesn't it? Lays all + the blame on you."</p> + + <p>She laughed in frank amusement.</p> + + <p>"What of it?" she challenged.</p> + + <p>"Any letters?" Thorne asked abruptly. "Morton brought mail + this morning, didn't he?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing wildly important—except that they're thinking + of adopting a ranger uniform."</p> + + <p>"A uniform!" snorted California John, rearing his old + head.</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes, I've heard of that," put in Thorne instantly. + "It's to be a white pith helmet with a green silk scarf on it; + red coat with gold lace, and white, English riding breeches + with leather leggins. Don't you think old John would look sweet + in that?" he asked Bob.</p> + + <p>But the old man refused to be drawn out.</p> + + <p>"Supervisors same; but with a gold pompon on top the + helmet," he observed. "What <i>is</i> the dang thing, anyway, + Amy?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Dark green whipcord, green buttons, gray hat, military + cut."</p> + + <p>"Not bad," said Thorne.</p> + + <p>"About one fifty-mile ride and one fire would make that + outfit look like a bunch of mildewed alfalfa. Blue jeans is + about my sort of uniform," observed John.</p> + + <p>"I don't believe we'd be supposed to wear it on range," + suggested Thorne. "Only in town and official business." He + turned to the girl again: "May have to go over Baldy + to-morrow," said he, "so we'll run off those letters."</p> + + <p>She arose and saluted, military fashion. The two disappeared + in the tiny box-office, whence presently came the sound of + Thorne's voice in dictation.</p> + + <p>California John knocked the ashes from his pipe.</p> + + <p>"Get your apron on, sonny," said he.</p> + + <p>He tested the water on the stove and slammed out a + commodious dish-pan.</p> + + <p>"Glasses first; then silver; and if you break anything, I'll + bash in your fool head. There's going to be some style to this + dishwashing. I used to slide 'em all in together and let her + go. But that ain't the way here. She knows four aces and the + jolly joker better than that. Glasses first."</p> + + <p>They washed and wiped the dishes, and laid them carefully + away.</p> + + <p>"She's a little wonder," said California John, nodding at + the office, "and there ain't none of the boys but helps all + they can."</p> + + <p>Thorne called the old man by name, and he disappeared into + the office. A moment later the girl emerged, smoothing back her + hair with both hands. She stepped immediately to the little + kitchen.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," said she. "That helps."</p> + + <p>"It was old John," disclaimed Bob. "I'm ashamed to say I + should never have thought of it."</p> + + <p>The girl nodded carelessly.</p> + + <p>"Where did you learn stenography?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I got that out of a ten-cent magazine too." She sat on + a bench, looked up at the sky through the trees, and drew a + deep breath.</p> + + <p>"You're tired," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Not a bit," she denied. "But I don't often get a chance to + just look up."</p> + + <p>"You seem to do the gardening, the cooking, the housework, + the clerical work—you don't do the laundry, too, do you?" + demanded Bob ironically.</p> + + <p>"You noticed those miserable khakis!" cried Amy with a + gesture of dismay. "Ashley," she called, "change those khakis + before you go out."</p> + + <p>"Yes, mama," came back a mock childish voice.</p> + + <p>"What's your salary?" demanded Bob bluntly, nodding toward + the office.</p> + + <p>"What?" she asked, as though puzzled.</p> + + <p>"Didn't you say you were the clerk?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I see. I just help Ashley out. He could <i>never</i> + get through the field work and the office work both."</p> + + <p>"Doesn't the Service allow him a clerk?"</p> + + <p>"Not yet; but it will in time."</p> + + <p>"What is Mr. Thorne's salary?"</p> + + <p>"Well, really----"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I beg pardon," cried Bob flushing; "I just meant + supervisors' salaries, of course. I wasn't prying, really. It's + all a matter of public record, isn't it?"</p> + + <p>"Of course." The girl checked herself. "Well, it's eighteen + hundred—and something for expenses."</p> + + <p>"Eighteen hundred!" cried Bob. "Do you mean to say that the + <i>two</i> of you give all your time for that! Why, we pay a + good woods foreman pretty near that!"</p> + + <p>"And that's all you do pay him," said the girl quietly. + "Money wage isn't the whole pay for any job that is worth + doing."</p> + + <p>"Don't understand," said Bob briefly.</p> + + <p>"We belong to the Service," she stated with a little + movement of pride. "Those tasks in life which give a high + moneyed wage, generally give only that. Part of our + compensation is that we belong to the Service; we are doing + something for the whole people, not just for ourselves." She + caught Bob's half-smile, more at her earnestness than at her + sentiment, and took fire. "You needn't laugh!" she cried. "It's + small now, but that's because it's the beginning, because we + have the privilege of being the forerunners, the pioneers! The + time will come when in this country there will be three great + Services—the Army, the Navy, the Forest; and an officer + in the one will be as much respected and looked up to as the + others! Perhaps more! In the long times of peace, while they + are occupied with their eternal Preparation, we shall be + labouring at Accomplishment."</p> + + <p>She broke off abruptly.</p> + + <p>"If you don't want to get me started, don't be superior," + she ended, half apologetic, half resentful.</p> + + <p>"But I do want to get you started," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"It's amusing, I don't doubt."</p> + + <p>"Not quite that: it's interesting, and I am no longer + bewildered at the eighteen hundred a year—that is," he + quoted a popular song, "'if there are any more at home like + you.'"</p> + + <p>She looked at him humorously despairing.</p> + + <p>"That's just like an outsider. There are plenty who feel as + I do, but they don't say so. Look at old California John, at + Ross Fletcher, at a half-dozen others under your very nose. + Have you ever stopped to think why they have so long been + loyal? I don't suppose you have, for I doubt if they have. But + you mark my words!"</p> + + <p>"All right, Field Marshal—or is it 'General'?" said + Bob.</p> + + <p>She laughed.</p> + + <p>"Just camp cook," she replied good-humouredly.</p> + + <p>The sun was slanting low through the tall, straight trunks + of the trees. Amy Thorne arose, gathered a handful of kindling, + and began to rattle the stove.</p> + + <p>"I am contemplating a real pudding," she said over her + shoulder.</p> + + <p>Bob arose reluctantly.</p> + + <p>"I must be getting on," said he.</p> + + <p>They said farewell. At the hitching rail Thorne joined + him.</p> + + <p>"I'm afraid I'm not very hospitable," said the Supervisor, + "but that mustn't discourage you from coming often. We'll be + better organized in time."</p> + + <p>"It's mighty pleasant over here; I've enjoyed myself," said + Bob, mounting.</p> + + <p>Thorne laid his hand on the young man's knee.</p> + + <p>"I wish we could induce you old-timers to come to our way of + thinking," said he pleasantly.</p> + + <p>"How's that?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Your slash is in horrible shape."</p> + + <p>"Our slash!" repeated Bob in a surprised tone. "How?"</p> + + <p>"It's a regular fire-trap, the way you leave it tangled up. + It wouldn't cost you much to pile the tops and leave the ground + in good shape."</p> + + <p>"Why, it's just like any other slash!" protested Bob. "We're + logging just as everybody always logs!"</p> + + <p>"That's just what I object to. And when you fell a tree or + pull a log to the skids, I do wish we could induce you to pay a + little attention to the young growth. It's a little more + trouble, sometimes, to go around instead of through, but it's + worth it to the forest."</p> + + <p>Bob's brows were bent on the Supervisor in puzzled surprise. + Thorne laughed, and slapped the young man's horse on the flanks + to start him.</p> + + <p>"You think it over!" he called.</p> + + <p>A half-hour's ride took Bob to the clearing where the + logging crews had worked the year before. Here, although the + hour was now late, he reined in his horse and looked. It was + the first time he had ever really done so. Heretofore a + slashing had been as much a part of the ordinary woodland + landscape as the forest itself.</p> + + <p>He saw then the abattis of splintered old trunks, of lopped + limbs, and entangled branches, piled up like jackstraws to the + height of even six or eight feet from the ground; the unsightly + mat of sodden old masses of pine needles and cedar fans; the + hundreds of young saplings bent double by the weight of + débris, broken square off, or twisted out of all chance + of becoming straight trees in their age; the long, deep, + ruthless furrows where the logs had been dragged through + everything that could stand in their way; the few trees left + standing, weak specimens, undesirable species, the culls of the + forest, further scarred where the cruel steel cables had rasped + or bitten them. He knew by experience the difficulty of making + a way, even afoot, through this tangle. Now, under the + influence of Thorne's suggestion, he saw them as great piles of + so much fuel, laid as though by purpose for the time when the + evil genius of the forest should desire to warm himself.</p> + +<br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="II"></a> + + <h2>II</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob was finally late for supper, which he ate hastily and + without much appetite. After finishing the meal, he hunted up + Welton. He found the lumberman tilted back in a wooden + armchair, his feet comfortably elevated to the low rail about + the stove, his pipe in mouth, his coat off, and his waistcoat + unbuttoned. At the sight of his homely, jolly countenance, Bob + experienced a pleasant sensation of slipping back from an + environment slightly off-focus to the normal, accustomed and + real. Nevertheless, at the first opportunity, he tested his new + doubts by Welton's common sense.</p> + + <p>"I rode through our slash on 18," he remarked. "That's an + awful mess."</p> + + <p>"Slashes are," replied Welton succinctly.</p> + + <p>"If the thing gets afire it will make a hot blaze."</p> + + <p>"Sure thing," agreed Welton. "But we've never had one go + yet—at least, while we were working. There's men enough + to corral anything like that."</p> + + <p>"But we've always worked in a wet country," Bob pointed out. + "Here it's dry from April till October."</p> + + <p>"Have to take chances, then; and jump on a fire quick if it + starts," said Welton philosophically.</p> + + <p>"These forest men advise certain methods of obviating the + danger," Bob suggested.</p> + + <p>"Pure theory," returned Welton. "The theory's a good one, + too," he added. "That's where these college men are + strong—only it isn't practical. They mean well enough, + but they haven't the knowledge. When you look at anything broad + enough, it looks easy. That's what busts so many people in the + lumber business." He rolled out one of his jolly chuckles. + "Lumber barons!" he chortled. "Oh, it's easy enough! Any + mossback can make money lumbering! Here's your stumpage at a + dollar a thousand, and there's your lumber at twenty! Simplest + thing in the world. Just the same there are more failures in + the lumber business than in any other I know anything about. + Why is it?"</p> + + <p>"Economic waste," put in Merker, who was leaning across the + counter.</p> + + <p>"Lack of experience," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"A little of both," admitted Welton; "but it's more because + the business is made up of ten thousand little businesses. You + have to conduct a cruising business, and a full-fledged real + estate and mortgage business; you have to build houses and + factories, make roads, build railroads; you have to do a livery + trade, and be on the market for a thousand little things. + Between the one dollar you pay for stumpage and the twenty + dollars you get for lumber lies all these things. Along comes + your hardware man and says, Here, why don't you put in my new + kind of spark arrestor; think how little it costs; what's fifty + dollars to a half-million-dollar business? The spark arrester's + a good thing all right, so you put it in. And then there's + maybe a chance to use a little paint and make the shanties look + like something besides shanties; that don't cost much, either, + to a half-million-dollar business. And so on through a thousand + things. And by and by it's costing twenty dollars and one cent + to get your lumber to market; and it's B-U-S-T, bust!"</p> + + <p>"That's economic waste," put in Merker.</p> + + <p>"Or lack of experience," added Bob.</p> + + <p>"No," said Welton, emphasizing his point with his pipe; + <i>"it's not sticking to business!</i> It's not stripping her + down to the bare necessities! It's going in for frills! When + you get to be as old as I am, you learn not to monkey with the + band wagon."</p> + + <p>His round, red face relaxed into one of his good-humoured + grins, and he relit his pipe.</p> + + <p>"That's the trouble with this forestry monkey business. It's + all right to fool with, if you want fooling. So's fancy + farming. But it don't pay. If you are playing, why, it's all + right to experiment. If you ain't, why, it's a good plan to + stick to the methods of lumbering. The present system of doing + things has been worked out pretty thorough by a lot of pretty + shrewd business men. And it <i>works!"</i></p> + + <p>Bob laughed.</p> + + <p>"Didn't know you could orate to that extent," he gibed. + "Sic'em!"</p> + + <p>Welton grinned a trifle abashed. "You don't want to get me + started, then," said he.</p> + + <p>"Oh, but I do!" Bob objected, for the second time that + day.</p> + + <p>"Now this slashing business," went on the old lumberman in a + more moderate tone. "When the millennium comes, it would be a + fine thing to clear up the old slashings." He turned suddenly + to Bob. "How long do you think it would take you with a crew of + a dozen men to cut and pile the waste stuff in 18?" he + inquired.</p> + + <p>Bob cast back the eye of his recollection to the hopeless + tangle that cumbered the ground.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Lord!" he ejaculated; "don't ask me!"</p> + + <p>"If you were running a business would you feel like stopping + work and sending your men—whom you are feeding and + paying—back there to pile up that old truck?"</p> + + <p>Bob's mind, trained to the eager hurry of the logging + season, recoiled from this idea in dismay.</p> + + <p>"I should say not!" he cried. Then as a second thought he + added: "But what they want is to pile the tops while the work + is going on."</p> + + <p>"It takes just so much time to do so much work," stated + Welton succinctly, "and it don't matter whether you do it all + at once, or try to fool yourself by spraddling it out."</p> + + <p>He pulled strongly at his pipe.</p> + + <p>"Forest Reserves are all right enough," he acknowledged, + "and maybe some day their theories will work out. But not now; + not while taxes go on!"</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="III"></a> + + <h2>III</h2><br> + + + <p>One day, not over a week later, Bob working in the woods, + noticed California John picking his way through the new + slashing. This was a difficult matter, for the fresh-peeled + logs and the debris of the tops afforded few openings for the + passage of a horse. The old man made it, however, and finally + emerged on solid ground, much in the fashion of one climbing a + bank after an uncertain ford. He caught sight of Bob.</p> + + <p>"You fellows can change the face of the country beyant all + belief," announced the old man, pushing back his hat. "You're + worse than snow that way. I ought to know this country pretty + well, but when I get down into one of your pesky slashings, I'm + lost for a way out!"</p> + + <p>Bob laughed, and exchanged a few commonplace remarks.</p> + + <p>"If you can get off, you better come over our way," said + California John, as he gathered up his reins. "We're holding + ranger examinations—something new. You got to tell what + you know these days before you can work for Uncle Sam."</p> + + <p>"What do you have to know?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Come over and find out."</p> + + <p>Bob reflected.</p> + + <p>"I believe I will," he decided. "There's nothing to keep me + here."</p> + + <p>Accordingly, early next morning he rode over to the Upper + Camp. Outside, near the creek, he came upon the deserted + evidences of a gathering of men. Bed rolls lay scattered under + the trees, saddles had been thrown over fallen trunks, bags of + provisions hung from saplings, cooking utensils flanked the + smouldering remains of a fire which was, however, surrounded by + a scraped circle of earth after the careful fashion of the + mountains. Bob's eye, by now practised in the refinements of + such matters, ran over the various accoutrements thus spread + abroad. He estimated the number of their owners at about a + score. The bedroll of the cowman, the "turkey" of the lumber + jack, the quilts of the mountaineer, were all in evidence; as + well as bedding plainly makeshift in character, belonging to + those who must have come from a distance. A half-dozen horses + dozed in an improvised fence-corner corral. As many more were + tied to trees. Saddles, buckboards, two-wheeled carts, and even + one top buggy represented the means of transportation.</p> + + <p>Bob rode on through the gate to headquarters.. This he found + deserted, except for Amy Thorne. She was engaged in wiping the + breakfast dishes, and she excitedly waved a towel at the young + man as he rode up.</p> + + <p>"A godsend!" she cried. "I'm just dancing with impatience! + They've been gone five minutes! Come help me finish!"</p> + + <p>Bob fastened his horse, rolled back his sleeves, and took + hold with a will.</p> + + <p>"Where's your examining board, and your candidates?" he + inquired. "I thought I was going to see an examination."</p> + + <p>"Up the Meadow Trail," panted the girl. "Don't stop to talk. + Hurry!"</p> + + <p>They hurried, to such good purpose, that shortly they were + clambering, rather breathless, up the steeps of the Meadow + Trail. This led to a flat, upper shelf or bench in which, as + the name implied, was situated a small meadow. At the upper end + were grouped twenty-five men, closely gathered about some + object.</p> + + <p>Amy and Bob plunged into the dew-heavy grasses. The men + proved to be watching Thorne, who was engaged in tacking a + small target on the stub of a dead sugar pine. This + accomplished, he led the way back some seventy-five or eighty + paces.</p> + + <p>"Three shots each," said he, consulting his note-book. + "Off-hand. Hicks!"</p> + + <p>The man so named stepped forward to the designated mark, + sighted his piece carefully, and fired.</p> + + <p>"Do I get each shot called?" he inquired; but Thorne shook + his head.</p> + + <p>"You ought to know where your guns shoot," said he.</p> + + <p>After the third shot, the whole group went forward to + examine the target. Thorne marked the results in his note-book, + and called upon the next contestant.</p> + + <p>While the shooting went on, Bob had leisure to examine the + men. They numbered, as he had guessed, about twenty. Three were + plainly from the towns, for they wore thin shoes, white shirts, + and clothes of a sort ill adapted to out-of-door work in the + mountains. Two others, while more appropriately dressed in + khakis and high boots, were as evidently foreign to the hills. + Bob guessed them recent college graduates, perhaps even of some + one of the forestry schools. In this he was correct. The rest + were professional out-of-door men. Bob recognized two of his + own woods-crew—good men they were, too. He nodded to + them. A half-dozen lithe, slender youths, handsome and browned, + drew apart by themselves. He remembered having noticed one of + them as a particularly daring rider after Pollock's cattle the + fall before; and guessed his companions to be of the same + breed. Among the remainder, two picturesque, lean, slow and + quizzical prospectors attracted his particular attention.</p> + + <p>Most of these men were well practised in the use of the + rifle, but evidently not to exhibiting their skill in company. + What seemed to Bob a rather <i>exaggerated</i> earnestness + oppressed them. The shooting, with two exceptions, was not + good. Several, whom Bob strongly suspected had many a time + brought down their deer on the run, even missed the target + entirely! It was to be remarked that each contestant, though he + might turn red beneath his tan, took the announcement of the + result in silence.</p> + + <p>The two notable exceptions referred to were strangely + contrasted. The elder was one of the prospectors. He was armed + with an ancient 45-70 Winchester, worn smooth and shiny by long + carrying in a saddle holster. This arm was fitted with buckhorn + sights of the old mountain type. When it exploded, its black + powder blew forth a stunning detonation and volume of smoke. + Nevertheless, of the three bullets, two were within the tiny + black Thorne had seen fit to mark as bullseye, and the other + clipped close to its edge. A murmur of admiration went up from + the bystanders. Even eliminating the unaccountable nervousness + that had thrown so many shots wild, it seemed improbable that + any of the other contestants felt themselves qualified to equal + this score.</p> + + <p>"Good shooting," whispered Bob to Amy. "I doubt if I could + make out that bullseye through sights."</p> + + <p>The other exception, whose turn came somewhat later, was one + of the Easterners mentioned as a graduate of the forestry + school. This young man, not over twenty-two years of age, was + an attractive youngster, with refined features, and engaging + dark-blue eyes. His arm was the then latest model, a 33-calibre + high power, fitted with aperture sights. This he manipulated + with great care, adjusting it again and again; and fired with + such deliberation that some of the spectators moved + impatiently. Nevertheless, the target, on examination, showed + that he had duplicated the prospector's score. To be sure, the + worst shot had not cut quite as close to the bull as had that + of the older man, but on the other hand, those in the black + were slightly nearer the centre. It was generally adjudged a + good tie.</p> + + <p>"Well, youngster!" cried the prospector, heartily, "we're + the cocks of the walk! If you can handle the other weep'n as + well, I'll give you my hand for a good shot."</p> + + <p>The young man smiled shyly, but said nothing.</p> + + <p>The distance was now shortened to something under twenty + paces, and a new target substituted for the old. The black in + this was fully six inches in diameter.</p> + + <p>"Five shots with six-shooter," announced Thorne briefly.</p> + + <p>"A man should hit a dollar twice in five at that distance," + muttered the prospector. Thorne caught the remark.</p> + + <p>"You hit that five out of five, and I'll forgive you," said + he curtly. "Hicks, you begin."</p> + + <p>The contest went forward with varying success. Not over half + of the men were practised with the smaller arm. Some very wild + work was done. On the other hand, eight or ten performed very + creditably, placing their bullets in or near the black. Indeed, + two succeeded in hitting the bullseye four times out of five. + Every man took the utmost pains with every shot.</p> + + <p>"Now, Ware," said Thorne, at last, "step up. You've got to + make good that five out of five to win."</p> + + <p>The prospector stood forward, at the same time producing + from an open holster blackened by time one of the + long-barrelled single-action Colt's 45's, so universally in use + on the frontier. He glanced carelessly toward the mark, grinned + back at the crowd, turned, and instantly began firing. He shot + the five shots without appreciable sighting before each, as + fast as his thumb could pull back the long-shanked hammer. The + muzzle of the weapon rose and fell with a regularity positively + mechanical, and the five shots had been delivered in half that + number of seconds.</p> + + <p>"There's your five," said he, carelessly dropping his gun + back into its holster.</p> + + <p>The five bullets were found to be scattered within the + six-inch black.</p> + + <p>The concourse withdrew to give space for the next + contestant. Silence fell as the man was taking his aim. Amy + touched Bob's arm. He looked down. Her eyes were shining, and + her cheeks red with excitement.</p> + + <p>"Doesn't it remind you of anything?" she whispered + eagerly.</p> + + <p>"What?" he asked, not guessing her meaning.</p> + + <p>"This: all of it!" she waved her hand abroad at the fair + oval meadow with its fringe of tall trees and the blue sky + above it; at the close-gathered knot of spectators, and the + single contestant advanced before them. He shook his head. + "Wait," she breathed, laying her fingers across her lips.</p> + + <p>The contest wore along until it again came the turn of the + younger man. He stepped to the front, unbuckled a covered + holster of the sort never carried in the West, and produced one + of those beautifully balanced, beautifully finished revolvers + known as the Officer's Model. Taking the firm yet easy position + of the practised target shot, he sighted with great + deliberation, firing only when he considered his aim assured. + Indeed, once he lowered his weapon until a puff of wind had + passed. The five shots were found to be not only within the + black, but grouped inside a three-inch diameter.</p> + + <p>"'<i>A Hubert! A Hubert</i>!'" breathed the girl in Bob's + ear. "<i>In the clout</i>!"</p> + + <p>"I thought his name was Elliott," said Bob. "Is it + Hubert?"</p> + + <p>The girl eyed him reproachfully, but said nothing.</p> + + <p>"You're a <i>good</i> shot, youngster!" cried Ware, in the + heartiest congratulation; "but if Mr. Thorne don't mind, I'd + like to shoot off this tie. Down in our country we don't shoot + quite that way, or at that kind of a mark. Will you take a try + my way?"</p> + + <p>Amy leaned again toward Bob, her face aflame.</p> + + <p>"<i>'And now,'</i>" she shot at him, "'<i>I will crave your + Grace's permission to plant such a mark as is used in the north + country; and welcome every brave yeoman who shall try a shot at + it</i>—'Don't dare tell me you don't remember!"</p> + + <p>"'<i>A man can but do his best</i>,'" Bob took up the tale. + "Of course, I remember; you're right."</p> + + <p>"All right," Thorne was agreeing, "but make it short. We've + got a lot to do."</p> + + <p>Ware selected another target—one intended for the + six-shooters—that had not been used. This he tacked up in + place of the one already disfigured by many shots. Then he + paced off twelve yards.</p> + + <p>"That looks easier than the other," Thorne commented.</p> + + <p>"Mebbe," agreed Ware, non-committally, "but you may change + your mind. As for that sort of monkey-work," he indicated the + discarded target, "down our way we'd as soon shoot at a + barn."</p> + + <p>The girl softly clapped her hands.</p> + + <p>"'<i>For his own part</i>,'" she quoted in a breath, and so + rapidly that the words fairly tumbled over one another, "'<i>in + the land where he was bred, men would as soon take for their + mark King Arthur's round table, which held sixty knights around + it. A child of seven might hit yonder target with a headless + shaft</i>.' Oh, this is perfect."</p> + + <p>"Now," said Ware to young Elliott, "if you'll hit that mark + in my fashion of shooting, you're all right."</p> + + <p>Bob turned to the girl, his eyes dancing with delight.</p> + + <p>"'—<i>he that hits yon mark at I-forget-how-many + yards</i>,'" he declaimed, "'<i>I will call him an archer fit + to bear bow before a king</i>'—or something to that + effect; I'm afraid I'm not letter perfect."</p> + + <p>He laughed amusedly, and the girl laughed with him. "Just + the same, I'm glad you remember," she told him.</p> + + <p>Ware had by now taken his place at the new mark he had + established.</p> + + <p>"Fifteen shots," he announced. At the word his hand dropped + to the butt of his gun, his right shoulder hunched forward, and + with one lightning smooth motion the weapon glided from the + holster. Hardly had it left the leather when it was exploded. + The hammer had been cocked during the upward flip of the + muzzle. The first discharge was followed immediately by the + five others in a succession so rapid that Bob believed the man + had substituted a self-cocking arm until he caught the rapid + play of the marksman's thumb. The weapon was at no time raised + above the level of the man's waist.</p> + + <p>"Hold on!" commanded Ware, as the bystanders started forward + to examine the result of the shots. "Let's finish the string + first."</p> + + <p>He had been deliberately pushing out the exploded cartridges + one by one. Now he as deliberately reloaded. Taking a position + somewhat to the left of the target, he folded his arms so that + the revolver lay across his breast with its muzzle resting over + his left elbow. Then he strode rapidly but evenly across the + face of the target, discharging the five bullets as he + walked.</p> + + <p>Again he reloaded. This time he stood with the revolver + hanging in his right hand gazing intently for some moments at + the target, measuring carefully with his eye its direction and + height. He turned his back; and, flipping his gun over his left + shoulder, fired without looking back.</p> + + <p>"The first ten ought to be in the black," announced Ware, + "The last five ought to be somewheres on the paper. A fellow + can't expect more than to generally wing a man over his + shoulder."</p> + + <p>But on examination the black proved to hold but eight bullet + holes. The other seven, however, all showed on the paper.</p> + + <p>"Comes of not wiping out the dirt once in a while when + you're shooting black powder," said Ware philosophically.</p> + + <p>The crowd gazed upon him with admiration.</p> + + <p>"That's a remarkable group of shots to be literally + <i>thrown</i> out at that speed," muttered Thorne to Bob. "Why, + you could cover them with your hat! Well, young man," he + addressed Elliott, "step up!"</p> + + <p>But Elliott shook his head.</p> + + <p>"Couldn't touch that with a ten-foot pole," said he + pleasantly. "Mr. Ware has given me a new idea of what can be + done with a revolver. His work is especially good with that + heavily charged arm. I wish he would give us a little + exhibition of how close he can shoot with my gun. It's supposed + to be a more accurate weapon."</p> + + <p>"No, thank you," spoke up Ware. "I couldn't hit a flock of + feather pillers with your gun. You see, I shoot by + <i>throw</i>, and I'm used to the balance of my gun."</p> + + <p>Thorne finished making some notes.</p> + + <p>"All right, boys," he said, snapping shut his book. "We'll + go down to headquarters next."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="IV"></a> + + <h2>IV</h2><br> + + + <p>On the way down the narrow trail Bob found himself near the + two men from his own camp. He chaffed them good-humouredly over + their lack of skill in the contests, to which they replied in + the same spirit.</p> + + <p>Arrived at camp, Thorne turned to face his followers, who + gathered in a group to listen.</p> + + <p>"Let's have a little riding, boys," said he. "Bring out a + horse or two and some saddles. Each man must saddle his horse, + circle that tree down the road, return, unsaddle and throw up + both hands to show he's done."</p> + + <p>Bob was amused to see how the aspect of the men changed at + this announcement. The lithe young fellows, who had been + looking pretty sober over the records they had made at + shooting, brightened visibly and ran with some eagerness to + fetch out their own horses and saddles. Some of the others were + not so pleased, notably two of the young fellows from the + valley towns. Still others remained stolidly indifferent to a + trial in which they could not hope to compete with the + professional riders, but in which neither would they fail.</p> + + <p>The results proved the accuracy of this reasoning. A new set + of stars rose to the ascendant, while the heroes of the upper + meadow dropped into obscurity. Most of the mountain men saddled + expeditiously but soberly their strong and capable mountain + horses, rode the required distance, and unsaddled deftly. It + was part of their everyday life to be able to do such things + well. The two town boys, and, to Bob's surprise, one of his + lumberjacks, furnished the comic relief. They frightened the + horses allotted them, to begin with; threw the saddles aboard + in a mess which it was necessary to untangle; finally clambered + on awkwardly and rode precariously amid the yells and laughter + of the spectators.</p> + + <p>"How you expect to be a ranger, if you can't ride?" shouted + some one at the lumberjack.</p> + + <p>"If horses don't plumb <i>detest</i> me, I reckon I can + learn!" retorted the shanty boy, stoutly. "This ain't my + game!"</p> + + <p>But when young Pollock, whom Bob recognized as Jim's oldest, + was called out, the situation was altered. He appeared leading + a beautiful, half-broken bay, that snorted and planted its feet + and danced away from the unaccustomed crowd. Nevertheless the + lad, as impassive as an image, held him well in hand, awaiting + Thorne's signal.</p> + + <p>"Go!" called the Supervisor, his eyes on his watch.</p> + + <p>The boy, still grasping the hackamore in his left hand, with + his right threw the saddle blanket over the animal's back. + Stooping again, he seized the heavy stock saddle by the horn, + flipped it high in the air, and brought it across the horse + with so skilful a jerk that not only did the skirts, the heavy + stirrup and the horsehair cinch fall properly, but the cinch + itself swung so far under the horse's belly that young Pollock + was able to catch it deftly before it swung back. To thrust the + broad latigo through the rings, jerk it tight, and fasten it + securely was the work of an instant. With a yell to his horse + the boy sprang into the saddle. The animal bounded forward, + snorting and buck-plunging, his eye wild, his nostril wide. + Flung with apparent carelessness in the saddle, the rider, his + body swaying and bending and giving gracefully to every bound, + waved his broad hat, uttering shrill <i>yips</i> of + encouragement and admonition to his mount. The horse + straightened out and thundered swift as an arrow toward the + tree that marked the turning point. With unslackened gait, with + loosened rein, he swept fairly to the tree. It seemed to Bob + that surely the lad must overshoot the mark by many yards. But + at the last instant the rider swayed backward and sidewise; the + horse set his feet, plunged mightily thrice, threw up a great + cloud of dust, and was racing back almost before the spectators + could adjust their eyes to the change of movement. Straight to + the group horse and rider raced at top speed, until the more + inexperienced instinctively ducked aside. But in time the horse + sat back, slid and plunged ten feet in a spray of dust and pine + needles, to come to a quivering halt. Even before that young + Pollock had thrown himself from the saddle. Three jerks ripped + that article of furniture from its place to the earth. The boy, + with an engaging gleam of teeth, threw up both hands.</p> + + <p>It was flash-riding, of course; but flash-riding at its + best. And how the boys enjoyed it! Now the little group of + "buckeroos," heretofore rather shyly in the background, shone + forth in full glory.</p> + + <p>"Now let's see how good you are at packing," said Thorne, + when the last man had done his best or worst. "Jack," he told + young Pollock, "you go up in the pasture and catch me up that + old white pack mare. She's warranted to stand like a rock."</p> + + <p>While the boy was gone on this errand, Thorne rummaged the + camp. Finally he laid out on the ground about a peck of loose + potatoes, miscellaneous provisions, a kettle, frying-pan, + coffee-pot, tin plates, cutlery, a single sack of barley, a + pick and shovel, and a coil of rope.</p> + + <p>"That looks like a reasonable camp outfit," remarked Thorne. + "Just throw one of those pack saddles on her," he told Jack + Pollock, who led up the white mare. "Now you boys all retire; + you mustn't have a chance to learn from the other fellow. + Hicks, you stay. Now pack that stuff on that horse. I'll time + you."</p> + + <p>Hicks looked about him.</p> + + <p>"Where's the kyacks?<a name="FNanchor3"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a>" he demanded.</p> + + <p>"You don't get any kyacks," stated Thorne crisply.</p> + + <p>"Got to pack all that stuff without 'em?"</p> + + <p>"Sure."</p> + + <p>Hicks set methodically to work, gathering up the loose + articles, thrusting them into sacks, lashing the sacks on the + crossbuck saddle. At the end of a half-hour, he stepped + back.</p> + + <p>"That might ride—for a while," said Thorne.</p> + + <p>"I never pack without kyacks," said Hicks.</p> + + <p>"So I see. Well, sit down and watch the rest of them. Ware!" + Thorne shouted.</p> + + <p>The prospector disengaged himself from the sprawling and + distant group.</p> + + <p>"Throw those things off, and empty out those bags," ordered + Thorne. "Now, there's your camp outfit. Pack it, as fast as you + can."</p> + + <p>Ware set to work, also deliberately, it seemed. He threw a + sling, packed on his articles, and over it all drew the diamond + hitch.</p> + + <p>"Reckon that'll travel," he observed, stepping back.</p> + + <p>"Good pack," commended Thorne briefly, as he glanced at his + watch. "Eleven minutes."</p> + + <p>"Eleven minutes!" echoed Bob to California John, who sat + near, "and the other man took thirty-five! Impossible! Ware + didn't hurry any; he moved, if anything, slower than the other + man."</p> + + <p>"He didn't make no moves twice," pointed out California + John. "He knows how. This no-kyack business is going to puzzle + plenty of those boys who can do good, ordinary packing."</p> + + <p>"It's near noon," Thorne was saying; "we haven't time for + another of those duffers. I'll just call up your partner, Ware, + and we'll knock off for dinner."</p> + + <p>The partner did as well, or even a little better, for the + watch credited him with ten and one-half minutes, whereupon he + chaffed Ware hugely. Then the pack horse was led to a patiently + earned feed, while the little group of rangers, with Thorne, + his sister and Bob, moved slowly toward headquarters.</p> + + <p>"That's all this morning, boys," he told the waiting group + as they passed it. "This afternoon we'll double up a bit. The + rest of you can all take a try at the packing, but at the same + time we'll see who can cut down a tree quickest and best."</p> + + <p>"Stop and eat lunch with us," Amy was urging Bob. "It's only + a cold one—not even tea. I didn't want to miss the show. + So it's no bother."</p> + + <p>They all turned to and set the table under the open.</p> + + <p>"This is great fun," said Bob gratefully, as they sat down. + "Good as a field day. When do you expect to begin your + examinations? That's what these fellows are here for, isn't + it?"</p> + + <p>He looked up to catch both Thorne and Amy looking on him + with a comically hopeless air.</p> + + <p>"You don't mean to say!" cried Bob, a light breaking in on + him. "—of course! I never thought----"</p> + + <p>"What do you suppose we would examine candidates for Forest + Ranger in—higher mathematics?" demanded Amy.</p> + + <p>"Now that's practical—that's got some sense!" cried + Bob enthusiastically.</p> + + <p>Thorne, with a whimsical smile, held up his finger for + silence. Through the thin screen of azalea bushes that fringed + this open-air dining room Bob saw two men approaching down the + forest. They were evidently unaware of observation. With + considerable circumspection they drew near and disappeared + within the little tool house. Bob recognized the two + lumberjacks from his own camp.</p> + + <p>"What are those fellows after?" he demanded indignantly.</p> + + <p>But Thorne again motioned for caution.</p> + + <p>"I suspect," said Thorne in a low voice. "Go on eating your + lunch. We'll see."</p> + + <p>The men were inside the tool house for some time. When they + reappeared, each carried an axe. They looked about them + cautiously. No one was in sight. Then they thrust the axes + underneath a log, and disappeared in the direction of their own + camp.</p> + + <p>Thorne laughed aloud.</p> + + <p>"The old foxes!" said he. "I'll bet anything you please that + we'll find the two best-balanced axes the Government owns under + that log."</p> + + <p>Such proved to be the case. Furthermore, the implements had + been ground to a razor edge.</p> + + <p>"When I mentioned tree cutting, I saw their eyes light up," + said Thorne. "It's always interesting in a crowd of candidates + like this to see every man cheer up when his specialty comes + along." He chuckled. "Wait till I spring the written + examinations on them. Then you'll see them droop."</p> + + <p>"What else is there?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well, I'll organize regular survey + groups—compass-man, axe-man, rod-man, chain-men—and + let them run lines; and I'll make them estimate timber, and + make a sketch map or so. It's all practical."</p> + + <p>"I should think so!" cried Bob. "I wonder if I could pass it + myself." He laughed. "I should hate to tackle tying those + things on that horse—even after seeing those prospectors + do it!"</p> + + <p>"Most of them will go a little slow. They're used to kyacks. + But you'd have your specialty."</p> + + <p>"What would it be?" asked Amy curiously of Bob.</p> + + <p>The young man shook his head.</p> + + <p>"You haven't got some nice scrappy little job, have you?" he + asked, "where I can tell people to hop high? That's about all + I'm good for."</p> + + <p>"We might even have that," said Thorne, eyeing the young + man's proportions.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="V"></a> + + <h2>V</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob saw that afternoon the chopping contest. Thorne assigned + to each a tree some eighteen or twenty inches in diameter, + selecting those whose loss would aid rather than deplete the + timber stand, and also, it must be confessed, those whose close + proximity to others might make axe swinging awkward. About + twenty feet from the base of each tree he placed upright in the + earth a sharpened stake. This, he informed the axe-man, must be + driven by the fall of the tree.</p> + + <p>As in the previous contests, three classes of performers + quickly manifested themselves—the expert, the man of + workmanlike skill, and the absolute duffer. The lumberjacks + produced the implements they had that noon so carefully ground + to an edge. It was beautiful to see them at work. To all + appearance they struck easily, yet each stroke buried half the + blade. The less experienced were inclined to put a great deal + of swift power in the back swing, to throw too much strength + into the beginning of the down stroke. The lumberjacks drew + back quite deliberately, swung forward almost lazily. But the + power constantly increased, until the axe met the wood in a + mighty swish and whack. And each stroke fell in the gash of the + one previous. Methodically they opened the "kerf," each face + almost as smooth as though it had been sawn. At the finish they + left the last fibres on one side or another, according as they + wanted to twist the direction of the tree's fall. Then the + trunk crashed down across the stake driven in the ground.</p> + + <p>The mountaineers, accustomed to the use of the axe in their + backwoods work, did a workmanlike but not expert job on their + respective trees. They felled their trees accurately over the + mark, and their axe work was fairly clean, but it took them + some time to finish the job.</p> + + <p>But some of the others made heavy weather. Young Elliott was + the worst. It was soon evident that he had probably never had + any but a possible and casual wood-pile axe in his hand before. + The axe rarely hit twice in the same place; its edge had + apparently no cutting power; the handle seemed to be animated + with a most diabolical tendency to twist in mid-air. Bob, with + the wisdom of the woods, withdrew to a safe distance. The + others followed.</p> + + <p>Long after the others had finished, poor Elliott hacked + away. He seemed to have no definite idea of possible system. + All he seemed to be trying to do was to accomplish some kind of + a hole in that tree. The chips he cut away were small and + ragged; the gash in the side of the tree was long and + irregular.</p> + + <p>"Looks like somethin' had set out to <i>chaw</i> that tree + down!" drawled a mountain man to his neighbour.</p> + + <p>But when the tree finally tottered and crashed to the ground + it fairly centred the direction stake!</p> + + <p>The bystanders stared; then catching the expression of + ludicrous astonishment on Elliott's face, broke into + appreciative laughter.</p> + + <p>"I'm as much surprised as you are, boys," said Elliott, + showing the palms of his hands, on which were two blisters.</p> + + <p>"The little cuss is game, anyhow," muttered California John + to Thorne.</p> + + <p>"It was an awful job," confided the other; "but I marked him + something on it because he stayed with it so well."</p> + + <p>Toward sunset Bob said farewell, expressing many regrets + that he could not return on the morrow to see the rest of the + examinations. He rode back through the forest, thoughtfully + inclined. The first taste of the Western joy of mere existence + was passing with him. He was beginning to look upon his life, + and ask of it the why. To be sure, he could tell himself that + his day's work was well done, and that this should suffice any + man; that he was an integral part of the economic machine; that + in comparison with the average young man of his age he had made + his way with extraordinary success; that his responsibilities + were sufficient to keep him busy and happy; that men depended + on him—all the reasons that philosophy or acquiescence in + the plan of life ultimately bring to a man. But these did not + satisfy the uneasiness of his spirit. He was too young to + settle down to a routine; he was too intellectually restless to + be contented with reiterations, however varied, of that which + he had seen through and around. It was the old defect—or + glory—of his character; the quality that had caused him + more anxiety, more self-reproach, more bitterness of soul than + any other, the Rolling Stone spirit that—though now he + could not see it—even if it gathered no moss of + respectable achievement, might carry him far.</p> + + <p>So as he rode he peered into the scheme of things for the + final satisfaction. In what did it lie? Not for him in mere + activity, nor in the accomplishment of the world's work, no + matter how variedly picturesque his particular share of it + might be. He felt his interest ebbing, his spirit restless at + its moorings. The days passed. He arose in the morning: and it + was night! Four years ago he had come to California. It seemed + but yesterday. The days were past, gone, used. Of it all what + had he retained? The years had run like sea sands between his + fingers, and not a grain of them remained in his grasp. A + little money was there, a little knowledge, a little + experience—but what toward the final satisfaction, the + justification of a man's life? Bob was still too young, too + individualistic to consider the doctrine of the day's work well + done as the explanation and justification of all. The coming + years would pass as quickly, leaving as little behind. Never so + poignantly had he felt the insistence of the <i>carpe diem</i>. + It was necessary that he find a reality, something he could + winnow from the years as fine gold from sand, so that he could + lay his hand on the treasure and say to his soul: "This much + have I accomplished." Bob had learned well the American lesson: + that the idler is to be scorned; that a true man must use his + powers, must work; that he must <i>succeed</i>. Now he was + taking the next step spiritually. How does a man really use his + powers? What is success?</p> + + <p>Troubled by this spiritual unrest, the analysis of which, + even the nature of which was still beyond him, he arrived at + camp. The familiar objects fretted on his mood. For the moment + all the grateful feeling of power over understanding and + manipulating this complicated machinery of industry had left + him. He saw only the wheel in which these activities turned, + and himself bound to it. In this truly Buddhistic frame of mind + he returned to his quarters.</p> + + <p>There, to his vague annoyance, he found Baker. Usually the + liveliness of that able young citizen was welcome, but to-night + it grated.</p> + + <p>"Well, Gentle Stranger," sang out the power man, "what + jungle have you been lurking in? I laboured in about three and + went all over the works looking for you."</p> + + <p>"I've been over watching the ranger examinations at their + headquarters," said Bob. "It's pretty good fun."</p> + + <p>Baker leaned forward.</p> + + <p>"Have you heard the latest dope?" he demanded.</p> + + <p>"What sort?"</p> + + <p>"They're trying to soak us, now. Want to charge us so much + per horse power! Now <i>what</i> do you think of that!"</p> + + <p>"Can't you pay it?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Great guns! Why <i>should</i> we pay it?" demanded Baker. + "It's the public domain, isn't it? First they take away the + settler's right to take up public land in his own state, and + now they want to <i>charge</i>, actually <i>charge</i> the + public for what's its own."</p> + + <p>But Bob, a new light shining in his eyes, refused to become + heated.</p> + + <p>"Well," he asked deliberately, "who <i>is</i> the public, + anyhow?"</p> + + <p>Baker stared at him, one chubby hand on each fat knee.</p> + + <p>"Why, everybody," said he; "the people who can make use of + it. You and I and the other fellow."</p> + + <p>"Especially the other fellow," put in Bob drily.</p> + + <p>Baker chuckled.</p> + + <p>"It's like any business," said he. "First-come collect at + the ticket office for his business foresight. But we'll try out + this hold-up before we lie down and roll over."</p> + + <p>"Why shouldn't you pay?" demanded Bob again. "You get your + value, don't you? The Forest Service protects your watershed, + and that's where you get your water. Why shouldn't you pay for + that service, just the same as you pay for a night watchman at + your works?"<a name="FNanchor4"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a></p> + + <p>"Watershed!" snorted Baker. "Rot! If every stick of timber + was cleaned off these mountains, I'd get the water just the + same."</p> + + <p>"Baker," said Bob to this. "You go and take a long, long + look at your bathroom sponge in action, and then come back and + I'll talk to you."</p> + + <p>Baker contemplated his friend for a full ten seconds. Then + his fat, pugnacious face wrinkled into a grin.</p> + + <p>"Stung on the ear by a wasp!" he cried, with a great shout + of appreciation. "You merry, merry little josher! You had me + going for about five minutes."</p> + + <p>Bob let it go at that.</p> + + <p>"I suppose you won't be able to pay over twenty per cent. + this next year, then?" he inquired, with an amused + expression.</p> + + <p>"Twenty per cent.!" cried Baker rolling his eyes up. "It's + as much as I can do to dig up for improvements and bond + interest and the preferred."</p> + + <p>"Not to mention the president's salary," amended Bob.</p> + + <p>"But I've got 'em where they live," went on Baker, + complacently, without attention to this. "You don't catch + Little Willie scattering shekels when he can just as well keep + kopecks. They've left a little joker in the pack." He produced + a paper-covered copy of the new regulations, later called the + Use Book. "They've swiped about everything in sight for these + pestiferous reserves, but they encourage the honest prospector. + 'Let us develop the mineral wealth,' says they. So these + forests are still open for taking up under the mineral act. All + you have to do is to make a 'discovery,' and stake out your + claim; and there you are!"</p> + + <p>"All the mineral's been taken up long ago," Bob pointed + out.</p> + + <p>"All the valuable mineral," corrected Baker. "But it's + sufficient, so Erbe tells me, to discover a ledge. Ledges? + Hell! They're easier to find than an old maid at a sewing + circle! That's what the country is made of—ledges! You + can dig one out every ten feet. Well, I've got people out + finding ledges, and filing on them."</p> + + <p>"Can you do that?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"I am doing it."</p> + + <p>"I mean legally."</p> + + <p>"Oh, this bunch of prospectors files on the claims, and gets + them patented. Then it's nobody's business what they do with + their own property. So they just sell it to me."</p> + + <p>"That's colonizing," objected Bob. "You'll get nailed."</p> + + <p>"Not on your tintype, it isn't. I don't furnish a cent. They + do it all on their own money. Oldham's got the whole matter in + hand. When we get the deal through, we'll have about two + hundred thousand acres all around the head-waters; and then + these blood-sucking, red-tape, autocratic slobs can go to + thunder."</p> + + <p>Baker leaned forward impressively.</p> + + <p>"Got to spring it all at once," said he, "otherwise there'll + be outsiders in, thinking there's a strike been made—also + they'll get inquisitive. It's a great chance. And, Orde, my + son, there's a few claims up there that will assay about sixty + thousand board feet to the acre. What do you think of it for a + young and active lumberman? I'm going to talk it over with + Welton. It's a grand little scheme. Wonder how that will hit + our old friend, Thorne?"</p> + + <p>Bob rose yawning.</p> + + <p>"I'm tired. Going to turn in," said he. "Thorne isn't a bad + sort."</p> + + <p>"He's one of these damn theorists, that's what he is," said + Baker; "and he's got a little authority, and he's doing just as + much as he can to unsettle business and hinder the legitimate + development of the country." He relaxed his earnestness with + another grin. "Stung again. That's two rises you got out of + me," he remarked. "Say, Orde, don't get persuaded to turn + ranger. I hear they've boosted their salaries to ninety a + month. Must be a temptation!"</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="VI"></a> + + <h2>VI</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob arose rather early the following Sunday, snatched a + hasty breakfast and departed. Baker had been in camp three + days. All at once Bob had taken the young man in strong + distaste. Baker amused him, commanded his admiration for + undoubted executive ability and a force of character so dynamic + as to be almost brutal. In a more social environment Bob would + still have found him a mighty pleasant fellow, generous, + open-hearted, and loyal to his personal friends. But just now + his methods chafed on the sensitiveness of Bob's new unrest. + Baker was worth probably a couple of million dollars, and + controlled ten times that. He had now a fine house in Fremont, + where he had chosen to live, a pretty wife, two attractive + children and a wide circle of friends. Life was very good to + him.</p> + + <p>And yet, in the perversity and the clairvoyance of his mood, + Bob thought to see in Baker's life something of that same + emptiness of final achievement he faced in his own. This was + absurd, but the feeling of it persisted. Thorne, with his + miserable eighteen hundred a year, and his glowing enthusiasm + and quick interest seemed to him more worth while. Why? It was + absurd; but this feeling, too, persisted.</p> + + <p>Bob was a healthy young fellow, a man of action rather than + of introspection, but now the hereditary twist of his character + drove him to attempt analysis. He arrived at nothing. Both + Baker and Thorne seemed to stand on one ground—each was + satisfied, neither felt that lack of the fulfilling content Bob + was so keenly experiencing. But the streak of feminine + divination Bob had inherited from his mother made him + understand—or made him think to understand—that + Baker's satisfaction was taken because he did not see, while + Thorne was working with his eyes open and a full sense of + values. This vague glimpse Bob gained only partially and at + length. It rather opened to him new vistas of spiritual + perplexity than offered to him any solution.</p> + + <p>He paced rapidly down the length of the lake—whereon + the battered but efficient towing launch lay idle for + Sunday—to the Lake Meadow. This was, as usual, surrounded + by hundreds of campers of all classes. Bob was known to all of + them, of course; and he, in turn, had at least such a nodding + acquaintance with them that he could recognize any accretions + to their members. Near the lower end of the meadow, beneath a + group of a dozen noble firs, he caught sight of newcomers, and + so strolled down that way to see what they could be like.</p> + + <p>He found pomp and circumstance. An enclosure had been roped + off to exclude the stock grazing at large in the meadow. Three + tents had been erected. They were made of a very light, shiny, + expensive-looking material with fringes along the walls, flies + overhead and stretched in front, sod cloths before the + entrances. Three gaily painted wooden rocking chairs, an + equally gaudy hammock, a table flanked with benches, a big + cooking stove in the rear, canvas pockets hung from the + trees—a dozen and one other conveniences and luxuries + bespoke the occupants as well-to-do and determined to be + comfortable. Two Japanese servants dressed all in white moved + silently and mysteriously in the background, a final touch of + incongruity in a rough country.</p> + + <p>Before Bob had moved on, two men stepped into view from the + interior of one of the tents. They paced slowly to the gaudy + rocking chairs and sat down. In their progress they exhibited + that peculiar, careless but conscious deliberation of gait + affected everywhere by those accustomed to appearing in public. + In their seating of themselves, their producing of cigars, + their puffings thereon, was the same studied ignoring of + observation; a manner which, it must be acknowledged, becomes + second nature to those forced to its adoption. It was a certain + blown impressiveness, a significance in the smallest movements, + a self-importance, in short, too large for the affairs of any + private citizen. It is to be seen in those who sit in high + places, in clergy, actors off the boards, magistrates, and + people behind shop windows demonstrating things to street + crowds. Bob's first thought was of amusement that this + elaborate unconsciousness of his lone presence should be worth + while; his second a realization that his presence or the + presence of any one else had nothing to do with it. He + wondered, as we all wonder at times, whether these men acted + any differently when alone and in utter privacy, whether they + brushed their teeth and bathed with all the dignity of the + public man.</p> + + <p>The smaller, but evidently more important of these men, wore + a complete camping costume. His hat was very wide and stiff of + brim and had a woven band of horsehair; his neckerchief was + very red and worn bib fashion in the way Bob had come to + believe that no one ever wore a neckerchief save in Western + plays and the illustrations of Western stories; his shirt was + of thick blue flannel, thrown wide open at the throat; his belt + was very wide and of carved leather; his breeches were of + khaki, but bagged above and fitted close below the knee into + the most marvellous laced boots, with leather flaps, belt + lacings, and rows of hobnails with which to make tracks. Bob + estimated these must weigh at least three pounds apiece. The + man wore a little pointed beard and eyeglasses. About him Bob + recognized a puzzling familiarity. He could not place it, + however, but finally decided he must have carried over a + recollection from a tailor's fashion plate of the Correct Thing + for Camping.</p> + + <p>The other man was taller, heavier, but not near so + impressive. His form was awkward, his face homely, his ears + stuck out like wings, and his expression was that of the + always-appreciated buffoon.</p> + + <p>Bob was about to pass on, when he noticed that he was not + the only spectator of all this ease of manner. A dozen of the + campers had gathered, and were staring across the ropes with + quite frank and unabashed curiosity. More were coming from all + directions. In a short time a crowd of several hundred had + collected, and stood, evidently in expectation. Then, and only + then, did the small man with the pointed beard seem to become + aware of the presence of any one besides his companion. He + leaned across to exchange a few words with the latter, after + which he laid aside his hat, arose and advanced to the rope + barrier on which he rested the tips of his fingers.</p> + + <p>"My friends," he began in a nasal but penetrating voice, + that carried without effort to every hearer. "I am not a + regularly ordained minister of the gospel. I find, however, + that there is none such among us, so I have gathered you here + together this morning to hear a few words appropriate to the + day. It has pleased Providence to call me to a public position + wherein my person has become well known to you all; but that is + an accident of the great profession to which I have been + called, and I bow my heart in humility with the least and most + lowly. I am going to tell you about myself this morning, not + because I consider myself of importance, but because it seems + to me from my case a great lesson may be drawn."</p> + + <p>He paused to let his eye run over the concourse. Bob felt + the gaze, impersonal, impassive, scrutinizing, cold, rest on + him the barest appreciable flicker of a moment, and then pass + on. He experienced a faint shock, as though his defences had + been tapped against.</p> + + <p>"My father," went on the nasal voice, "came to this country + in the 'sixties. It was a new country in the hands of a lazy + people. It needed development, so my father was happy felling + the trees, damming the streams, building the roads, getting + possession of the land. That was his job in life, and he did it + well, because the country needed it. He didn't bother his head + with why he was doing it; he just thought he was making money. + As a matter of fact, he didn't make money; he died nearly + bankrupt."</p> + + <p>The orator bowed his head for a moment.</p> + + <p>"I might have done the same thing. It's all legitimate + business. But I couldn't. The country is being developed by its + inhabitants: work of that kind couldn't satisfy me. Why, + friends? <i>Because now it would be selfish work</i>. My father + didn't know it, but the reason he was happy was because the + work he was doing for himself was also work for other people. + You can see that. He didn't know it, but he was helping develop + the country. But it wouldn't have been quite so with me. The + country is developed in that way. If I did that kind of work, + I'd be working for myself and nobody else at all. That turns + out all right for most people, because they don't see it: they + do their duty as citizens and good business men and fathers and + husbands, and that ends it. But I saw it. I felt I had to do a + work that would support me in the world—but it must be a + work that helped humanity too. That is why, friends, I am what + I am. That a certain prominence is inevitable to my position is + incidental rather than gratifying.</p> + + <p>"So, I think, the lesson to be drawn is that each of us + should make his life help humanity, should conduct his business + in such a way as to help humanity. Then he'll be happy."</p> + + <p>He stood for a moment, then turned away. The tall, ungainly + man with the outstanding ears and the buffoon's face stepped + forward and whispered eagerly in his ear. He listened gravely, + but shook his head. The tall man whispered yet more vehemently, + at great length. Finally the orator stepped back to his + place.</p> + + <p>"We are here for a complete rest after exhausting labours," + he stated. "We have looked forward for months to undisturbed + repose amongst these giant pines. No thought of care was to + intrude. But my colleague's great and tender heart has smitten + him, and, I am ashamed to say against my first inclination, he + urges me to a course which I'd have liked to avoid; but which, + when he shows me the way, I realize is the only decent thing. + We find ourselves in the midst of a community of some hundreds + of people. It may be some of these people are suffering, far + from medical or surgical help. If there are any such, and the + case is really pressing, you understand, we will be willing, + just for common humanity, to do our best to relieve them. And + friends," the speaker stepped forward until his body touched + the rope, and he was leaning confidentially forth, "it would be + poor humanity that would cause you pain or give you inferior + treatments. I am happy to say we came to this great virgin + wilderness direct with our baggage from White Oaks where we had + been giving a two weeks' course of treatments—mainly + charitable. We have our instruments and our medicines with us + in their packin' cases. If need arises—which I trust it + will not—we will not hesitate to go to any trouble for + you. It is against our principles to give anything but our + best. You will suffer no pain. But it must be understood," he + warned impressively. "This is just for you, our neighbours! We + don't want this news spread to the lumber camps and over the + countryside. We are here for a rest. But we cannot be true to + our high calling and neglect the relieving of pain."</p> + + <p>The man bowed slightly, and rejoined his companion to whom + he conversed low-voiced with absolute unconsciousness of the + audience he had just been addressing so intimately. The latter + hesitated, then slowly dispersed. Bob stood, his brows knit, + trying to recall. There was something hauntingly familiar about + the whole performance. Especially a strange nasal emphasis on + the word "pain" struck sharply a chord in his recollection. He + looked up in sudden enlightenment.</p> + + <p>"Painless Porter!" he cried aloud.</p> + + <p>The man looked up at the mention of his name.</p> + + <p>"That's my name," said he. "What can I do for you?"</p> + + <p>"I just remembered where I'd seen you," explained Bob.</p> + + <p>"I'm fairly well known."</p> + + <p>Bob approached eagerly. The discourse, hollow, insincere, + half-blasphemous, a buncombe bit of advertising as it was, + nevertheless contained the germ of an essential truth for which + Bob had been searching. He wanted to know how, through what + experience, the man had come to this insight.</p> + + <p>But his attempts at conversation met with a cold reception. + Painless Porter was too old a bird ever to lower his guard. He + met the youth on the high plane of professionalism, refused to + utter other than the platitudinous counters demanded by the + occasion. He held the young man at spear's length, and showed + plainly by the ominous glitter of his eye that he did not + intend to be trifled with.</p> + + <p>Then Baker's jolly voice broke in.</p> + + <p>"Well! well! well!" he cried. "If here aren't my old + friends, Painless Porter and the Wiz! Simple life for yours, + eh? Back to beans! What's the general outline of <i>this</i> + graft?"</p> + + <p>"We have come camping for a complete rest," stated Waller + gravely, his comical face cast in lines of reprobation and + warning.</p> + + <p>"Whatever it is, you'll get it," jibed Baker. "But I'll bet + you a toothpick it isn't a rest. What's exhausted you fellows, + anyway? Counting the easy money?"</p> + + <p>"Our professional labours have been very heavy lately," + spoke up the painless one.</p> + + <p>"What's biting you fellows?" demanded Baker. "There's nobody + here."</p> + + <p>Waller indicated Bob by a barely perceptible jerk of the + head. Baker threw back his head and laughed.</p> + + <p>"Thought you knew him," said he. "You were all having such a + love feast gab-fest when I blew in. This is Mr. Orde, who + bosses this place—and most of the country around here. If + you want to do good to humanity on this meadow you'd better + begin by being good to him. He controls it. He's humanity with + a capital H."</p> + + <p>Ten minutes later the four men, cigars alight, a bottle + within reach, were sprawling about the interior of one of the + larger tents. Bob was enjoying himself hugely. It was the first + time he had ever been behind the scenes at this sort of + game.</p> + + <p>"But that was a good talk, just the same," he interrupted a + cynical bit of bragging.</p> + + <p>"Say, wasn't it!" cried Porter. "I got that out of a + shoutin' evangelist. The minute I heard it I saw where it was + hot stuff for my spiel. I'm that way: I got that kind of good + eye. I'll be going along the street and some little thing'll + happen that won't amount to nothin' at all really. Another man + wouldn't think twice about it. But like a flash it comes to me + how it would fit in to a spiel. It's like an artist that way + finding things to put in a picture. You'd never spot a dago + apple peddler as good for nothing but to work a little graft on + mebbe; but an artist comes along and slaps him in a picture and + he's the fanciest-looking dope in the art collection. That's + me. I got some of my best spiels from the funniest places! That + one this morning is a wonder, because it don't <i>listen</i> + like a spiel. I followed that evangelist yap around for a week + getting his dope down fine. You got to get the language just + right on these things, or they don't carry over."</p> + + <p>"Which one is it, Painful?" asked Baker.</p> + + <p>"You know; the make-your-work-a-good-to-humanity bluff."</p> + + <p>"And all about papa in the 'sixties?"</p> + + <p>"That's it."</p> + + <p>"'And just don't you <i>dare</i> tell the neighbours?'"</p> + + <p>"Correct."</p> + + <p>"The whole mountains will know all about it by to-morrow," + Baker told Bob, "and they'll flock up here in droves. It's easy + money."</p> + + <p>"Half these country yaps have bum teeth, anyway," said + Porter.</p> + + <p>"And the rest of them think they're sick," stated Wizard + Waller.</p> + + <p>"It beats a free show for results and expense," said + Painless Porter. "All you got to have is the tents and the Japs + and the Willie-off-the-yacht togs." He sighed. "There ought to + be <i>some</i> advantages," he concluded, "to drag a man so far + from the street lights."</p> + + <p>"Then this isn't much of a pleasure trip?" asked Bob with + some amusement.</p> + + <p>"Pleasure, hell!" snorted Painless, helping himself to a + drink. "Say, honest, how do you fellows that have business up + here stick it out? It gives me the willies!"</p> + + <p>One of the Japanese peered into the tent and made a + sign.</p> + + <p>Painless Porter dropped his voice.</p> + + <p>"A dope already," said he. He put on his air, and went out. + As Bob and Baker crossed the enclosed space, they saw him in + conversation with a gawky farm lad from the plains.</p> + + <p>"I shore do hate to trouble you, doctor," the boy was + saying, "and hit Sunday, too. But I got a tooth back + here—"</p> + + <p>Painless Porter was listening with an air of the deepest and + gravest attention.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="VII"></a> + + <h2>VII</h2><br> + + + <p>The charlatan had babbled; but without knowing it he had + given Bob what he sought. He saw all the reasons for what had + heretofore been obscure.</p> + + <p>Why had he been dissatisfied with business opportunities and + successes beyond the hopes of most young men?</p> + + <p>How could he dare criticize the ultimate value of such + successes without criticizing the life work of such men as + Welton, as his own father?</p> + + <p>What right had he to condemn as insufficient nine-tenths of + those in the industrial world; and yet what else but + condemnation did his attitude of mind imply?</p> + + <p>All these doubts and questionings were dissipated like fog. + Quite simply it all resolved itself. He was dissatisfied + because this was not his work. The other honest and sincere + men—such as his father and Welton—had been + satisfied because this was their work. The old generation, the + one that was passing, needed just that kind of service but the + need too was passing. Bob belonged to the new generation. He + saw that new things were to be demanded. The old order was + changing. The modern young men of energy and force and strong + ability had a different task from that which their fathers had + accomplished. The wilderness was subdued; the pioneer work of + industry was finished; the hard brute struggle to shape things + to efficiency was over. It had been necessary to get things + done. Now it was becoming necessary to perfect the means and + methods of doing. Lumber must still be cut, streams must still + be dammed, railroads must still be built; but now that the + pioneers, the men of fire, had blazed the way others could + follow. Methods were established. It was all a business, like + the selling of groceries. The industrial rank and file could + attend to details. The men who thought and struggled and + carried the torch—they must go beyond what their fathers + had accomplished.</p> + + <p>Now Bob understood Amy Thorne's pride in the Service. He saw + the true basis of his feeling toward the Supervisor as opposed + to his feeling toward Baker. Thorne was in the current. With + his pitiful eighteen hundred a year he was nevertheless + swimming strongly in new waters. His business went that little + necessary step beyond. It not only earned him his living in the + world, but it helped the race movement of his people. At + present the living was small, just as at first the pioneer + opening the country had wrested but a scanty livelihood from + the stubborn wilderness; nevertheless, he could + feel—whether he stopped to think it out or not—that + his efforts had that coördination with the trend of + humanity which makes subtly for satisfaction and happiness. Bob + looked about the mill yard with an understanding eye. This work + was necessary; but it was not his work.</p> + + <p>Something of this he tried to explain to his new friends at + headquarters when next he found an opportunity to ride over. + His explanations were not very lucid, for Bob was no great hand + at analysis. To any other audience they might have been + absolutely incoherent. But Thorne had long since reasoned all + this out for himself; so he understood; while to California + John the matter had always been one to take for granted. Bob + leaned forward, his earnest, sun-browned young face flushed + with the sincerity—and the embarrassment—of his + exposition. Amy nodded from time to time, her eyes shining, her + glance every few moments seeking in triumph that of her + brother. California John smoked.</p> + + <p>Finally Bob put it squarely to Thorne.</p> + + <p>"So you'd like to join the Service," said Thorne slowly. "I + suppose you've thought of the chance you're giving up? Welton + will take you into partnership in time, of course."</p> + + <p>"I know. It seems foolish. Can't make it seem anything + else," Bob admitted.</p> + + <p>"You'd have to take your chances," Thorne persisted. "I + couldn't help you. A ranger's salary is ninety a month now, and + find yourself and horses. Have you any private means?"</p> + + <p>"Not enough to say so."</p> + + <p>"There's another thing," Thorne went on. "This forestry of + our government is destined to be a tremendous affair; but what + we need more just now is better logging methods among the + private loggers. It would count more than anything else if + you'd stay just where you are and give us model operations in + your own work."</p> + + <p>Bob shook his head.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you don't know men like Mr. Welton as well as I + do," said he; "I couldn't change his methods. That's absolutely + out of the question. And," he went on with a sudden flash of + loyalty to what the old-timers had meant, "I don't believe I'd + want to."</p> + + <p>"Not want to!" cried Amy.</p> + + <p>"No," pursued Bob doggedly, "not unless he could see the + point himself and of his own accord. He's done a great work in + his time, and he's grown old at it. I wouldn't for anything in + the world do anything to shake his faith in what he's done, + even if he's doing it wrong now."</p> + + <p>"He and his kind have always slaughtered the forests + shamefully!" broke in Amy with some heat.</p> + + <p>"They opened a new country for a new people," said Bob + gently. "Perhaps they did it wastefully; perhaps not. I notice + you've got to use lots of lubricating oil on a new machine. But + there was nobody else to do it any different."</p> + + <p>"Then you'd let them go on wasting and destroying?" demanded + Amy scornfully.</p> + + <p>"I don't know," hesitated Bob; "I haven't thought all this + out. Perhaps I'm not very much on the think. It seems to me + rather this way: We've got to have lumber, haven't we? And + somebody has to cut it and supply it. Men like Mr. Welton are + doing it, by the methods they've found effective. They are + working for the Present; we of the new generation want to work + for the Future. It's a fair division. Somebody's got to attend + to them both."</p> + + <p>"Well, that's what I say!" cried Amy. "If they wouldn't + waste and slash and leave good material in the + woods—"</p> + + <p>Bob smiled whimsically.</p> + + <p>"A lumberman doesn't like to leave things in the woods," + said he. "If somebody will pay for the tops and the needles, + he'll sell them; if there's a market for cull lumber, he'll + supply it; and if somebody will create a demand for knotholes, + <i>he'll invent some way of getting them out</i>! You see I'm a + lumberman myself."</p> + + <p>"Why don't you log with some reference to the future, then?" + demanded Amy.</p> + + <p>"Because it doesn't pay," stated Bob deliberately.</p> + + <p>"Pay!" cried Amy.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Bob mildly. "Why not? The lumberman fulfills a + commercial function, like any one else; why shouldn't he be + allowed freely a commercial reward? You can't lead a commercial + class by ideals that absolutely conflict with commercial + motives. If you want to introduce your ideals among lumbermen, + you want to educate them; and in order to educate them you must + fix it so your ideals don't actually spell <i>loss!</i> + Rearrange the scheme of taxation, for one thing. Get your ideas + of fire protection and conservation on a practical basis. It's + all very well to talk about how nice it would be to chop up all + the waste tops and pile them like cordwood, and to scrape + together the twigs and needles and burn them. It would + certainly be neat and effective. But can't you get some scheme + that would be just as effective, but not so neat? It's the + difference between a yacht and a lumber schooner. We can't + expect everybody to turn right in and sacrifice themselves to + be philanthropists because the spirit of the age tells them + they ought to be. We've got to make it so easy to do things + right that anybody at all decent will be ashamed not to. Then + we've got to wait for the spirit of the people to grow to new + things. It's coming, but it's not here yet."</p> + + <p>California John, who had listened with the closest + attention, slapped his knee.</p> + + <p>"Good sense," said he.</p> + + <p>"But you can educate people, can't you?" asked Amy, a trifle + subdued and puzzled by these practical considerations.</p> + + <p>"Some people can," agreed Thorne, speaking up, "and they're + doing it. But Mr. Orde is right; it's only the spirit of the + people that can bring about new things. We think we have + leaders, but we have only interpreters. When the time is ripe + to change things, then the spirit of the people rises to forbid + old practices."</p> + + <p>"That's it," said Bob; "I just couldn't get at it. Well, the + way I feel about it is that when all these new methods and + principles have become well known, then we can call a halt with + some authority. You can't condemn a man for doing his best, can + you?"</p> + + <p>The girl, at a loss, flushed, and almost crying, looked at + them all helplessly.</p> + + <p>"But---- " she cried.</p> + + <p>"I believe it will all come about in time," said Thorne. + "There's sure to come a time when it will not be too much off + balance to <i>require</i> private firms to do things according + to our methods. Then it will pay to log the government forests + on an extensive scale; and private forests will have to come to + our way of doing things."</p> + + <p>"What's the use of all our fights and strivings?" asked Amy; + "what's the use of our preaching decent woods work if it can't + be carried out?"</p> + + <p>"It's educational," explained Thorne. "It starts people + thinking, so that when the time comes they'll be ready."</p> + + <p>"Furthermore," put in Bob, "it fixes it so these young + fellows who will then be in charge of private operations will + have no earthly excuse to look at it wrong, or do it + wrong."</p> + + <p>"It will then be the difference between their acting + according to general ideas or against them," agreed Thorne.</p> + + <p>"Never lick a pup for chasin' rabbits until yore ready to + teach him to chase deer," put in California John.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="VIII"></a> + + <h2>VIII</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob found it much more difficult to approach Welton. When he + did, he had to contend with the older man's absolute disbelief + in what he was saying. Welton sat down on a stump and + considered Bob with a humorous twinkle.</p> + + <p>"Want to quit the lumber business!" he echoed Bob's first + statement. "What for?"</p> + + <p>"I don't think I'm cut out for it."</p> + + <p>"No? Well, then, I never saw anybody that was. You don't + happen to need no more money?"</p> + + <p>"Lord, no!"</p> + + <p>"Of course, you know you'll have pretty good prospects + here----" stated Welton tentatively.</p> + + <p>"I understand that; but the work doesn't satisfy me, + somehow: I'm through with it."</p> + + <p>"Getting restless," surmised Welton. "What you need is a + vacation. I forgot we kept you at it pretty close all last + winter. Take a couple weeks off and make a trip in back + somewheres."</p> + + <p>Bob shook his head.</p> + + <p>"It isn't that; I'm sorry. I'm just through with this. I + couldn't keep on at it and do good work. I know that."</p> + + <p>"It's a vacation you need," insisted Welton chuckling, + "—or else you're in love. Isn't that, is it?"</p> + + <p>"No," Bob laughed quite wholeheartedly. "It isn't that."</p> + + <p>"You haven't got a better job, have you?" Welton joked.</p> + + <p>Bob considered. "Yes; I believe I have," he said at last; + "at least I'm hoping to get it."</p> + + <p>Welton looked at him closely; saw that he was in + earnest.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" he asked curtly.</p> + + <p>Bob, suddenly smitten with a sense of the futility of trying + to argue out his point of view here in the woods, drew + back.</p> + + <p>"Can't tell just yet," said he.</p> + + <p>Welton climbed down from the stump; stood firmly for a + moment, his sturdy legs apart; then moved forward down the + trail.</p> + + <p>"I'll raise his ante, whatever it is," he said abruptly at + length. "I don't believe in it, but I'll do it. I need + you."</p> + + <p>"You've always treated me better than I ever deserved," said + Bob earnestly, "and I'll stay all summer, or all next + winter—until you feel that you do not need me longer; but + I'm sure that I must go."</p> + + <p>For two days Welton disbelieved the reality of his + intention. For two days further he clung to a notion that in + some way Bob must be dissatisfied with something tangible in + his treatment. Then, convinced at last, he took alarm, and + dropped his facetious attitude.</p> + + <p>"Look here, Bob," said he, "this isn't quite fair, is it? + This is a big piece of timber. It needs a man with a longer + life in front of him than I can hope for. I wanted to be able + to think that in a few years, when I get tired I could count on + you for the heavy work. It's too big a business for an old + man."</p> + + <p>"I'll stay with you until you find that young man," said + Bob. "There are a good many, trained to the business, capable + of handling this property."</p> + + <p>"But nobody like you, Bobby. I've brought you up to my + methods. We've grown up together at this. You're just like a + son to me." Welton's round, red face was puckered to a wistful + and comically pathetic twist, as he looked across at the + serious manly young fellow.</p> + + <p>Bob looked away. "That's just what makes it hard," he + managed to say at last; "I'd like to go on with you. We've + gotten on famously. But I can't. This isn't my work."</p> + + <p>Welton laboured in vain to induce him to change his mind. + Several times he considered telling Bob the truth—that + all this timber belonged really to Jack Orde, Bob's father, and + that his, Welton's interest in it was merely that of the active + partner in the industry. But this his friend had expressly + forbidden. Welton ended by saying nothing about it. He resolved + first to write Orde.</p> + + <p>"You might tell me what this new job is, though," he said at + last, in apparent acquiescence.</p> + + <p>Bob hesitated. "You won't understand; and I won't be able to + make you understand," he said. "I'm going to enter the Forest + Service!"</p> + + <p>"What!" cried Welton, in blank astonishment. "What's + that?"</p> + + <p>"I've about decided to take service as a ranger," stated + Bob, his face flushing.</p> + + <p>From that moment all Welton's anxiety seemed to vanish. It + became unbearably evident that he looked on all this as the + romance of youth. Bob felt himself suddenly reduced, in the + lumberman's eyes, to the status of the small boy who wants to + be a cowboy, or a sailor, or an Indian fighter. Welton looked + on him with an indulgent eye as on one who would soon get + enough of it. The glamour—whatever it was—would + soon wear off; and then Bob, his fling over, would return to + sober, real business once more. All Welton's joviality + returned. From time to time he would throw a facetious remark + in Bob's direction, when, in the course of the day's work, he + happened to pass.</p> + + <p>"It's sure going to be fine to wear a real tin star and be + an officer!"</p> + + <p>Or:</p> + + <p>"Bob, it sure will seem scrumptious to ride out and boss the + whole country—on ninety a month. Guess I'll join + you."</p> + + <p>Or:</p> + + <p>"You going to make me sweep up my slashings, or will a rake + do, Mr. Ranger?"</p> + + <p>To these feeble jests Bob always replied good-naturedly. He + did not attempt to improve Welton's conception of his purposes. + That must come with time. To his father, however, he wrote at + great length; trying his best to explain the situation. Mr. + Orde replied that a government position was always honourable; + but confessed himself disappointed that his son had not more + steadfastness of purpose. Welton received a reply to his own + letter by the same mail.</p> + + <p>"I shouldn't tell him anything," it read. "Let him go be a + ranger, or a cowboy, or anything else he wants. He's still + young. I didn't get my start until I was thirty; and the + business is big enough to wait for him. You keep pegging along, + and when he gets enough, he'll come back. He's apparently got + some notions of serving the public, and doing good in the + world, and all that. We all get it at his age. By and by he'll + find out that tending to his business honestly is about one + man's job."</p> + + <p>So, without active opposition, and with only tacit + disapproval, Bob made his change. Nor was he received at + headquarters with any blare of trumpets.</p> + + <p>"I'll put you on as 'temporary' until the fall + examinations," said Thorne, "and you can try it out. Rangering + is hard work—all kinds of hard work. It isn't just riding + around, you know. You'll have to make good. You can bunk up + with Pollock at the upper cabin. Report to-morrow morning with + him."</p> + + <p>Amy smiled at him brightly.</p> + + <p>"Don't let him scare you," said she. "He thinks it looks + official to be an awful bear!"</p> + + <p>California John met him as he rode out the gate. He reached + out his gnarled old hand.</p> + + <p>"Son, we'll get him to send us sometime to Jack Main's + Cañon," said he.</p> + + <p>Bob, who had been feeling the least shade depressed, rode + on, his head high. Before him lay the great mysterious country + where had penetrated only the Pioneers! Another century would + build therein the structures of its institutions. Now, like + Jack Main's Cañon, the far country of new things was to + be the field of his enterprise. In the future, when the new + generations had come, these things would all be ordered and + secure, would be systematized, their value conceded, their + acceptance a matter of course. All problems would be regulated; + all difficulties smoothed away; all opposition overcome. Then + the officers and rangers of that peaceful and organized + service, then the public—accepting such things as they + accept all self-evident truths—would look back on these + beginnings as men look back on romance. They would recall the + time when, like knights errant, armed men rode abroad on horses + through a wilderness, lying down under the stars, living hard, + dwelling lowly in poverty, accomplishing with small means, + striving mightily, combating the great elemental nature and the + powers of darkness in men, enduring patiently, suffering + contempt and misunderstanding and enmity in order that the + inheritance of the people yet to come might be assured. He was + one of them; he had the privilege. Suddenly his spirit felt + freed. His old life receded swiftly. A new glory and uplift of + soul swept him from his old moorings.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="PART_FIVE"></a> + + <h2>PART FIVE</h2><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="I"></a> + + <h2>I</h2><br> + + + <p>Next morning Bob was set to work with young Jack Pollock + stringing barbed wire fence. He had never done this before. The + spools of wire weighed on him heavily. A crowbar thrust through + the core made them a sort of axle with which to carry it. Thus + they walked forward, revolving the heavy spool with the + greatest care while the strand of wire unwound behind them. + Every once in a while a coil would kink, or buckle back, or + strike as swiftly and as viciously as a snake. The sharp barbs + caught at their clothing, and tore Bob's hands. Jack Pollock + seemed familiar with the idiosyncrasies of the stuff, for he + suffered little damage. Indeed, he even found leisure, as Bob + soon discovered, to scrutinize his companion with a covert + curiosity. In the eyes of the countryside, Bob had been + "fired," and had been forced to take a job rangering. When the + entangling strand had been laid along the ground by the newly + planted cedar posts, it became necessary to stretch and fasten + it. Here, too, young Jack proved himself a competent teacher. + He showed Bob how to get a tremendous leverage with the curve + on the back of an ordinary hammer by means of which the wire + was held taut until the staples could be driven home. It was + aggravating, nervous, painful work for one not accustomed to + it. Bob's hands were soon cut and bleeding, no matter how + gingerly he took hold of the treacherous wire. To all his + comments, heated and otherwise, Jack Pollock opposed the + mountaineer's determined inscrutability. He watched Bob's + efforts always in silence until that young man had made all his + mistakes. Then he spat carefully, and, with quiet patience, did + it right.</p> + + <p>Bob's sense of humour was tickled. With all his education + and his subsequent wide experience and training, he stood in + the position of a very awkward subordinate to this mountain + boy. The joke of it was that the matter was so entirely his own + choice. In the normal relations of industry Bob would have been + the boss of a hundred activities and twice that number of men; + while Jack Pollock, at best, would be water-boy or + fuel-purveyor to a donkey engine. Along in the middle of the + morning young Elliott passed carrying a crowbar and a + spade.</p> + + <p>"How'll you trade jobs?" he called.</p> + + <p>"What's yours?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"I'm going to make two cedar posts grow where none grew + before," said Elliott.</p> + + <p>At noon they knocked off and went back to the ranger camp + where they cooked their own meal. Most of the older rangers + were afield. A half-dozen of the newcomers and probationers + only were there. Elliott, Jack Pollock, two other young + mountaineers, Ware and one of the youths from the valley towns + had apparently passed the examinations and filled vacancies. + All, with the exception of Elliott and this latter + youth—Curtis by name—were old hands at taking care + of themselves in the woods, so matters of their own accord fell + into a rough system. Some built the fire, one mixed bread, + others busied themselves with the rest of the provisions. + Elliott rummaged about, and set the rough table with the + battered service. Only Curtis, seated with his back against a + tree, appeared too utterly exhausted or ignorant to take hold + at anything. Indeed, he hardly spoke to his companions, ate + hastily, and disappeared into his own quarters without offering + to help wash the dishes.</p> + + <p>This task accomplished, the little group scattered to its + afternoon work. In the necessity of stringing wire without + cutting himself to ribbons, Bob forgot everything, even the + flight of time.</p> + + <p>"I reckon it's about quittin' time," Jack observed to him at + last.</p> + + <p>Bob looked up in surprise. The sun was indeed dropping + low.</p> + + <p>"We must be about half done," he remarked, measuring the + extent of the meadow with his eye.</p> + + <p>"Two more wires to string," Pollock reminded him.</p> + + <p>The mountaineer threw the grain sack of staples against the + last post, tossed his hammer and the hatchet with them.</p> + + <p>"Hold on," said Bob. "You aren't going to leave them + there?"</p> + + <p>"Shore," said Pollock. "We'll have to begin there + to-morrow."</p> + + <p>But Bob's long training in handling large bodies of men with + tools had developed in him an instinct of tool-orderliness.</p> + + <p>"Won't do," he stated with something of his old-time + authority in his tones. "Suppose for some reason we shouldn't + get back here to-morrow? That's the way such things get + mislaid; and they're valuable."</p> + + <p>He picked up the hatchet and the axe. Grumbling something + under his breath, Pollock shouldered the staples and thrust the + hammer in his pocket.</p> + + <p>"It isn't as if these things were ours," said Bob, realizing + that he had spoken in an unduly minatory tone.</p> + + <p>"That's right," agreed Jack more cheerfully.</p> + + <p>In addition to the new men, they found Ross Fletcher and + Charley Morton at the camp. The evening meal was prepared + cheerfully and roughly, eaten under a rather dim lamp. Pipes + were lit, and they all began leisurely to clean up. The smoke + hung low in the air. One by one the men dropped back into their + rough, homemade chairs, or sprawled out on the floor. Some one + lit the fire in the stone chimney, for the mountain air nipped + shrewdly after the sun had set. A general relaxing after the + day's work, a general cheerfulness, a general dry, chaffing wit + took possession of them. Two played cribbage under the lamp. + One wrote a letter. The rest gossiped of the affairs of the + service. Only in the corner by himself young Curtis sat. As at + noon, he had had nothing to say to any one, and had not + attempted to offer assistance in the communal work. Bob + concluded he must be tired from the unaccustomed labour of the + day. Bob's own shoulders ached; and he was in pretty good + shape, too.</p> + + <p>"What makes me mad," Ross Fletcher's voice suddenly clove + the murmur, "is the things we have to do. I was breaking rock + on a trail all day to-day. Think of that! Day labourer's work! + State prison work!"</p> + + <p>Bob looked up in amazement, as did every one else.</p> + + <p>"When a man hires out to be a ranger," Ross went on, "he + don't expect to be a carpenter, or a stone mason; he expects to + be a <i>ranger</i>!"</p> + + <p>Immediately Charley Morton chimed in to the same purpose. + Bob listened with a rising indignation. This sort of talk was + old, but he had not expected to meet it here; it is the talk of + incompetence against authority everywhere, of the sea lawyer, + the lumberjack, the soldier, the spoiled subordinate in all + walks of life. He had taken for granted a finer sort of loyalty + here; especially from such men as Ross and Charley Morton. His + face flushed, and he leaned forward to say something. Jack + Pollock jogged his elbow fiercely.</p> + + <p>"Hush up!" the young mountaineer whispered; "cain't you see + they're tryin' for a rise?"</p> + + <p>Bob laughed softly to himself, and relaxed. He should have + been experienced enough, he told himself, to have recognized so + obvious and usual a trick of all campers.</p> + + <p>But it was not for Bob, nor his like, that Ross was angling. + In fact, he caught his bite almost immediately. For the first + time that day Curtis woke up and displayed some interest.</p> + + <p>"That's what I say!" he cried.</p> + + <p>The older man turned to him.</p> + + <p>"What they been making you do to-day, son?" asked Ross.</p> + + <p>"I've been digging post holes up in those rocks," said + Curtis indignantly.</p> + + <p>"You don't mean to tell me they put you at that?" demanded + Ross; "why, they're supposed to get <i>Injins</i>, just cheap + dollar-a-day Digger Injins, for that job. And they put you at + it!"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Curtis, "they did. I didn't hire out for any + such work. My father's county clerk down below."</p> + + <p>"You don't say!" said Ross.</p> + + <p>"Yes, and my hands are all blistered and my back is lame, + and----"</p> + + <p>But the expectant youngsters could hold in no longer. A roar + of laughter cut the speaker short. Curtis stared, bewildered. + Ross and Charley Morton were laughing harder than anybody else. + He started to his feet.</p> + + <p>"Hold on, son," Ross commanded him, wiping his eyes. "Don't + get hostile at a little joke. You'll get used to the work. Of + course we all like to ride off in the mountains, and do cattle + work, and figure on things, and do administrative work; and we + none of us are stuck on construction." He looked around him at + his audience, now quiet and attentive. "But we've got to have + headquarters, and barns, and houses, and corrals and pastures. + Once they're built, they're built and that ends it. But they + got to be built. We're just in hard luck that we happen to be + rangers right now. The Service can't hire carpenters for us + very well, way up here; and <i>somebody's</i> got to do it. It + ain't as if we had to do it for a living, all the time. There's + a variety. We get all kinds. Rangering's no snap, any more than + any other job. One thing," he ended with a laugh, "we get a + chance to do about everything."</p> + + <p>The valley youth had dropped sullenly back into the shadows, + nor did he reply to this. After a little the men scattered to + their quarters, for they were tired.</p> + + <p>Bob and Jack Pollock occupied together one of the older + cabins, a rough little structure, built mainly of shakes. It + contained two bunks, a rough table, and two stools constructed + of tobacco boxes to which legs had been nailed. As the young + men were preparing for bed, Bob remarked:</p> + + <p>"Fletcher got his rise, all right. Much obliged for your + tip. I nearly bit. But he wasted his talk in my notion. That + fellow is hopeless. Ross labours in vain if he tries to brace + him up."</p> + + <p>"I reckon Ross knows that," replied Jack, "and I reckon too, + he has mighty few hopes of bracin' up Curtis. I have a kind of + notion Ross was just usin' that Curtis as a mark to talk at. + What he was talkin' <i>to</i> was us."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="II"></a> + + <h2>II</h2><br> + + + <p>The week's hard physical toil was unrelieved. After Bob and + Jack Pollock had driven the last staple in the last strand of + barbed wire, they turned their horses into the new pasture. The + animals, overjoyed to get free of the picket ropes that had + heretofore confined them, took long, satisfying rolls in the + sandy corner, and then went eagerly to cropping at the green + feed. Bob, leaning on the gate, with the rope still in his + hand, experienced a glow of personal achievement greater than + any he remembered to have felt since, as a small boy, he had + unaided reasoned out the problem of clear impression on his toy + printing press. He recognized this as illogical, for he had, in + all modesty, achieved affairs of some importance. Nevertheless, + the sight of his own animal enjoying its liberty in an + enclosure created by his own two hands pleased him to the core. + He grinned in appreciation of Elliott's humorous parody on the + sentimental slogan of the schools—"to make two cedar + posts grow where none grew before." There was, after all, a + rather especial satisfaction in that principle.</p> + + <p>It next became necessary, he found, that the roof over the + new office at headquarters should receive a stain that would + protect it against the weather. He acquired a flat brush, a + little seat with spikes in its supports, and a can of stain + whose base seemed to be a very evil-smelling fish oil. Here all + day long he clung, daubing on the stain. When one shingle was + done, another awaited his attention, over and over, in + unvarying monotony. It was the sort of job he had always + loathed, but he stuck to it cheerfully, driving his brush deep + in the cracks in order that no crevice might remain for the + entrance of the insidious principle of decay. Casting about in + his leisure there for the reason of his patience, he discovered + it in just that; he was now at no task to be got through with, + to be made way with; he was engaged in a job that was to be + permanent. Unless he did it right, it would not be + permanent.</p> + + <p>Below him the life of headquarters went on. He saw it all, + and heard it all, for every scrap of conversation rose to him + from within the office. He was amazed at the diversity of + interests and the complexity of problems that came there for + attention.</p> + + <p>"Look here, Mr. Thorne," said one of the rangers, "this Use + Book says that a settler has a right to graze ten head of stock + <i>actually in use</i> free of grazing charge. Now there's + Brown up at the north end. He runs a little dairy business, and + has about a hundred head of cattle up. He claims we ought not + to charge him for ten head of them because they're all + 'actually in use.' How about it?"</p> + + <p>Thorne explained that the exemption did not apply to + commercial uses and that Brown must pay for all. He qualified + the statement by saying that this was the latest interpretation + of which he had heard.</p> + + <p>In like manner the policies in regard to a dozen little + industries and interests were being patiently defined and + determined—dairies, beef cattle, shake makers, bees, box + and cleat men, free timber users, mining men, seekers for water + concessions, those who desired rights of way, permits for + posts, pastures, mill sites—all these proffered their + requests and difficulties to the Supervisor. Sometimes they + were answered on the spot. Oftener their remarks were listened + to, their propositions taken under advisement. Then one or + another of the rangers was summoned, given instructions. He + packed his mule, saddled his horse, and rode away to be gone a + greater or lesser period of time. Others were sent out to run + lines about tracts, to define boundaries. Still others, like + Ross Fletcher, pounded drill and rock, and exploded powder on + the new trail that was to make more accessible the tremendous + cañon of the river. The men who came and went rarely + represented any but the smallest interests; yet somehow Bob + felt their importance, and the importance of the little + problems threshed out in the tiny, rough-finished office below + him. These but foreshadowed the greater things to come. And + these minute decisions shaped the policies and precedents of + what would become mighty affairs. Whether Brown should be + allowed to save his paltry three dollars and a half or not + determined larger things. To Bob's half-mystic mood, up there + under the mottled shadows, every tiny move of this game became + portentous with fate. A return of the old exultation lifted + him. He saw the shadows of these affairs cast dim and gigantic + against the mists of the future. These men were big with the + responsibility of a new thing. It behooved them all to act with + circumspection, with due heed, with reverence----</p> + + <p>Bob applied his broad brush and the evil-smelling stain + methodically and with minute care as to every tiny detail of + the simple work. But his eyes were wide and unseeing, and all + the inner forces of his soul were moving slowly and mightily. + His personality had nothing to do with the matter. He painted; + and affairs went on with him. His being held itself passive, in + suspension, while the forces and experiences and influences of + one phase of his life crystallized into their foreordained + shapes deep within him. Yesterday he was this; now he was + becoming that; and the two were as different beings. New doors + of insight were silently swinging open on their hinges, old + prejudices were closing, fresh convictions long snugly in the + bud were unfolding like flowers. These things were not new. + They had begun many years before when as a young boy he had + stared wide-eyed, unseeing and uncomprehending, gazing down the + sun-streaked, green, lucent depths of an aisle in the forest. + Bob painted steadily on, moving his little seat nearer and + nearer the eaves. When noon and night came, he hung up his + utensils very carefully, washed up, and tramped to the rangers' + camp, where he took his part in the daily tasks, assumed his + share of the conversation, entered into the fun, and + contributed his ideas toward the endless discussions. No one + noticed that he was in any way different from his ordinary + self. But it was as though some one outside of himself, in the + outer circle of his being, carried on these necessary and + customary things. He, drawn apart, watched by the shrine of his + soul. He did nothing, either by thought or effort—merely + watched, patient and rapt, while foreordained and mighty + changes took place—</p> + + <p>He reached the edge of the roof; stood on the ladder to + finish the last row of the riven shingles. Slowly his brush + moved, finishing the cracks deep down so that the principle of + decay might never enter. Inside the office Thorne sat dictating + a letter to some applicant for privilege. The principle was new + in its interpretation, and so Thorne was choosing his words + with the greatest care. Swiftly before Bob's inner vision the + prospect widened. Thorne became a prophet speaking down the + years; the least of these men in a great new Service became the + austere champions of something high and beautiful. For one + moment Bob dwelt in a wonderful, breathless, vast, unreal + country where heroic figures moved in the importance of all the + unborn future, dim-seen, half-revealed. He drew his brush + across the last shingle of all. Something seemed to click. + Swiftly the gates shut, the strange country receded into + infinite distance. With a rush like the sucking of water into a + vacuum the everyday world drew close. Bob, his faculties once + more in their accustomed seat, looked about him as one + awakened. His hour was over. The change had taken place.</p> + + <p>Thorne was standing in the doorway with Amy, their dictation + finished.</p> + + <p>"All done?" said he. "Well, you did a thorough job. It's the + kind that will last."</p> + + <p>"I'm right on deck when it comes to painting things red," + retorted Bob. "What next?"</p> + + <p>"Next," said Thorne, "I want you to help one of the boys + split some cedar posts. We've got a corral or so to make."</p> + + <p>Bob descended slowly from the ladder, balancing the + remainder of the red stain. Thorne looked at him curiously.</p> + + <p>"How do you like it as far as you've gone?" he permitted + himself to ask. "This isn't quite up to the romantic idea of + rangering, is it?"</p> + + <p>"Well," said Bob with conviction, "I suppose it may sound + foolish; but I never was surer of anything in my life than that + I've struck the right job."</p> + + <p>As he walked home that night, he looked back on the last few + days with a curious bewilderment. It had all been so real; now + apparently it meant nothing. Thorne was doing good work; these + rangers were good men. But where had vanished all Bob's + exaltation? where his feeling of the portent and influence and + far-reaching significance of what these men were doing? He + realized its importance; but the feeling of its fatefulness had + utterly gone. Things with him were back on a work-a-day basis. + He even laughed a little, good-humouredly, at himself. At the + gate to the new pasture he once more stopped and looked at his + horse. A deep content came over him.</p> + + <p>"I've sure struck the right job!" he repeated aloud with + conviction.</p> + + <p>And this, could he have known it, was the outward and + visible and only sign of the things spiritual that had been + veiled.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="III"></a> + + <h2>III</h2><br> + + + <p>When Saturday evening came the men washed and shaved and put + on clean garments. Bob, dog tired after a hard day, was more + inclined to lie on his back.</p> + + <p>"Ain't you-all goin' over to-night?" asked Jack Pollock.</p> + + <p>"Over where?"</p> + + <p>"Why," explained the younger man, "always after supper + Saturdays all the boys who are in camp go over to spend the + evenin' at headquarters."</p> + + <p>Aggressively sleek and scrubbed, the little group marched + down through the woods in the twilight. At headquarters Amy + Thorne and her brother welcomed them and ushered them into the + big room, with the stone fireplace. In this latter a fire of + shake-bolts leaped and roared. The men crowded in, a trifle + bashfully, found boxes and home-made chairs, and perched about + talking occasionally in very low tones to the nearest + neighbour. Amy sat in a rocking chair by the table lamp, sewing + on something, paying little attention to the rangers, save to + throw out an occasional random remark. Thorne had not yet + entered. Finally Amy dropped the sewing in her lap.</p> + + <p>"You're all as solemn as a camp-meeting," she told them + severely. "How many times must I tell you to smoke up and be + agreeable? Here, Mr. Ware, set them a good example."</p> + + <p>She pushed a cigar box toward the older man. Bob saw it to + be half full of the fine-flaked tobacco so much used in the + West. Thus encouraged, Ware rolled himself a cigarette. Others + followed suit. Still others produced and filled black old + pipes. A formidable haze eddied through the apartment. Amy, + still sewing, said, without looking up:</p> + + <p>"One of you boys go rummage the store room for the corn + popper. The corn's in a corn-meal sack on the far shelf."</p> + + <p>Just then Thorne came in, bringing a draft of cold air with + him.</p> + + <p>"Well," said he, "this is a pretty full house for this time + of year."</p> + + <p>He walked directly to the rough, board shelf and from it + took down a book.</p> + + <p>"This man Kipling will do again for to-night," he remarked. + "He knows more about our kind of fellow than most. I've sent + for one or two other things you ought to know, but just now I + want to read you a story that may remind you of something + you've run against yourself. We've a few wild, red-headed + Irishmen ourselves in these hills."</p> + + <p>He walked briskly to the lamp, opened the volume, and at + once began to read. Every once in a while he looked up from the + book to explain a phrase in terms the men would understand, or + to comment pithily on some similarity in their own experience. + When he had finished, he looked about at them, challenging.</p> + + <p>"There; what did I tell you? Isn't that just about the way + they hand it out to us here? And this story took place the + other side of the world! It's quite wonderful when you stop to + think about it, isn't it? Listen to this—"</p> + + <p>He pounced on another story. This led him to a second + incursion on the meagre library. Bob did not recognize the + practical, rather hard Thorne of everyday official life. The + man was carried away by his eagerness to interpret the little + East Indian to these comrade spirits of the West. The rangers + listened with complete sympathy, every once in a while throwing + in a comment or a criticism, never hesitating to interrupt when + interruption seemed pertinent.</p> + + <p>Finally Amy, who had all this time been sewing away unmoved, + a half-tender, half-amused smile curving her lips, laid down + her work with an air of decision.</p> + + <p>"I'll call your attention," said she, "to the fact that I'm + hungry. Shut up your book; I won't hear another word." She + leaned across the table, and, in spite of Thorne's half-earnest + protests, took possession of the volume.</p> + + <p>"Besides," she remarked, "look at poor Jack Pollock; he's + been popping corn like a little machine, and he must be nearly + roasted himself."</p> + + <p>Jack turned to her a face very red from the heat of the + leaping pine fire.</p> + + <p>"That's right," he grinned, "but I got about a dishpan + done."</p> + + <p>"You'll be in practice to fight fire," some one chaffed + him.</p> + + <p>"Oh, he'll fight fire all right, if there's somethin' to eat + the other side," drawled Charley Morton.</p> + + <p>"It's plenty," said Amy, referring to the quantity of + popcorn.</p> + + <p>"Why," spoke up California John in an aggrieved and + surprised tone, "ain't there nobody going to eat popcorn but + me?"</p> + + <p>Amy disappeared only to return bearing a cake frosted with + chocolate. The respect with which this was viewed proved that + the men appreciated to the full what was represented by + chocolate cake in this altitude of tiny stoves and scanty + supplies. Again Amy dove into the store room. This time she + bore back a huge enamel-ware pitcher which she set in the + middle of the round table.</p> + + <p>"There!" she cried, her cheeks red with triumph.</p> + + <p>"What you got, Amy?" asked her brother.</p> + + <p>Ross Fletcher leaned forward to look.</p> + + <p>"Great guns!" he cried.</p> + + <p>The men jostled around, striving for a glimpse, half in + joke, half in genuine curiosity.</p> + + <p>"Lemonade!" cried Ware.</p> + + <p>"None of your lime juice either," pronounced California + John; "look at the genuine article floatin' around on top."</p> + + <p>They turned to Amy.</p> + + <p>"Where did you get them?" they demanded.</p> + + <p>But she shook her head, smiling, and declined to tell.</p> + + <p>They devoured the popcorn and the chocolate cake to the last + crumb, and emptied the pitcher of genuine lemonade. Then they + went home. It was all simple enough: cheap tobacco; reading + aloud; a little rude chaffing; lemonade, cake and popcorn! Bob + smiled to himself as he thought of the consternation a recital + of these ingredients would carry to the sophisticated souls of + most of his friends. Yet he had enjoyed the party, enjoyed it + deeply and thoroughly. He came away from it glowing with + good-fellowship.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="IV"></a> + + <h2>IV</h2><br> + + + <p>At these and similar occupations the latter days of June + slipped by. Bob had little leisure, for the Service was + undermanned for the work it must do. Curtis sooned resigned, to + everybody's joy and relief.</p> + + <p>On only one occasion did Bob gain a chance to ride over to + the scenes of his old activities. This was on a Sunday when, by + a miracle, nothing unexpected came up to tie him to his duty. + He had rather an unsatisfactory visit with Mr. Welton. It was + cordial enough on both sides, for the men were genuinely fond + of each other; but they had lost touch of each other's + interests. Welton persisted in regarding Bob with a covert + amusement, as an older man regards a younger who is having his + fling, and will later settle down. Bob asked after the work, + and was answered. Neither felt any real human interest in the + questions nor their replies. A certain constraint held them, to + Bob's very genuine regret. He rode back through the westering + shadows vaguely uneasy in his mind.</p> + + <p>He and two of the new mountain men had been for two days + cutting up some dead and down trees that encumbered the + enclosure at headquarters. They cross-cut the trunks into handy + lengths; bored holes in them with a two-inch augur; loaded the + holes with blasting powder and a fuse, and touched them off. + The powder split the logs into rough posts small enough to + handle. These fragments they carried laboriously to the middle + of the meadow, where they stacked them rack-fashion and on end. + The idea was to combine business with pleasure by having a + grand bonfire the night of the Fourth of July.</p> + + <p>For this day other preparations were forward. Amy promised a + spread for everybody, if she could get a little help at the + last moment. As many of the outlying rangers as could manage it + would come in for the occasion. A shooting match, roping and + chopping contests, and other sports were in contemplation.</p> + + <p>As the time drew near, various mysteries were plainly afoot. + Men claimed their turns in riding down the mountain for the + mail. They took with them pack horses. These they unpacked + secretly and apart. Amy gave Bob to understand that this + holiday, when the ranks were fullest and conditions ripe, went + far as a substitute for Christmas among these men.</p> + + <p>Then at noon of July second Charley Morton dashed down the + trail from the Upper Meadow, rode rapidly to Headquarters, + flung himself from his horse, and dove into the office. After a + moment he reappeared, followed by Thorne.</p> + + <p>"Saddle up, boys," said the latter. "Fire over beyond Baldy. + Ride and gather in the men who are about here," he told + Bob.</p> + + <p>Bob sprang on Charley Morton's horse and rode about + instructing the workers to gather. When he returned, Thorne + gave his instructions.</p> + + <p>"We're short-handed," he stated, "and it'll be hard to get + help just at this time. Charley, you take Ware, Elliott and + Carroll and see what it looks like. Start a fire line, and do + the best you can. Orde, you and Pollock can get up some pack + horses and follow later with grub, blankets, and so forth. I'll + ride down the mountain to see what I can do about help. It may + be I can catch somebody by phone at the Power House who can let + the boys know at the north end. You say it's a big fire?"</p> + + <p>"I see quite a lot of smoke," said Charley.</p> + + <p>"Then the boys over Jackass way and by the Crossing ought to + see it for themselves."</p> + + <p>The four men designated caught up their horses, saddled + them, and mounted. Thorne handed them each a broad hoe, a rake + and an axe. They rode off up the trail. Thorne mounted on his + own horse.</p> + + <p>"Pack up and follow as fast as you can," he told the two who + still remained.</p> + + <p>"What you want we should take?" asked Jack.</p> + + <p>"Amy will tell you. Get started early as you can. You'll + have to follow their tracks."</p> + + <p>Amy took direction of them promptly. While they caught and + saddled the pack horses, she was busy in the storeroom. They + found laid out for them a few cooking utensils, a variety of + provisions tied up in strong little sacks, several more hoes, + axes and rakes, two mattocks, a half-dozen flat files, and as + many big zinc canteens.</p> + + <p>"Now hurry!" she commanded them; "pack these, and then get + some blankets from your camp, and some hobbles and picket + ropes."</p> + + <p>With Bob's rather awkward help everything was made fast. By + the time the two had packed the blankets and returned to + headquarters on their way to the upper trail, they found Amy + had changed her clothes, caught and saddled her own horse, tied + on well-filled saddle bags, and stood awaiting them. She wore + her broad hat looped back by the pine tree badge of the + Service, a soft shirtwaist of gray flannel, a short divided + skirt of khaki and high-laced boots. A red neckerchief matched + her cheeks, which were glowing with excitement. Immediately + they appeared, she swung aboard with the easy grace of one long + accustomed to the saddle. Bob's lower jaw dropped in + amazement.</p> + + <p>"You going?" he gasped, unable even yet to comprehend the + everyday fact that so many gently nurtured Western girls are + accustomed to those rough-and-ready bivouacs.</p> + + <p>"I wouldn't stay away for worlds!" she cried, turning her + pony's head up the trail.</p> + + <p>Beyond the upper meadow this trail suddenly began to climb. + It made its way by lacets in the dry earth, by scrambles in the + rocks until, through the rapidly thinning ranks of the scrubby + trees, Bob could look back over all the broad shelf of the + mountain whereon grew the pines. It lay spread before him as a + soft green carpet of tops, miles of it, wrinkling and billowing + gently as here and there the conformation of the country + changed. At some distance it dropped over an edge. Beyond that, + very dimly, he realized the brown shimmer rising from the + plain. Far to the right was a tenuous smoke, a suggestion of + thinning in the forest, a flash of blue water. This, Bob knew, + must be the mill and the lake.</p> + + <p>The trail shortly made its way over the shoulder of the + ridge and emerged on the wide, gentle rounding of the crest. + Here the trees were small, stunted and wind-blown. Huge curving + sheets of unbroken granite lay like armour across the shoulder + of the mountain. Decomposing granite shale crunched under the + horses' hoofs. Here and there on it grew isolated tiny tufts of + the hardy upland flowers. Above, the sky was deeply, intensely + blue; bluer than Bob had ever seen a sky before. The air held + in it a tang of wildness, as though it had breathed from great + spaces.</p> + + <p>"I suppose this is the top of our ridge, isn't it?" Bob + asked Jack Pollock.</p> + + <p>The boy nodded.</p> + + <p>Suddenly the trail dipped sharp to the left into a narrow + and shallow little ravine. The bed of this was carpeted by a + narrow stringer of fresh grass and flowers, through which a + tiny stream felt its hesitating way. This ravine widened and + narrowed, turned and doubled. Here and there groups of cedars + on a dry flat offered ideal shelter for a camp. Abruptly the + stringer burst through a screen of azaleas to a round green + meadow surrounded by the taller trees of the eastern slope of + the mountain.</p> + + <p>In other circumstances Bob would have liked to stop for a + better sight of this little gem of a meadow. It was ankle deep + with new grasses, starred with flowers, bordered with pink and + white azaleas. The air, prisoned in a pocket, warmed by the + sun, perfumed heavily by the flowers, lay in the cup of the + trees like a tepid bath. A hundred birds sang in June-tide + ecstasy.</p> + + <p>But Jack Pollock, without pause, skirted this meadow, + crossed the tiny silver creek that bubbled from it down the + slope, and stolidly mounted a little knoll beyond. The trained + pack horses swung along behind him, swaying gently from side to + side that they might carry their packs comfortably and level. + Bob turned involuntarily to glance at Amy. Their eyes met. She + understood; and smiled at him brightly.</p> + + <p>Jack led the way to the top of the knoll and stopped.</p> + + <p>Here the edge of the mountain broke into a tiny outcropping + spur that shook itself free from the pines. It constituted a + natural lookout to the east. Bob drew rein so violently that + even his well-trained mountain horse shook its head in + protest.</p> + + <p>Before him, hushed with that tremendous calm of vast + distances, lay the Sierras he had never seen, as though + embalmed in the sunlight of a thousand afternoons. A + tremendous, deep cañon plunged below him, blue with + distance. It climbed again to his level eventually, but by that + time it was ten miles away. And over against him, very remote, + were pine ridges looking velvety and dark and ruffled and full + of shadows, like the erect fur of a beast that has been + alarmed. From them here and there projected granite domes. And + beyond them bald ranges; and beyond them, splintered granite + with snow in the crevices; and beyond this the dark and + frowning Pinnacles; and still beyond, other mountains so + distant, so ethereal, so delicately pink and rose and saffron + that almost he expected they might at any moment dissolve into + the vivid sky. And, strangely enough, though he realized the + tremendous heights and depths of these peaks and cañons, + the whole effect to Bob was as something spread out broad. The + sky, the wonderful over-arching, very blue sky, was the most + important thing in the universe. Compared to its infinitudes + these mountains lay spread like a fair and wrinkled footrug to + a horizon inconceivably remote and mysterious.</p> + + <p>Then his eye fell to the ridge opposite, across the blue + cañon. From one point on it a straight column of smoke + rolled upward, to mushroom out and hang motionless above the + top of the ridge. Its base was shot by half-seen, half-guessed + flaming streaks.</p> + + <p>Bob had vaguely expected to see a whole country-side ablaze. + This single, slender column was almost absurd. It looked like a + camp-fire, magnified to fit the setting, of course.</p> + + <p>"There's the fire, all right," said Jack. "We got to get + across to it somehow. Trail ends here."</p> + + <p>"Why, that doesn't amount to much!" cried Bob.</p> + + <p>"Don't it?" said Jack. "Well, I'd call that some shakes of a + fire myself. It's covered mighty nigh three hundred acres by + now."</p> + + <p>"Three hundred acres! Better say ten."</p> + + <p>"You're wrong," said Jack; "I've rode all that country with + cattle."</p> + + <p>"You'll find it fire enough, when you get there," put in + Amy. "It's right in good timber, too."</p> + + <p>"All right," agreed Bob; "I'll believe anything—after + this." He waved his hand abroad. "Jack," he called, as that + young man led the way off the edge, "can you see where Jack + Main's Cañon is from here?"</p> + + <p>"Jack Main's!" repeated young Pollock. "Why, if you was on + the top of the farthest mountain in sight, you couldn't see any + place you could see it from."</p> + + <p>"Good Lord!" said Bob.</p> + + <p>The way zigzagged down the slope of the mountain. As Jack + had said, there was no trail, but the tracks left by the four + rangers were plainly to be discerned. Bob, following the pack + horses, had leisure to observe how skilfully this way had been + picked out. Always it held to the easy footing, but always it + was evident that if certain turns had not been made some + distance back this easy footing would have lacked. At times the + tracks led far to the left at nearly the same level until one, + two or three little streams had been crossed. Then without + apparent reason they turned directly down the backbone of a + steep ridge exactly like a half-dozen others they had passed + over. But later Bob saw that this ridge was the only one of the + lot that dipped over gently to lower levels; all the rest broke + off abruptly in precipitous rocks. Bob was a good woodsman, but + this was his first experience in that mountaineering skill + which noses its way by the "lay of the country."</p> + + <p>In the meantime they were steadily descending. The trees + hemmed them closer. Thickets of willows and alders had to be + crossed. Dimly through the tree-tops they seemed to see the sky + darkening by degrees as they worked their way down. At first + Bob thought it the lateness of the afternoon; then he concluded + it must be the smoke of the fire; finally, through a clear + opening, he saw this apparent darkening of the horizon was in + reality the blue of the cañon wall opposite, rising as + they descended. But, too, as they drew nearer, the heavy smoke + of the conflagration began to spread over them. In time it + usurped the heavens, and Bob had difficulty in believing that + it could appear to any one anywhere as so simple a + mushroom-head over a slender smoke column.</p> + + <p>By the time the horses stepped from the slope to the bed of + the cañon, it was quite dark. Jack turned down + stream.</p> + + <p>"We'll cut the trail to Burro Rock pretty quick," said + he.</p> + + <p>Within five minutes of travel they did cut it; a narrow + brown trough, trodden by the hoofs of many generations of + cattlemen bound for the back country. Almost immediately it + began to mount the slope.</p> + + <p>Now ahead, through the gathering twilight, lights began to + show, sometimes scattered, sometimes grouped, like the + camp-fires of an immense army. These were the stubs, stumps, + down logs and the like left still blazing after all the more + readily inflammable material had been burned away. As the + little cavalcade laboured upward, stopping every few minutes to + breathe the horses, these flickering lights defined themselves. + In particular one tall dead yellow pine standing boldly + prominent, afire to the top, alternately glowed and paled as + the wind breathed or died. A smell of stale burning drifted + down the damp night air. Pretty soon Jack Pollock halted for a + moment to call back:</p> + + <p>"Here's their fire line!"</p> + + <p>Bob spurred forward. Just beyond Jack's horse the country + lay blackened. The pine needles had burned down to the soil; + the seedlings and younger trees had been withered away; the + larger trees scorched; the fuel with which every forest is + littered consumed in the fierceness of the conflagration. Here + and there some stub or trunk still blazed and crackled, + outposts of the army whose camp-fires seemed to dot the + hills.</p> + + <p>The line of demarcation between the burned and the unburned + areas seemed extraordinarily well defined. Bob looked closer + and saw that this definition was due to a peculiar path, + perhaps two yards wide. It looked as though some one had gone + along there with a huge broom, sweeping as one would sweep a + path in deep dust. Only in this case the broom must have been a + powerful implement as well as one of wide reach. The brushed + marks went not only through the carpet of pine needles, but + through the tarweed, the snow brush, the manzañita. This + was technically the fire line. At the sight of the positiveness + with which it had checked the spread of the flames, Bob's + spirits rose.</p> + + <p>"They seem to have stopped it here easy enough, already," he + cried.</p> + + <p>"Being as how this is the windward side of the fire, and on + a down slope, I should think they might," remarked Jack Pollock + drily.</p> + + <p>Bob chuckled and glanced at the girl.</p> + + <p>"I'm finding out every day how little I know," said he; "at + my age, too!"</p> + + <p>"The hard work is down wind," said Amy.</p> + + <p>"Of course."</p> + + <p>They entered the burned area, and climbed on up the hill. + Though evidently here the ferocity of the conflagration had + passed, it had left its rear guard behind. Fallen trees still + blazed; standing trees flamed like torches—but all + harmlessly within the magic circle drawn by the desperate quick + work of the rangers. They threaded their way cautiously among + these isolated fires, watching lest some dead giant should fall + across their path. The ground smoked under their feet. Against + the background of a faint and distant roaring, which now made + itself evident, the immediate surroundings seemed very quiet. + The individual cracklings of flames were an undertone. Only + once in a while a dull heavy crash smote the air as some great + tree gave up the unequal struggle.</p> + + <p>They passed as rapidly as they could through this stricken + field. The night had fallen, but the forest was still bright, + the trail still plain. They followed it for an hour until it + had topped the lower ridge.</p> + + <p>Then far ahead, down through the dark trunks of trees, they + saw, wavering, flickering, leaping and dying, a line of fire. + In some places it was a dozen feet high; in others it sank to + within a few inches of the ground—but nowhere could the + eye discern an opening through it. A roar and a crackling + filled the air. Sparks were shooting upward in the suction. A + blast of heat rushed against Bob's cheek. All at once he + realized that a forest fire was not a widespread general + conflagration, like the burning of a city block. It was a line + of battle, a ring of flame advancing steadily. All they had + passed had been negligible. Here was the true enemy, now + charging rapidly through the dry, inflammable low growth, now + creeping stealthily in the needles and among the rocks; always + making way, always gathering itself for one of its wild leaps + which should lay an entire new province under its ravaging. + Somewhere on the other side of that ring of fire were four men. + They were trying to cut a lane over which the fire could not + leap.</p> + + <p>Bob gazed at the wall of flame with some dismay.</p> + + <p>"How we going to get through?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"We got to find a rock outcrop somewheres up the ridge," + explained Jack, "where there'll be a break in the fire."</p> + + <p>He turned up the side of the mountain again, leading the + way. After a time they came to an outcrop of the sort + described, which, with some difficulty and stumbling, they + succeeded in crossing.</p> + + <p>Ahead, in the darkness, showed a tiny licking little fire, + only a few inches high.</p> + + <p>"The fire has jumped!" cried Bob.</p> + + <p>"No, that's their backfire," Pollock corrected him.</p> + + <p>They found this to be true. The rangers had hastily hoed and + raked out a narrow path. Over this a very small fire could not + pass; but there could be no doubt that the larger conflagration + would take the slight obstacle in its stride. Therefore the + rangers had themselves ignited the small fire. This would eat + away the fuel, and automatically widen the path. Between the + main fire and the back fire were still several hundred yards of + good, unburned country. To Bob's expression of surprise Amy + added to the two principles of fire-fighting he had learned + from Pollock.</p> + + <p>"It doesn't do to try to stop a fire anywhere and + everywhere," said she. "A good man knows his country, and he + takes advantage of it. This fire line probably runs along the + line of natural defence."</p> + + <p>They followed it down the mountain for a long distance + through the eddying smoke. The flames to their right shot up + and died and crept. The shadows to their left—their own + among the number—leaped and fell. After a while, down + through the mists, they made out a small figure, very busy at + something. When they approached, they found this to be Charley + Morton. The fire had leaped the cleared path and was greedily + eating in all directions through the short, pitchy growth of + tarweed. It was as yet only a tiny leak, but once let it get + started, the whole forest beyond the fire line would be ablaze. + The ranger had started to cut around this a half-circle + connected at both ends with the main fire line. With short, + quick jabs of his hoe, he was tearing away at the tough + tarweed.</p> + + <p>"Hullo!" said he without looking up. "You'll find camp on + the bald ridge north the fire line. There's a little feed + there."</p> + + <p>Having completed his defence, he straightened his back to + look at them. His face was grimed a dingy black through which + rivulets of sweat had made streaks.</p> + + <p>"Had it pretty hot all afternoon," he proffered. "Got the + fire line done, though. How're those canteens—full? I'll + trade you my empty one." He took a long draught. "That tastes + good. Went dry about three o'clock, and haven't had a drop + since."</p> + + <p>They left him there, leaning on the handle of his hoe. Jack + Pollock seemed to know where the place described as the + camp-site was located, for after various détours and + false starts, he led them over the brow of a knoll to a tiny + flat among the pine needles where they were greeted by whinnies + from unseen animals. It was here very dark. Jack scraped + together and lit some of the pine needles. By the flickering + light they saw the four saddles dumped down in a heap.</p> + + <p>"There's a side hill over yander with a few bunches of grass + and some of these blue lupins," said Jack. "It ain't much in + the way of hoss-feed, but it'll have to do."</p> + + <p>He gathered fuel and soon had enough of a fire to furnish + light.</p> + + <p>"It certainly does seem plumb foolish to be lightin' + <i>more</i> fires!" he remarked.</p> + + <p>In the meantime Amy had unsaddled her own horse and was busy + unpacking one of the pack animals. Bob followed her + example.</p> + + <p>"There," she said; "now here are the canteens, all full; and + here's six lunches already tied together that I put up before + we started. You can get them to the other boys. Take your tools + and run along. I'll straighten up, and be ready for you when + you can come back."</p> + + <p>"What if the fire gets over to you?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"I'll turn the horses loose and ride away," she said + gaily.</p> + + <p>"It won't get clost to there," put in Jack. "This little + ridge is rock all round it. That's why they put the camp + here."</p> + + <p>"Where's water?" asked Amy.</p> + + <p>"I don't rightly remember," confessed Pollock. "I've only + been in here once."</p> + + <p>"I'll find out in the morning. Good luck!"</p> + + <p>Jack handed Bob three of the canteens, a hoe and rake and + one of the flat files.</p> + + <p>"What's this for?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"To keep the edge of your hoe sharp," replied Jack.</p> + + <p>They shouldered their implements and felt their way in the + darkness over the tumbled rock outcrop. As they surmounted the + shoulder of the hill, they saw once more flickering before them + the fire line.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="V"></a> + + <h2>V</h2><br> + + + <p>Charley Morton received the lunch with joy.</p> + + <p>"Ain't had time to get together grub since we came," said + he, "and didn't know when I would."</p> + + <p>"What do you want us to do?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"The fire line's drawn right across from Granite Creek down + there in the cañon over to a bald dome. We got her done + an hour ago, and pretty well back-fired. All we got to do now + is to keep her from crossing anywheres; and if she does cross, + to corral her before she can get away from us."</p> + + <p>"I wish we could have got here sooner!" cried Bob, + disappointed that the little adventure seemed to be flattening + out.</p> + + <p>"So?" commented Charley drily. "Well, there's plenty yet. If + she gets out in one single, lonesome place, this fire line of + ours won't be worth a cent. She's inside now—if we can + hold her there." He gazed contemplatively aloft at a big dead + pine blazing merrily to its very top. Every once in a while a + chunk of bark or a piece of limb came flaring down to hit the + ground with a thump. "There's the trouble," said he. "What's to + keep a spark or a coal from that old coon from falling or + rolling on the wrong side of the line? If it happens when none + of us are around, why the fire gets a start. And maybe a coal + will roll down hill from somewhere; or a breeze come up and + carry sparks. One spark over here," he stamped his foot on the + brushed line, "and it's all to do over again. There's six of + us," added the ranger, "and a hundred of these trees near the + line. By rights there ought to be a man camped down near every + one of them."</p> + + <p>"Give us our orders," repeated Bob.</p> + + <p>"The orders are to patrol the fire line," said Morton. "If + you find the fire has broken across, corral it. If it gets too + strong for you, shoot your six-shooter twice. Keep a-moving, + but take it easy and save yourself for to-morrow. About two + o'clock, or so, I'll shoot three times. Then you can come to + camp and get a little sleep. You got to be in shape for + to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"Why especially to-morrow?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Fire dies in the cool of night; it comes up in the middle + of the day," explained Morton succinctly.</p> + + <p>Bob took to the right, while Jack went in the opposite + direction. His way led down hill. He crossed a ravine, + surmounted a little ridge. Now he was in the worse than total + darkness of the almost extinct area. Embers and coals burned + all over the side hill like so many evil winking eyes. Far + ahead, down the mountain, the rising smoke glowed incandescent + with the light of an invisible fire beneath, Bob, blinded by + this glow, had great difficulty in making his way. Once he + found that he had somehow crept out on the great bald roundness + of a granite dome, and had to retrace his steps. Twice he lost + his footing utterly, but fortunately fell but a short distance. + At last he found himself in the V of a narrow ravine.</p> + + <p>All this time he had, with one exception, kept close track + of the fire line. The exception was when he strayed out over + the dome; but that was natural, for the dome had been adopted + bodily as part of the system of defence. Everywhere the edge of + the path proved to be black and dead. No living fire glowed + within striking distance of the inflammable material on the + hither side the path.</p> + + <p>But here, in the bottom of the ravine, a single coal had + lodged, and had already started into flame the dry small brush. + It had fallen originally from an oak fully a hundred feet away; + and in some mysterious manner had found a path to this hidden + pocket. The circumstances somewhat shook Bob's faith in the + apparent safety of the country he had just traversed.</p> + + <p>However, there were the tiny flames, licking here and there, + insignificant, but nevertheless dangerous. Bob carefully laid + his canteens and the rake on a boulder, and set to work with + his sharpened hoe. It looked to be a very easy task to dig out + a path around this little fire.</p> + + <p>In the course of the miniature fight he learned considerable + of the ways of fire. The brush proved unexpectedly difficult. + It would not stand up to the force of his stroke, but bent + away. The tarweed, especially, was stubborn under even the most + vigorous wielding of his sharpened hoe.</p> + + <p>He made an initial mistake by starting to hoe out his path + too near the blaze, forgetting that in the time necessary to + complete his half-circle the flames would have spread. + Discovering this, he abandoned his beginning and fell back + twenty feet. This naturally considerably lengthened the line he + would have to cut. When it was about half done, Bob discovered + that he would have to hustle to prevent the fire breaking by + him before he could complete his half-circle. It became a race. + He worked desperately. The heat of the flames began to scorch + his face and hands, so that it was with difficulty he could + face his work. Irrelevantly enough there arose before his mind + the image of Jack Pollock popping corn before the fireplace at + headquarters. Continual wielding of the hoe tired a certain set + of muscles to the aching point. His mouth became dry and + sticky, but he could not spare time to hunt up his canteen. The + thought flashed across his mind that the fire was probably + breaking across elsewhere, just like this. The other men must + be in the same fix. There were six of them. Suppose the fire + should break across simultaneously in seven places? The little + licking flames had at last, by dint of a malignant persistence, + become a personal enemy. He fought them absorbedly, throwing + his line farther and farther as the necessity arose, running to + beat down with green brush the first feeble upstartings of the + fire as it leaped here and there his barrier, keeping a + vigilant eye on every part of his defences.</p> + + <p>"Well," drawled Charley Morton's voice behind him, "what you + think you're doing?"</p> + + <p>"Corralling this fire, of course," Bob panted, dashing at a + marauding little flame.</p> + + <p>"What for?" demanded Charley.</p> + + <p>Bob looked up in sheer amazement.</p> + + <p>"See that rock dike just up the hill behind you?" explained + Morton. "Well, our fire line already runs up to that on both + sides. Fire couldn't cross it. We expected this to burn."</p> + + <p>Bob suddenly felt a little nauseated and dizzy from the heat + and violence of his exertions in this high altitude.</p> + + <p>"Here's your canteen," Morton went on easily. "Take a swig. + Better save a little. Feel better? Let me give you a pointer: + don't try to stop a fire going up hill. Take it on top or just + over the top. It burns slower and it ain't so apt to jump."</p> + + <p>"I know; I forgot," said Bob, feeling a trifle foolish.</p> + + <p>"Never mind; you've learned something," said Morton + comfortably. "Let's go down below. There's fresh fire there; + and it may have jumped past Elliott."</p> + + <p>They scrambled down. Elliott and Ware were found to be + working desperately in the face of the flames. The fire had not + here jumped the line, but it was burning with great ferocity up + to the very edge of it. If the rangers could for a half-hour + prevent the heat from igniting the growths across the defence, + the main fire would have consumed its fuel and died down to + comparative safety. With faces averted, heads lowered, + handkerchiefs over their mouths, they continually beat down the + new little fires which as continually sprang into life again. + Here the antagonists were face to face across the narrow line. + The rangers could not give back an inch, for an inch of headway + on the wrong side the path would convert a kindling little + blaze to a real fire. They stood up to their work doggedly as + best they might.</p> + + <p>With entire understanding of the situation Charley motioned + Bob to the front.</p> + + <p>"We'll hold her for a minute," he shouted to the others. + "Drop back and get a drink."</p> + + <p>They fell back to seize eagerly their canteens. Bob gripped + his handful of green brush and set to work. For a minute he did + not think it possible to face the terrible heat. His garments + were literally drenched with sweat which immediately dried into + steam. A fierce drain sucked at his strength. He could hardly + breathe, and could see only with difficulty. After a moment + Elliott and Ware, evidently somewhat refreshed, again took + hold.</p> + + <p>How they stuck it out for that infernal half-hour Bob could + not have told, but stick it out they did. The flames gradually + died down; the heat grew less; the danger that the shrivelled + brush on the wrong side the fire line would be ignited by sheer + heat, vanished. The four men fell back. Their eyebrows and hair + were singed; their skin blackened. Bob's face felt sore, and as + though it had been stretched. He took a long pull at his + canteen. For the moment he felt as though his energy had all + been drained away.</p> + + <p>"Well, that was a good little scrap," observed Charley + Morton cheerfully. "I certainly do wish it was always night + when a man had to fight fire. In a hot sun it gets to be hard + work."</p> + + <p>Elliott rolled his eyes, curiously white like a minstrel's + in his blackened face, at Bob, but said nothing.</p> + + <p>"We'll leave Elliott here to watch this a few minutes, and + go down the line," said Morton.</p> + + <p>Bob lifted his canteen, and, to his surprise, found it + empty.</p> + + <p>"Why, I must have drunk a gallon!" he cried.</p> + + <p>"It's dry work," said Morton.</p> + + <p>They continued on down the fire line, pausing every once in + a while to rake and scrape leisurely at the heavy bark beneath + some blazing stub. The fierce, hard work was over. All along + the fire line from the dome of granite over the ridge down to + Granite Creek the fire had consumed all the light fuel on its + own side the defence. No further danger was to be apprehended + in the breaking across. But everywhere through the now + darkening forest blazed the standing trees. A wind would fill + the air with brands; and even in the present dead calm those + near the line were a threat.</p> + + <p>The men traversed the fire line from end to end a half-dozen + times. Bob became acquainted individually and minutely with + each of the danger spots. The new temporary features of country + took on, from the effects of vigilance and toil, the dignity of + age and establishment. Anxiously he widened the path here, + kicked back glowing brands there, tried to assure himself that + in no possible manner could the seed of a new conflagration + find germination. After a long time he heard three shots from + up the mountain. This, he remarked, was a signal agreed upon. + He shouldered his blackened implements and commenced a + laborious ascent.</p> + + <p>Suddenly he discovered that he was very tired, and that his + legs were weak and wobbly. Stubs and sticks protruded + everywhere; stones rolled from under his feet. Once on a steep + shale, he fell and rolled ten feet out of sheer weariness. In + addition he was again very thirsty, and his canteen empty. A + chill gray of dawn was abroad; the smell of stale burning hung + in the air.</p> + + <p>By the time he had staggered into camp the daylight had + come. He glanced about him wearily. Across a tiny ravine the + horses dozed, tied each to a short picket rope. Bob was already + enough of a mountaineer to notice that the feed was very scant. + The camp itself had been made under a dozen big yellow pines. A + bright little fire flickered. About it stood utensils from + which the men were rather dispiritedly helping themselves. Bob + saw that the long pine needles had been scraped together to + make soft beds, over which the blankets had been spread. Amy + herself, her cheeks red, her eyes bright, was passing around + tin cups of strong coffee, and tin plates of food. Her horse, + saddled and bridled, stood nearby.</p> + + <p>"Take a little of this," she urged Bob, "and then turn + in."</p> + + <p>Bob muttered his thanks. After swallowing the coffee, + however, he felt his energies reviving somewhat.</p> + + <p>"How did you leave things at the lower end?" Morton was + asking him.</p> + + <p>"All out but two or three smouldering old stubs," replied + Bob. "Everything's safe."</p> + + <p>"Nothing's safe," contradicted Morton. "By rights we ought + to watch every minute. But we got to get some rest in a long + fight. It's the cool of the morning and the fire burns low. + Turn in and get all the sleep you can. May need you later."</p> + + <p>"I'm all in," acknowledged Bob, throwing back his blanket; + "I'm willing to say so."</p> + + <p>"No more fire in mine," agreed young Elliott.</p> + + <p>The other men said nothing, but fell to their beds. Only + Charley Morton rose a little stiffly to his feet.</p> + + <p>"Aren't you going to turn in too, Charley?" asked the girl + quickly.</p> + + <p>"It's daylight now," explained the ranger, "and I can see to + ride a horse. I reckon I'd better ride down the line."</p> + + <p>"I've thought of that," said Amy. "Of course, it wouldn't do + to let the fire take care of itself. See; I have Pronto + saddled. I'll look over the line, and if anything happens I'll + wake you."</p> + + <p>"You must be about dead," said Charley. "You've been up all + night fixing camp and cooking----"</p> + + <p>"Up all night!" repeated Amy scornfully. "How long do you + think it takes me to make camp and cook a simple little + breakfast?"</p> + + <p>"But the country's almighty rough riding."</p> + + <p>"On Pronto?"</p> + + <p>"He's a good mountain pony," agreed Charley Morton; + "California John picked him out himself. All right. I do feel + some tired."</p> + + <p>This was about six o'clock. The men had slept but a little + over an hour when Amy scrambled over the rim of the dike and + dropped from her horse.</p> + + <p>"Charley!" she cried, shaking the ranger by the shoulder; + "I'm sorry. But there's fresh smoke about half-way down the + mountain. There was nothing left to burn fresh inside the fire + line, was there? I thought not."</p> + + <p>Twenty minutes later all six were frantically digging, + hoeing, chopping, beating in a frenzy against the spread of the + flames. In some manner the fire had jumped the line. It might + have been that early in the fight a spark had lodged. As long + as the darkness of night held down the temperature, this spark + merely smouldered. When, however, the rays of the sun gathered + heat, it had burst into flame.</p> + + <p>This sun made all the difference in the world. Where, in the + cool of the night, the flames had crept slowly, now they leaped + forward with a fierce crackling; green brush that would + ordinarily have resisted for a long time, now sprang into fire + at a touch. The conflagration spread from a single point in all + directions, running swiftly, roaring in a sheet of fire, + licking up all before it.</p> + + <p>The work was fierce in its intensity. Bob, in common with + the others, had given up trying—or indeed caring—to + protect himself. His clothes smoked, his face smarted and + burned, his skin burned and blistered. He breathed the hot air + in gasps. Strangely enough, he did not feel in the least + tired.</p> + + <p>He did not need to be told what to do. The only possible + defence was across a rock outcrop. To right and left of him the + other men were working desperately to tear out the brush. He + grubbed away trying to clear the pine needles and little bushes + that would carry the fire through the rocks like so many powder + fuses.</p> + + <p>He had no time to see how the others were getting on; he + worked on faith. His own efforts were becoming successful. The + fire, trying, one after another, various leads through the + rocks, ran out of fuel and died. The infernal roaring furnace + below, however, leaped ever to new trial.</p> + + <p>Then all at once Bob found himself temporarily out of the + game. In trying to roll a boulder out of the way, he caught his + hand. A sharp, lightning pain shot up his arm and into the + middle of his chest. When he had succeeded in extricating + himself, he found that his middle finger was squarely + broken.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="VI"></a> + + <h2>VI</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob stood still for a moment, looking at the injured member. + Charley Morton touched him on the shoulder. When he looked up, + the ranger motioned him back. Casting a look of regret at his + half-completed defences, he obeyed. To his surprise he found + the other four already gathered together. Evidently his being + called off the work had nothing to do with his broken finger, + as he had at first supposed.</p> + + <p>"Well, I guess we'll have to fall back," said Morton + composedly. "It's got away from us."</p> + + <p>Without further comment he shouldered his implements and + took his way up the hill. Bob handed his hoe and rake to Jack + Pollock.</p> + + <p>"Carry 'em a minute," he explained. "I hurt my hand a + little."</p> + + <p>As he walked along he bound the finger roughly to its + neighbour, and on both tied a rude splint.</p> + + <p>"What's up?" he muttered to Jack, as he worked at this.</p> + + <p>"I reckon we must be goin' to start a fire line back of the + next cross-bridge somewheres," Jack ventured his opinion.</p> + + <p>Bob stopped short.</p> + + <p>"Then we've abandoned the old one!" he exclaimed.</p> + + <p>"Complete," spoke up Ware, who overheard.</p> + + <p>"And all the work we've done there is useless?"</p> + + <p>"Absolutely."</p> + + <p>"We've got it all to do over again from the beginning?"</p> + + <p>"Certain sure."</p> + + <p>Bob adjusted his mind to this new and rather overwhelming + idea.</p> + + <p>"I saw Senator What's-his-name—from Montana—made + a speech the other day," spoke up Elliott, "in which he + attacked the Service because he said it was a refuge for + consumptives and incompetents!"</p> + + <p>At this moment Amy rode up draped with canteens and + balancing carefully a steaming pail of coffee. She was + accompanied by another woman similarly provided.</p> + + <p>The newcomer was a decided-looking girl under thirty, with a + full, strong figure, pronounced flaxen-blond hair, a clear + though somewhat sunburned skin, blue eyes, and a flash of + strong, white teeth. Bob had never seen her before, but he + recognized her as a mountain woman. She rode a pinto, guided by + a hackamore, and was attired quite simply in the universal + broad felt hat and a serviceable blue calico gown. In spite of + this she rode astride; and rode well. A throwing rope, or + riata, hung in the sling at the right side of her saddle + pommel; and it looked as though it had been used.</p> + + <p>"Where's Charley?" she asked promptly as she rode up. "Is + that you? You look like a nigger. How you feeling? You just + mind me, and don't you try to do too much. You don't get paid + for overtime at this job."</p> + + <p>"Hullo, Lou," replied Charley Morton; "I thought it was + about time you showed up."</p> + + <p>The woman nodded at the others.</p> + + <p>"Howdy, Mrs. Morton," answered Tom Carroll, Pollock and + Ware. Bob and Elliott bowed.</p> + + <p>By now the fire had been left far in the rear. The crackling + of flames had died in the distance; even the smoke cleared from + the atmosphere. All the forest was peaceful and cool. The + Douglas squirrels scampered and barked; the birds twittered and + flashed or slanted in long flight through the trees; the sun + shone soft; a cool breeze ruffled the feathery tips of the + tarweed.</p> + + <p>At the top of the ridge Charley Morton called a halt.</p> + + <p>"This is pretty easy country," said he. "We'll run the line + square down either side. Get busy."</p> + + <p>"Have a cup of coffee first," urged Amy.</p> + + <p>"Surely. Forgot that."</p> + + <p>They drank the coffee, finding it good, and tucked away the + lunches Amy, with her unfailing forethought, had brought + them.</p> + + <p>"Good-bye!" she called gaily; "I've got to get back to camp + before the fire cuts me off. I won't see you again till the + fire burns me out a way to get to you."</p> + + <p>"Take my horse, too," said Mrs. Morton, dismounting. "You + don't need me in camp."</p> + + <p>Amy took the lead rein and rode away as a matter of course. + She was quite alone to guard the horses and camp equipage on + the little knoll while the fire spent its fury all around her. + Everybody seemed to take the matter for granted; but Bob looked + after her with mingled feelings of anxiety and astonishment. + This Western breed of girl was still beyond his + comprehension.</p> + + <p>The work was at once begun. In spite of the cruel throb of + his injured hand, Bob found the labour pleasant by sheer force + of contrast. The air was cool, the shade refreshing, the + frantic necessity of struggle absent. He raked carefully his + broad path among the pine needles, laying bare the brown earth; + hoed and chopped in the tarweed and brush. Several times + Charley Morton passed him. Each time the ranger paused for a + moment to advise him.</p> + + <p>"You ought to throw your line farther back," he told Bob. + "See that 'dead-and-down' ahead? If you let that cross your + fire line, it'll carry the fire sooner or later, sure; and if + you curve your line too quick to go around it, the fire'll + jump. You want to keep your eye out 'way ahead."</p> + + <p>Once Bob caught a glimpse of blue calico through the trees. + As he came nearer, he was surprised to see Mrs. Morton working + away stoutly with a hoe. Her skirts were turned back, her + sleeves rolled up to display a white and plump forearm, the + neck of her gown loosened to show a round and well-moulded + neck. The strokes of her hoe were as vigorous as those of any + of the men. In watching the strong, free movements of her body, + Bob forgot for a moment what had been intruding itself on him + with more and more insistance—the throb of his broken + hand.</p> + + <p>In the course of an hour the fire line was well under way. + But now wisps of smoke began to drift down the tree aisles. + Birds shot past, at first by ones and twos, later in flocks. A + deer that must have lain perdu to let them pass bounded across + the ridge, his head high, his nostrils wide. The squirrels ran + chattering down the trees, up others, leaped across the gaps, + working always farther and farther to the north. The cool + breeze carried with it puffs of hot air. Finally in distant + openings could be discerned little busy, flickering flames. All + at once the thought gripped Bob hard: the might of the fire was + about to test the quality of his work!</p> + + <p>"There she comes!" gasped Charley Morton. "My Lord, how + she's run to-day! We got to close the line to that stone + dike."</p> + + <p>By one of the lightning transitions of motive with which + these activities seemed to abound, the affair had become a very + deadly earnest sort of race. It was simple. If the men could + touch the dike before the fire, they won.</p> + + <p>The realization of this electrified even the weary spirits + of the fire-fighters. They redoubled their efforts. The hoes, + mattocks and axes rose and fell feverishly. Mrs. Morton, the + perspiration matting her beautiful and shining hair across her + forehead, laboured with the best. The fire, having gained the + upward-rising slope, came at them with the speed of an enemy + charging. Soon they were fairly choked by the dense clouds of + smoke, fairly scorched by the waves of heat. Sweat poured from + them in streams. Bob utterly forgot his wounded hand.</p> + + <p>And then, when they were within a scant fifty yards of the + dike which was intended to be their right wing, the flames + sprang with a roar to new life. Up the slope they galloped, + whirled around the end of the fire line, and began eagerly to + lick up the tarweed and needles of the ridge-top.</p> + + <p>Bob and Elliott uttered a simultaneous cry of dismay. The + victory had seemed fairly in their grasp. Now all chance of it + was snatched away.</p> + + <p>"Poor guess," said Charley Morton. The men, without other + comment, shouldered their implements and set off on a dog-trot + after their leader. The ranger merely fell back to the next + natural barrier.</p> + + <p>"Now, let's see if we can't hold her, boys," said he.</p> + + <p>Twice again that day were these scenes reënacted. The + same result obtained. Each time it seemed to Bob that he could + do no more. His hand felt as big as a pillow, and his whole arm + and shoulder ached. Besides this he was tired out. Amy had been + cut off from them by the fire. In two days they had had but an + hour's sleep. Water had long since given out on them. The sun + beat hot and merciless, assisting its kinsman, the fire. Bob + would, if left to himself, have given up the contest long + since. It seemed ridiculous that this little handful of men + should hope to arrest anything so mighty, so proud, so + magnificent as this great conflagration. As well expect a + colony of ants to stop a break in the levee. But Morton + continued to fall back as though each defeat were a matter of + course. He seemed unwearied, though beneath the smoke-black his + eyes were hollow. Mrs. Morton did her part with the rest, + strong as a man for all her feminine attraction, for all the + soft lines of her figure.</p> + + <p>"I'll drop back far enough this time," Charley muttered to + her, as they were thrown together in their last retreat. "Can't + seem to get far enough back!"</p> + + <p>"There's too few of us to handle such a big fire," his wife + replied. "You can't do it with six men."</p> + + <p>"Seven," amended Charley. "You're as good as any of us. + Don't you worry, Lou. Even if we don't stop her—and I + think we will—we're checking the run of her until we get + help. We're doing well. There's only two old fire-fighters in + the lot—you and me. All the rest is green hands. We're + doing almighty well."</p> + + <p>Overhearing this Bob plucked up heart. These desperate + stands were not then so wasted as he had thought them. At least + the fire was checked at each defence—it was not permitted + to run wild over the country.</p> + + <p>"We ought to get help before long," he said.</p> + + <p>"To-morrow, I figure," replied Charley Morton. "The boys are + scattered wide, finishing odds and ends before coming in for + the Fourth. It'll be about impossible to get hold of any of 'em + except by accident. But they'll all come in for the + Fourth."</p> + + <p>The next defence was successfully completed before the fire + reached it. Bob felt a sudden rush of most extraordinary and + vivifying emotion. A moment ago he had been ready to drop in + his tracks, indifferent whether the fire burned him as he lay. + Now he felt ready to go on forever. Bert Elliott found energy + enough to throw his hat into the air, while Jack shook his fist + at the advancing fire.</p> + + <p>"We fooled him that time!" cried Elliott.</p> + + <p>"Bet you!" growled Pollock.</p> + + <p>The other men and the woman stood leaning on the long + handles of their implements staring at the advancing + flames.</p> + + <p>Morton aroused himself with an effort.</p> + + <p>"Do your best boys," said he briefly. "There she comes. + Another hour will tell whether we've stopped her. Then we've + got to hold her. Scatter!"</p> + + <p>The day had passed without anybody's being aware of the + fact. The cool of the evening was already falling, and the + fierceness of the conflagration was falling in accord.</p> + + <p>They held the line until the flames had burned themselves + out against it. Then they took up their weary patrol. Last + night, when Bob was fresh, this part of fire-fighting had + seemed the hardest kind of hard work. Now, crippled and weary + as he was, in contrast to the day's greater labour, it had + become comparatively easy. About eight o'clock Amy, having + found a way through, appeared leading all the horses, saddled + and packed.</p> + + <p>"You boys came a long way," she explained simply, "and I + thought I'd bring over camp."</p> + + <p>She distributed food, and made trips down the fire line with + coffee.</p> + + <p>In this manner the night passed. The line had been held. No + one had slept. Sunrise found Bob and Jack Pollock far down the + mountain. They were doggedly beating back some tiny flames. The + camp was a thousand feet above, and their canteens had long + been empty. Bob raised his weary eyes.</p> + + <p>Out on a rock inside the burned area, like a sentinel cast + in bronze, stood a horseman. The light was behind him, so only + his outline could be seen. For a minute he stood there quite + motionless, looking. Then he moved forward, and another came up + behind him on the rock. This one advanced, and a third took his + place. One after the other, in single file, they came, + glittering in the sun, their long rakes and hoes slanted over + their shoulders like spears.</p> + + <p>"Look!" gasped Bob weakly.</p> + + <p>The two stood side by side spellbound. The tiny flames + licked past them in the tarweed; they did not heed. The + horsemen rode up, twenty strong. It seemed to Bob that they + said things, and shouted. Certainly a half-dozen leaped spryly + off their horses and in an instant had confined the escaping + fire. Somebody took Bob's hoe from him. A cheery voice shouted + in his ear:</p> + + <p>"Hop along! You're through. We're on the job. Go back to + camp and take a sleep."</p> + + <p>He and Pollock turned up the mountain. Bob felt stupid. + After he had gone a hundred feet, he realized he was thirsty, + and wondered why he had not asked for a drink. Then it came to + him that he might have borrowed a horse, but remembered thickly + after a long time the impassable dikes between him and + camp.</p> + + <p>"That's why I didn't," he said aloud.</p> + + <p>By this time it was too late to go back for the drink. He + did not care. The excitement and responsibility had drained + from him suddenly, leaving him a hollow shell.</p> + + <p>They dragged themselves up the dike.</p> + + <p>"I'd give a dollar and a half for a drink of water!" said + Pollock suddenly.</p> + + <p>They stumbled and staggered on. A twig sufficed to trip + them. Pollock muttered between set teeth, over and over again, + his unvarying complaint: "I'd give a dollar and a half for a + drink of water!"</p> + + <p>Finally, with a flicker of vitality, Bob's sense of humour + cleared for an instant.</p> + + <p>"Not high enough," said he. "Make it two dollars, and maybe + some angel will hand you out a glass."</p> + + <p>"That's all right," returned Pollock resentfully, "but I bet + there's some down in that hollow; and I'm going to see!"</p> + + <p>"I wouldn't climb down there for a million drinks," said + Bob; "I'll sit down and wait for you."</p> + + <p>Pollock climbed down, found his water, drank. He filled the + canteen and staggered back up the steep climb.</p> + + <p>"Here you be," said he.</p> + + <p>Bob seized the canteen and drank deep. When he took breath, + he said:</p> + + <p>"Thank you, Jack. That was an awful climb back."</p> + + <p>"That's all right," nodded Jack shortly.</p> + + <p>"Well, come on," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"The hell!" muttered Jack, and fell over sound asleep.</p> + + <p>An hour later Bob felt himself being shaken violently. He + stirred and advanced a little way toward the light, then + dropped back like a plummet into the abysses of sleep. + Afterward he recalled a vague, half-conscious impression of + being lifted on a horse. Possibly he managed to hang on; + possibly he was held in the saddle—that he never + knew.</p> + + <p>The next thing he seemed conscious of was the flicker of a + camp-fire, and the soft feel of blankets. It was night, but how + it came to be so he could not imagine. He was very stiff and + sore and burned, and his hand was very painful. He moved it, + and discovered, to his vast surprise, that it was bound + tightly. When this bit of surgery had been performed he could + not have told.</p> + + <p>He opened his eyes. Amy and Mrs. Morton were bending over + cooking utensils. Five motionless forms reposed in blankets. + Bob counted them carefully. After some moments it occurred to + his dulled brain that the number represented his companions. + Some one on horseback seemed to be arriving. A glitter of + silver caught his eye. He recognized finally California John. + Then he dozed off again. The sound of voices rumbled through + the haze of his half-consciousness.</p> + + <p>"Fifty hours of steady fire-fighting with only an hour's + sleep!" he caught Thorne's voice saying.</p> + + <p>Bob took this statement into himself. He computed painfully + over and over. He could not make the figures. He counted the + hours one after the other. Finally he saw.</p> + + <p>"Fifty hours for all but Pollock and me," he said suddenly; + "forty for us."</p> + + <p>No one heard him. As a matter of fact, he had not spoken + aloud; though he thought he had done so.</p> + + <p>"We found the two of them curled up together," he next heard + Thorne say. "Orde was coiled around a sharp root—and + didn't know it, and Pollock was on top of him. They were out in + the full sun, and a procession of red ants was disappearing up + Orde's pants leg and coming out at his collar. Fact!"</p> + + <p>"They're a good lot," admitted California John. "Best + unbroke lot I ever saw."</p> + + <p>"We found Orde's finger broken and badly swelled. Heaven + knows when he did it, but he never peeped. Morton says he + noticed his hand done up in a handkerchief yesterday + morning."</p> + + <p>Bob dozed again. From time to time he caught + fragments—"Four fire-lines—think of it—only + one old-timer in the lot—I'm proud of my boys----"</p> + + <p>He came next to full consciousness to hear Thorne + saying:</p> + + <p>"Mrs. Morton fought fire with the best of them. That's the + ranger spirit I like—when as of old the women and + children----"</p> + + <p>"Don't praise me," broke in Mrs. Morton tartly. "I don't + give a red cent for all your forests, and your pesky rangering. + I've got no use for them. If Charley Morton would quit you and + tend to his cattle, I'd be pleased. I didn't fight fire to help + you, let me tell you."</p> + + <p>"What did you do it for?" asked Thorne, evidently + amused.</p> + + <p>"I knew I couldn't get Charley Morton home and in bed and + <i>resting</i> until that pesky fire was <i>out</i>; that's + why!" shot back Mrs. Morton.</p> + + <p>"Well, Mrs. Morton," said Thorne composedly, "if you're ever + fixed so sass will help you out, you'll find it a very valuable + quality."</p> + + <p>Then Bob fell into a deep sleep.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="VII"></a> + + <h2>VII</h2><br> + + + <p>On returning to headquarters, as Bob was naturally somewhat + incapacitated for manual work, he was given the fire patrol. + This meant that every day he was required to ride to four + several "lookouts" on the main ridge, from which points he + could spy abroad carefully over vast stretches of mountainous + country. One of these was near the meadow of the cold spring + whence the three of them had first caught sight of the Granite + Creek fire. Thence he turned sharp to the north along the ridge + top. The trail led among great trees that dropped away to right + and left on the slopes of the mountain. Through them he caught + glimpses of the blue distance, or far-off glittering snow, or + unexpected cañon depths. The riding was smooth, over + undulating knolls. Every once in a while passing through a + "<i>puerto suelo</i>," he looked on either side to tiny green + meadows, from which streams were born. Occasionally he saw a + deer, or more likely small bands of the wild mountain cattle + that swung along before him, heads held high, eyes staring, + nostrils expanded. Then Bob felt his pony's muscles stiffen + beneath his thighs, and saw the animal's little ears prick + first forward at the cattle, then back for his master's + commands.</p> + + <p>After three miles of this he came out on a broad plateau + formed by the joining of his ridge with that of the Baldy + range. Here Granite Creek itself rose, and the stream that + flowed by the mill. It was a country of wild, park-like vistas + between small pines, with a floor of granite and shale. Over it + frowned the steeps of Baldy, with its massive domes, its sheer + precipices, and its scant tree-growth clinging to its sides. + Against the sky it looked very rugged, very old, very + formidable; and the sky, behind its yellowed age, was + inconceivably blue.</p> + + <p>Sometimes Bob rode up into the pass. More often he tied his + horse and took the steep rough trail afoot. The way was guarded + by strange, distorted trees, and rocks carved into fantastic + shapes. Some of them were piled high like temples. Others, + round and squat, resembled the fat and obscene deities of + Eastern religions. There were seals and elephants and + crocodiles and allegorical monsters, some of them as tiny as + the grotesque Japanese carvings, others as stupendous as Egypt. + The trail led by them, among them, between them. At their feet + clutched snowbush, ground juniper, the gnarled fingers of + manzañita, like devotees. A foaming little stream crept + and plunged over bare and splintered rocks. Twisted junipers + and the dwarf pines of high elevations crouched like malignant + gnomes amongst the boulders, or tossed their arms like witches + on the crags. This bold and splintered range rose from the + softness and mystery of the great pine woods on the lower ridge + as a rock rises above cool water.</p> + + <p>The pass itself was not over fifty feet wide. Either side of + it like portals were the high peaks. It lay like the notch of a + rifle sight between them. Once having gained the tiny platform, + Bob would sit down and look abroad over the wonderful + Sierra.</p> + + <p>Never did he tire of this. At one eye-glance he could + comprehend a summer's toilsome travel. To reach yonder snowy + peak would consume the greater part of a week. Unlike the Swiss + alps, which he had once visited, these mountains were not only + high, but wide as well. They had the whole of blue space in + which to lie. They were like the stars, for when Bob had + convinced himself that his eye had settled on the farthest + peak, then still farther, taking half-guessed iridescent form + out of the blue, another shone.</p> + + <p>But his business was not with these distances. Almost below + him, so precipitous is the easterly slope of Baldy, lay + cañons, pine forests, lesser ridges, streams, the green + of meadows. Patiently, piece by piece, he must go over all + this, watching for that faint blue haze, that deepening of the + atmosphere, that almost imagined pearliness against the distant + hills which meant new fire.</p> + + <p>"Don't look for <i>smoke</i>," California John had told him. + "When a fire gets big enough for smoke, you can't help but see + it. It's the new fire you want to spot before it gets started. + Then it's easy handled. And new fire's almighty easy to + overlook. Sometimes it's as hard for a greenhorn to see as a + deer. Look close!"</p> + + <p>So Bob, concentrating his attention, looked close. When he + had satisfied himself, he turned square around.</p> + + <p>From this point of view he saw only pine forests. They + covered the ridge below him like a soft green mantle thrown + down in folds. They softened the more distant ranges. They + billowed and eddied, and dropped into unguessed depths, and + came bravely up to eyesight again far away. At last they seemed + to change colour abruptly, and a brown haze overcast them + through which glimmered a hint of yellow. This Bob knew was the + plain, hot and brown under the July sun. It rose dimly through + the mist to the height of his eye. Thus, even at eight thousand + feet, Bob seemed to stand in the cup of the earth, beneath the + cup of the sky.</p> + + <p>The other two lookouts were on the edge of the lower ridge. + They gave an opportunity of examining various coves and valleys + concealed by the shoulder of the ridge from the observer on + Baldy. To reach them Bob rode across the plateau of the ridge, + through the pine forests, past the mill.</p> + + <p>Here, if the afternoon was not too far advanced, he used to + allow himself the luxury of a moment's chat with some of his + old friends. Welton, coat off, his burly face perspiring and + red, always greeted him jovially.</p> + + <p>"Spend all your salary this month?" he would ask. "Does the + business keep you occupied?" And once or twice, seriously, + "Bob, haven't you had enough of this confounded nonsense? + You're getting too old to find any great fun riding around in + this kid fashion pretending to do things. There's big business + to be done in this country, and we need you boys to help. When + I was a youngster I'd have jumped hard at half the chance + that's offered you."</p> + + <p>But Bob never would answer seriously. He knew this to be his + only chance of avoiding even a deeper misunderstanding between + himself and this man whom he had learned to admire and + love.</p> + + <p>Once he met Baker. That young man greeted him as gaily as + ever, but into his manner had crept the shadow of a cold + contempt. The stout youth's standards were his own, and rigid, + as is often the case with people of his type. Bob felt himself + suddenly and ruthlessly excluded from the ranks of those worthy + of Baker's respect. A hard quality of character, hitherto + unsuspected, stared from the fat young man's impudent blue + eyes. Baker was perfectly polite, and suitably jocular; but he + had not much time for Bob; and soon plunged into a deep + discussion with Welton from which Bob was unmistakably + excluded.</p> + + <p>On one occasion, too, he encountered Oldham riding down the + trail from headquarters. The older man had nodded to him + curtly. His eyes had gleamed through his glasses with an + ill-concealed and frosty amusement, and his thin lips had + straightened to a perceptible sneer. All at once Bob divined an + enemy. He could not account for this, as he had never dealt + with the man; and the accident of his discovering the gasoline + pump on the Lucky Land Company's creeks could hardly be + supposed to account for quite so malignant a triumph. Next time + Bob saw Welton, he asked his old employer about it.</p> + + <p>"What have I ever done to Oldham?" he inquired. "Do you + know?"</p> + + <p>"Oldham?" repeated Welton.</p> + + <p>"Baker's land agent."</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. I never happened to run across him. Don't know him + at all."</p> + + <p>Bob put down Oldham's manifest hatred to pettiness of + disposition.</p> + + <p>Even from Merker, the philosophic storekeeper, Bob obtained + scant comfort.</p> + + <p>"Men like you, with ability, youth, energy," said Merker, + "producing nothing, just conserving, saving. Conditions should + be such that the possibility of fire, of trespass, of all you + fellows guard against, should be eliminated. Then you could + supply steam, energy, accomplishment, instead of being merely + the lubrication. It's an economic waste."</p> + + <p>Bob left the mill-yards half-depressed, half-amused. All his + people had become alien. He opposed them in nothing, his work + in no way interfered with their activities; yet, without his + volition, and probably without their realization, he was + already looked upon as one to be held at arms' length. It + saddened Bob, as it does every right-thinking young man when he + arrives at setting up his own standards of conduct and his own + ways of life. He longed with a great longing, which at the same + time he realized to be hopeless, to make these people feel as + he felt. It gave him real pain to find that his way of life + could never gain anything beyond disapproval or + incomprehension. It took considerable fortitude to conclude + that he now must build his own structure, unsupported. He was + entering the loneliness of soul inseparable from complete + manhood.</p> + + <p>After such disquieting contacts, the more uncomfortable in + that they defied analysis, Bob rode out to the last lookout and + gazed abroad over the land. The pineclad bluff fell away nearly + four thousand feet. Below him the country lay spread like a + relief map—valley, lesser ranges, foothills, far-off + plain, the green of trees, the brown of grass and harvest, the + blue of glimpsed water, the haze of heat and great distance, + the thread-like gossamer of roads, the half-guessed shimmer of + towns and cities in the mirage of summer, all the opulence of + earth and the business of human activity. Millions dwelt in + that haze, and beyond them, across the curve of the earth, + hundreds of millions more, each actuated by its own selfishness + or charity, by its own conception of the things nearest it. Not + one in a multitude saw or cared beyond the immediate, nor + bothered his head with what it all meant, or whether it meant + anything. Bob, sitting on his motionless horse high up there in + the world, elevated above it all, in an isolation of pines, + close under his sky, bent his ear to the imagined faint humming + of the spheres. Affairs went on. The machine fulfilled its + function. All things had their place, the evil as well as the + good, the waste as well as the building, balancing like the + governor of an engine the opposition of forces. He saw, by the + soft flooding of light, rather than by any flash of insight, + that were the shortsightedness, the indifference, the + ignorance, the crass selfishness to be eliminated before yet + the world's work was done, the energies of men, running too + easily, would outstrip the development of the Plan, as a + machine "races" without its load. A humility came to him. His + not to judge his fellows by the mere externals of their deeds. + He could only act honestly according to what he saw, as he + hoped others were doing.</p> + + <p>"Just so a man isn't <i>mean</i>, I don't know as I have any + right to despise him," he summed it all up to his horse. "But," + he added cheerfully, "that doesn't prevent my kicking him into + the paths of righteousness if he tries to steal my watch."</p> + + <p>The sun dipped toward the heat haze of the plains. It was + from a golden world that Bob turned at last to ride through the + forest to the cheerfulness of his rude camp.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="VIII"></a> + + <h2>VIII</h2><br> + + + <p>Bob took his examinations, passed successfully, and was at + once appointed as ranger. Thorne had no intention of neglecting + the young man's ability. After his arduous apprenticeship at + all sorts of labour, Bob found himself specializing. This, he + discovered, was becoming more and more the tendency in the + personnel of the Service. Jack Pollock already was being sent + far afield, looking into grazing conditions, reporting on the + state of the range, the advisable number of cattle, the + trespass cases. He had a natural aptitude for that sort of + thing. Ware, on the other hand, developed into a mighty + builder. Nothing pleased him more than to discover new ways + through the country, to open them up, to blast and dig and + construct his trails, to nose out bridge sites and on them to + build spans hewn from the material at hand. He made himself a + set of stencils and with them signed all the forks of the + trails, so that a stranger could follow the routes. Always he + painstakingly added the letters U.S.F.S. to indicate that these + works had been done by his beloved Service. Charley Morton was + the fire chief—though any and all took a hand at that + when occasion arose. He could, as California John expressed it, + run a fire out on a rocky point and lose it there better than + any other man on the force. Ross Fletcher was the best + policeman. He knew the mountains, their infinite labyrinths, + better than any other; and he could guess the location of sheep + where another might have searched all summer.</p> + + <p>Though each and every man was kept busy enough, and to + spare, on all the varied business inseparable from the + activities of a National Forest, nevertheless Thorne knew + enough to avail himself of these especial gifts and likings. + So, early in the summer he called in Bob and Elliott.</p> + + <p>"Now," he told them, "we have plenty of work to do, and you + boys must buckle into it as you see fit. But this is what I + want you to keep in the back of your mind: someday the National + Forests are going to supply a great part of the timber in the + country. It's too early yet. There's too much private timber + standing, which can be cut without restriction. But when that + is largely reduced, Uncle Sam will be going into the lumber + business on a big scale. Even now we will be selling a few + shake trees, and some small lots, and occasionally a bigger + piece to some of the lumbermen who own adjoining timber. We've + got to know what we have to sell. For instance, there's eighty + acres in there surrounded by Welton's timber. When he comes to + cut, it might pay us and him to sell the ripe trees off that + eighty."</p> + + <p>"I doubt if he'd think it would pay," Bob interposed.</p> + + <p>"He might. I think the Chief will ease up a little on + cutting restrictions before long. You've simply got to + over-emphasize a matter at first to make it carry."</p> + + <p>"You mean----?"</p> + + <p>"I mean--this is only my private opinion, you + understand—that lumbering has been done so wastefully and + badly that it has been necessary, merely as education, to go to + the other extreme. We've insisted on chopping and piling the + tops like cordwood, and cutting up the down trunks of trees, + and generally 'parking' the forest simply to get the idea into + people's heads. They'd never thought of such things before. I + don't believe it's necessary to go to such extremes, + practically; and I don't believe the Service will demand it + when it comes actually to do business."</p> + + <p>Elliott and Bob looked at each other a little + astonished.</p> + + <p>"Mind you, I don't talk this way outside; and I don't want + you to do so," pursued Thorne. "But when you come right down to + it, all that's necessary is to prevent fire from + running—and, of course, to leave a few seed-trees. Yo' + can keep fire from running just as well by piling the debris in + isolated heaps, as by chopping it up and stacking it. And it's + a lot cheaper."</p> + + <p>He leaned forward.</p> + + <p>"That's coming," he continued. "Now you, Elliott, have had + as thorough a theoretical education as the schools can give + you; and you, Orde, have had a lot of practical experience in + logging. You ought to make a good pair. Here's a map of the + Government holdings hereabouts. What I want is a working plan + for every forty, together with a topographical description, an + estimate of timber, and a plan for the easiest method of + logging it. There's no hurry about it; you can do it when + nothing else comes up to take you away. But do it thoroughly, + and to the best of your judgment, so I can file your reports + for future reference when they are needed."</p> + + <p>"Where do you want us to begin?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Welton is the only big operator," Thorpe pointed out, "so + you'd better look over the timber adjoining or surrounded by + his. Then the basin and ranges above the Power Company are + important. There's a fine body of timber there, but we must cut + it with a more than usual attention to water supplies."</p> + + <p>This work Bob and Elliott found most congenial. They would + start early in the morning, carrying with them their compass on + its Jacob's-staff, their chain, their field notes, their maps + and their axes. Arrived at the scene of operations, they + unsaddled and picketed their horses. Then commenced a search + for the "corner," established nearly fifty years before by the + dead and gone surveyor, a copy of those field notes now guided + them. This was no easy matter. The field notes described + accurately the location, but in fifty years the character of a + country may change. Great trees fall, new trees grow up, brush + clothes an erstwhile bare hillside, fire denudes a slope, even + the rocks and boulders shift their places under the coercion of + frost or avalanche. The young men separated, shoulder deep in + the high brakes and alders of a creek bottom, climbing tiny + among great trees on the open slope of a distant hill, + clambering busily among austere domes and pinnacles, fading in + the cool green depths of the forest. Finally one would shout + loudly. The other scrambled across.</p> + + <p>"Here we are," Bob said, pointing to the trunk of a huge + yellow pine.</p> + + <p>On it showed a wrinkle in the bark, only just + appreciable.</p> + + <p>"There's our line blaze," said Bob. "Let's see if we can + find it in the notes." He opened his book. "'Small creek three + links wide, course SW,'" he murmured. "'Sugar pine, 48 in. + dia., on line, 48 links.' That's not it. 'Top of ridge 34 ch. 6 + 1. course NE.' Now we come to the down slope. Here we are! + 'Yellow pine 20 in. dia., on line, 50 chains.' Twenty inches! + Well, old fellow, you've grown some since! Let's see your + compass, Elliott."</p> + + <p>Having thus cut the line, they established their course and + went due north, spying sharply for the landmarks and old blazes + as mentioned in the surveyor's field notes.</p> + + <p>When they had gone about the required distance, they began + to look for the corner. After some search, Elliott called Bob's + attention to a grown-over blaze.</p> + + <p>"I guess this is our witness tree," said he.</p> + + <p>Without a word Bob began to chop above and below the wrinkle + in the bark. After ten minutes careful work, he laid aside a + thick slab of wood. The inner surface of this was shiny with + pitch. The space from which it had peeled was also coated with + the smooth substance. This pitch had filmed over the old blaze, + protecting it against the new wood and bark which had gradually + grown over it. Thus, although the original blaze had been + buried six inches in the living white pine wood, nevertheless + the lettering was as clear and sharp as when it had been carved + fifty years before. Furthermore, the same lettering, only + reversed and in relief, showed on the thick slab that Bob had + peeled away. So the tree had preserved the record in its + heart.</p> + + <p>"Now let's see," said Bob. "This witness bears S 80 W. Let's + find another."</p> + + <p>This proved to be no great matter. Sighting the given + directions from the two, they converged on the corner. This was + described by the old surveyor as: "Oak post, 4 in. dia., set in + pile of rocks," etc. The pile of rocks was now represented by + scattered stones; and the oak post had long since rotted. Bob, + however, unearthed a fragment on which ran a single grooved + mark. It was like those made by borers in dead limbs. Were it + not for one circumstance, the searchers would not have been + justified in assuming that it was anything else. But, as Bob + pointed out, the passageways made by borers are never straight. + The fact that this was so, established indisputably that it had + been made by the surveyor's steel "scribe."</p> + + <p>Having thus located a corner, it was an easy matter to + determine the position of a tract of land. At first hazy in its + general configuration and extent, it took definition as the + young men progressed with the accurate work of timber + estimating. Before they had finished with it, they knew every + little hollow, ridge, ravine, rock and tree in it. Out of the + whole vast wilderness this one small patch had become + thoroughly known.</p> + + <p>The work was the most pleasant of any Bob had ever + undertaken. It demanded accuracy, good judgment, knowledge. It + did not require feverish haste. The surroundings were + wonderfully beautiful; and if the men paused in their work, as + they often did, the spirit of the woods, which as always had + drawn aside from the engrossments of human activity, came + closer as with fluttering of wings. Sometimes, nervous and + impatient from the busy, tiny clatter of facts and figures and + guesses, from the restless shuttle-weaving of estimates and + plans, Bob looked up suddenly into a deathless and eternal + peace. Like the cool green refreshment of waters it closed over + him. When he again came to the surface-world of his occupation, + he was rested and slowed down to a respectable patience.</p> + + <p>Elliott was good company, interested in the work, well-bred, + intelligent, eager to do his share—an ideal companion. He + and Bob discussed many affairs during their rides to and from + the work and during the interims of rest. As time went on, and + the tracts to be estimated and plotted became more distant, + they no longer attempted to return at night to Headquarters. + Small meadows offered them resting places for the day or the + week. They became expert in taking care of themselves so + expeditiously that the process stole little time from their + labours. On Saturday afternoon they rode to headquarters to + report, and to spend Sunday.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="IX"></a> + + <h2>IX</h2><br> + + + <p>Toward the end of the season they had worked well past the + main ridge on which were situated Welton's operations and the + Service Headquarters. Several deep cañons and rocky + peaks, by Thorne's instructions, they skipped over as only + remotely available as a timber supply. This brought them to the + ample circle of a basin, well-timbered, wide, containing an + unusual acreage of gently sloping or rolling table-land. Behind + this rose the spurs of the Range. A half-hundred streams here + had their origin. These converged finally in the Forks, which, + leaping and plunging steadily downward from a height of over + six thousand feet, was trapped and used again and again to turn + the armatures of Baker's dynamos. After serving this purpose at + six power houses strung down the contour line of its descent, + the water was deflected into wide, deep ditches which forked + and forked again until a whole plains province was rendered + fertile and productive by irrigation.</p> + + <p>All this California John, who rode over to show them some + corners, explained to them. They sat on the rim of the basin + overlooking it as it lay below them like a green cup.</p> + + <p>"You can see the whole of her from here," said California + John, "and that's why we use this for fire lookout. It saves a + heap of riding, for let me tell you it's a long ways down this + bluff. But you bet we keep a close watch on this Basin. It's + the most valuable, as a watershed, of any we've got. This is + about the only country we've managed to throw a fire-break + around yet. It took a lot of time to do it, but it's worth + while."</p> + + <p>"This is where the Power Company gets its power," remarked + Bob.</p> + + <p>"Yes," replied California John, drily. "Which same company + is putting up the fight of its life in Congress to keep from + payin' anything at all for what it gets."</p> + + <p>They gave themselves to the task of descending into the + Basin by a steep and rough trail. At the end of an hour, their + horses stepped from the side of the hill to a broad, pleasant + flat on which the tall trees grew larger than any Bob had seen + on the ridge.</p> + + <p>"What magnificent timber!" he cried. "How does it happen + this wasn't taken up long ago?"</p> + + <p>"Well," said California John, "a good share of it <i>is</i> + claimed by the Power Company; and unless you come up the way we + did, you don't see it. From below, all this looks like part of + the bald ridge. Even if a cruiser in the old days happened to + look down on this, he wouldn't realize how good it was unless + he came down to it—it's all just trees from above. And in + those days there were lots of trees easier to come at."</p> + + <p>"It's great timber!" repeated Bob. "That 'sugar's' eight + feet through if it's an inch!"</p> + + <p>"Nearer nine," said California John.</p> + + <p>"It'll be some years' work to estimate and plot all this," + mused Bob. "If it's so important a watershed, what do they + <i>want</i> it plotted for? They'll never want to cut it."</p> + + <p>"There ain't so much of it left, as you'll see when you look + at your map. The Power Company owns most. Anyway, government + cutting won't hurt the watershed," stated California John.</p> + + <p>As they rode forward through the trees, a half-dozen deer + jumped startled from a clump of low brush and sped away.</p> + + <p>"That's more deer than I've seen in a bunch since I left + Michigan," observed Bob.</p> + + <p>"Nobody ever gets into this place," explained California + John. "There ain't been a fire here in years, and we don't none + of us have any reason to ride down. She's too hard to get out + of, and we can see her too well from the lookout. The rest of + the country feels pretty much the same way."</p> + + <p>"How about sheep?" inquired Elliott.</p> + + <p>"They got to get in over some trail, if they get in at all," + California John pointed out, "and we can circle the Basin."</p> + + <p>By now they were riding over a bed of springy pine needles + through a magnificent open forest. Undergrowth absolutely + lacked; even the soft green of the bear clover was absent. The + straight columns of the trees rose grandly from a swept floor. + Only where tiny streams trickled and sang through rocks and + shallow courses, grew ferns and the huge leaves of the + saxifrage. In this temple-like austerity dwelt a silence + unusual to the Sierra forests. The lack of undergrowth and + younger trees implied a scarcity of insects; and this condition + meant an equal scarcity of birds. Only the creepers and the + great pileated woodpeckers seemed to inhabit these truly + cloistral shades. The breeze passed through branches too + elevated to permit its whisperings to be heard. The very sound + of the horses' hoofs was muffled in the thick carpet of pine + needles.</p> + + <p>California John led them sharp to the right, however, and in + a few moments they emerged to cheerful sunlight, alders, young + pines among the old, a leaping flashing stream of some size, + and multitudes of birds, squirrels, insects and + butterflies.</p> + + <p>"There's a meadow, and a good camping place just up-stream," + said he. "It's easy riding. You'd better spread your blankets + there. Now, here's the corner to 34. We reëstablished it + four years ago, so as to have <i>something</i> to go by in this + country. You can find your way about from there. That bold + cliff of rock you see just through the trees there you can + climb. From the top you can make out the lookout. If you're + wanted at headquarters we'll hang out a signal. That will save + a hard ride down. Let's see; how long you got grub for?"</p> + + <p>"I guess there's enough to last us ten days or so," replied + Elliott.</p> + + <p>"Well, if you keep down this stream until you strike a big + bald slide rock, you'll run into an old trail that takes you to + the Flats. It's pretty old, and it ain't blazed, but you can + make it out if you'll sort of keep track of the country. It + ain't been used for years."</p> + + <p>California John, anxious to make a start at the hard climb, + now said good-bye and started back. Bob and Elliott, their pack + horse following, rode up the flat through which ran the river. + They soon found the meadow. It proved to be a beautiful spot, + surrounded by cedars, warm with the sun, bright with colour, + alive with birds. A fringe of azaleas, cottonwoods and quaking + asps screened it completely from all that lay outside its + charmed circle. A cheerful blue sky spread its canopy overhead. + Here Bob and Elliott turned loose their horses and made their + camp. After lunch they lay on their backs and smoked. Through a + notch in the trees showed a very white mountain against a very + blue sky. The sun warmed them gratefully. Birds sang. Squirrels + scampered. Their horses stood dozing, ears and head + down-drooped, eyes half-closed, one hind leg tucked up.</p> + + <p>"Confound it!" cried Elliott suddenly, following his + unspoken thought. "I feel like a bad little boy stealing jam! + By night I'll be scared. If those woods over behind that screen + aren't full of large, dignified gods that disapprove of me + being so cheerful and contented and light-minded and frivolous, + I miss my guess!"</p> + + <p>"Same here!" said Bob with, a short laugh. "Let's get + busy."</p> + + <p>They started out that very afternoon from the corner + California John had showed them. It took all that day and most + of the following to define and blaze the boundaries of the + first tract they intended to estimate. In the accomplishment of + this they found nothing out of the ordinary; but when they + began to move forward across the forty, they were soon brought + to a halt by the unexpected.</p> + + <p>"Look here!" Bob shouted to his companion; "here's a brand + new corner away off the line."</p> + + <p>Elliott came over. Bob showed him a stake set neatly in a + pile of rocks.</p> + + <p>"It's not a very old one, either," said Bob. "Now what do + you make of that?"</p> + + <p>Elliott had been spying about him.</p> + + <p>"There's another just like it over on the hill," said he. "I + should call it the stakes of a mining claim. There ought to be + a notice somewhere."</p> + + <p>They looked about and soon came across the notice in + question. It was made out in the name of a man neither Bob nor + Elliott had ever heard of before.</p> + + <p>"I suppose that's his ledge," remarked Elliott, kicking a + little outcrop, "but it looks like mighty slim mining to + me!"</p> + + <p>They proceeded with their estimating. In due time they came + upon another mining claim, and then a third.</p> + + <p>"This is getting funny!" remarked Elliott. "Looks as though + somebody expected to make a strike for fair. More timber than + mineral here, I should say."</p> + + <p>"That's it!" cried Bob, slapping his leg; "I'd just about + forgotten! This must be what Baker was talking about one + evening over at camp. He had some scheme for getting some + timber and water rights somewhere under the mineral act. I + didn't pay so very much attention to it at the time, and it had + slipped my mind. But this must be it!"</p> + + <p>"Do you mean to say that any man was going to take this + beautiful timber away from us on that kind of a + technicality?"</p> + + <p>"I believe that's just what he did."</p> + + <p>Two days later Elliott straightened his back after a squint + through the compass sights to exclaim:</p> + + <p>"I wish we had a dog!"</p> + + <p>"Why?" laughed Bob. "Can't you eat your share?"</p> + + <p>"I've a feeling that somebody's hanging around these woods; + I've had it ever since we got here. And just now while I was + looking through the sights I thought I saw something—you + know how the sights will concentrate your gaze."</p> + + <p>"It's these big woods," said Bob; "I've had the same hunch + before. Besides, you can easily look for tracks along your line + of sights."</p> + + <p>They did so, but found nothing.</p> + + <p>"But among these rocks a man needn't leave any tracks if he + didn't want to," Elliott pointed out.</p> + + <p>"The bogy-man's after you," said Bob.</p> + + <p>Elliott laughed. Nevertheless, as the work progressed, from + time to time he would freeze to an attitude of listening.</p> + + <p>"It's like feeling that there's somebody else in a dark room + with you," he told Bob.</p> + + <p>"You'll end by giving me the willy-willies, too," complained + Bob. "I'm beginning to feel the same way. Quit it!"</p> + + <p>By the end of the week it became necessary to go to town + after more supplies. Bob volunteered. He saddled his riding + horse and the pack animal, and set forth. Following California + John's directions he traced the length of the river through the + basin to the bald rock where the old trail was said to begin. + Here he anticipated some difficulty in picking up the trail, + and more in following it. To his surprise he ran immediately + into a well-defined path.</p> + + <p>"Why, this is as plain as a strip of carpet!" muttered</p> + + <p>Bob to himself. "If this is his idea of a dim trail, I'd + like to see a good one!"</p> + + <p>He had not ridden far, however, before, in crossing a tiny + trickle of water, he could not fail to notice a clear-cut, + recent hoof print. The mark was that of a barefoot horse. Bob + stared at it.</p> + + <p>"Now if I were real <i>good</i>," he reflected, "like old + what-you-may-call-him—the Arabian Sherlock + Holmes—I'd be able to tell whether this horse was loose + and climbing for pasture, or carrying a rider, and if so, + whether the rider had ever had his teeth filled. There's been a + lot of travel on this trail, anyway. I wonder where it all went + to?" He paused irresolutely. "It isn't more than two jumps back + to the rock," he decided; "I'll just find out what direction + they take anyway."</p> + + <p>Accordingly he retraced his steps to the bald rock, and + commenced an examination of its circumference to determine + where the trail led away. He found no such exit. Save from the + direction of his own camp the way was closed either by + precipitous sides or dense brush. The conclusion was + unavoidable that those who had travelled the trail, had either + ended their journeys at the bald rock or actually taken to the + bed of the river.</p> + + <p>"Well," concluded Bob, "I'm enough of a sleuth to see that + that barefoot horse had a rider and wasn't just looking + pasture. No animal in its senses would hike uphill and then + hike down again, or wade belly deep up a stream."</p> + + <p>Puzzling over this mystery, he again took his way down the + trail. He found it easy to follow, for it had been considerably + travelled. In some places the brush had been cut back to open + easier passage. Examining these cuttings, Bob found their raw + ends only slightly weathered. All this might have been done by + the men who had staked the mineral claims, to be sure, but even + then Bob found it difficult to reconcile all the facts. In the + first place, the trail had indubitably been much used since the + time the claims were staked. In the second place, if the + prospector had wished to conceal anything, it should have been + the fact of his going to the Basin at all, not his whereabouts + after arriving there. In other words, if desiring to keep his + presence secret, he would have blinded the <i>beginning</i> of + the trail rather than its end.</p> + + <p>He kept a sharp lookout. Near the entrance to the + cañon he managed to discover another clear print of the + barefoot horse, but headed the other way. Clearly the rider had + returned. Bob had hunted deer enough to recognize that the + track had been made within the last twenty-four hours.</p> + + <p>At Sycamore Flats he was treated to further surprises. + Martin, of whom he bought his supplies, at first greeted him + with customary joviality.</p> + + <p>"Hullo! hullo!" he cried; "quite a stranger! Out in camp, + eh?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Bob, "they've got us working for a change."</p> + + <p>"Where you located?"</p> + + <p>"We're estimating timber up in the Basin," replied Bob.</p> + + <p>The silence that followed was so intense that Bob looked up + from the bag he was tying. He met Martin's eyes fixed on + him.</p> + + <p>"The Basin," repeated Martin slowly, at last. "Since + when?"</p> + + <p>"About ten days."</p> + + <p>"We! Who's we?"</p> + + <p>"Elliott and I," answered Bob, surprised. "Why?"</p> + + <p>Martin's gaze shifted. He plainly hesitated for a next + remark.</p> + + <p>"How'd you like it there?" he asked lamely, at length. "I + thought none of you fellows ever went there."</p> + + <p>"Fine timber," answered Bob, cheerfully. "We don't usually. + Somebody does though. California John told me that trail was + old and out of use; but it's been used a lot. Who gets up + there?"</p> + + <p>"The boys drive in some cattle occasionally," replied + Martin, with an effort.</p> + + <p>Bob stared in surprise. He knew this was not so, and started + to speak, but thought better of it. After he had left the + store, he looked back. Martin was gazing after him, a frown + between his brows.</p> + + <p>Before he left town a half-dozen of the mountain men had + asked him, with an obvious attempt to make the question casual, + how he liked the Basin, how long he thought his work would keep + him there. Each, as he turned away, followed him with that + long, speculative, brooding look. Always, heretofore, his + relations with these mountain people had been easy, sympathetic + and cordial. Now all at once, without reason, they held him at + arm's length and regarded him with suspicious if not hostile + eyes.</p> + + <p>Puzzling over this he rode back up the road past the Power + House. Thence issued Oldham to hail him. He pulled up.</p> + + <p>"I hear you're estimating the timber in the Basin," said the + gray man, with more appearance of disturbance than Bob had ever + seen him display.</p> + + <p>Bob acknowledged the accuracy of his statement.</p> + + <p>"Indeed!" said Oldham, pulling at his clipped moustache, and + after a little, "Indeed!" he repeated.</p> + + <p>So the news had run ahead of him. Bob began to think the + news important, but for some reason at which he could not as + yet guess. This conviction was strengthened by the fact that + from the two mountain cabins he passed on his way to the + beginning of the trail, men lounged out to talk with him, and + in each case the question, craftily rendered casual, was put to + him as to his business in the Basin. Before one of these cabins + stood a sweating horse.</p> + + <p>"Look here," he demanded of the Carrolls, "why all this + interest about our being in the Basin? Every man-jack asks me. + What's the point?"</p> + + <p>Old man Carroll stroked his long beard.</p> + + <p>"Do they so?" he drawled comfortably. "Well, I reckon little + things make news, as they say, when you're in a wild country. + They ain't been no work done in the Basin for so long that + we're all just nat'rally interested; that's all."</p> + + <p>He looked Bob tranquilly in the eye with the limpid gaze of + innocence before which Bob's scrutiny fell abashed. For a while + his suspicions of anything unusual were almost lulled; the + countryside <i>was</i> proverbially curious of anything out of + the course of events. Then, from a point midway up the steep + trail, he just happened to look back, and just happened through + an extraordinary combination of openings to catch a glimpse of + a rider on the trail. The man was far below. Bob watched a long + time, his eye fixed on another opening. Nothing appeared. From + somewhere in the cañon a coyote shrilled. Another + answered him from up the mountain. A moment later Bob again saw + the rider through the same opening as before, but this time + descending.</p> + + <p>"A signal!" he exclaimed, in reference to the coyote + howls.</p> + + <p>On arriving at the bare rock, he dismounted and hastily + looked it over on all sides. Near the stream it had been + splashed. A tiny eddy out of reach of the current still held + mud in suspension.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="X"></a> + + <h2>X</h2><br> + + + <p>On his arrival at camp he found Elliott much interested over + discoveries of his own. It seemed that the Easterner had spent + the afternoon fishing. At one point, happening to look up, he + caught sight of a man surveying him intently from a thicket. As + he stared, the man drew back and disappeared.</p> + + <p>"I couldn't see him very plainly," said Elliott. "He had a + beard and an old gray hat; but that doesn't mean much of + course. When I got my nerve up, and had concluded to + investigate, I could hardly find a trace of him. He must wear + moccasins, I think."</p> + + <p>In return Bob detailed his own experiences. The two could + make nothing of it all.</p> + + <p>"If we were down South I'd say 'moonshiners,'" said Elliott, + "but the beautiful objection to that is, that we aren't!"</p> + + <p>"It's some mystery to do with the Basin," said Bob, "and the + whole countryside is 'on'—except our boys. I don't + believe California John knew a thing about it."</p> + + <p>"Didn't act so. Question: what possibly could everybody in + the mountains be interested in that the Forest Service would + object to?"</p> + + <p>"Lots of things," replied Bob promptly, "but I don't believe + the mountains are unfriendly to us—as a unit. I know + Martin isn't, and he was the first one I noticed as + particularly worried."</p> + + <p>Elliott reflected.</p> + + <p>"If he's so friendly, perhaps he was a little uneasy about + <i>us</i>," he suggested at length. "If somebody doesn't want + the Forest Service in this neck of the woods—if that + somebody is relying on the fact that we never come down in here + farther than the lookout, why then it may not be very healthy + here."</p> + + <p>"Hadn't thought of that," said Bob. "That looks cheerful. + But what's the point? Nine-tenths of this timber is private + property anyway. There's certainly no trespass—sheep, + timber or otherwise—on the government land. What in + blazes is the point?"</p> + + <p>"Give it up; but we'd better wear our guns."</p> + + <p>Bob laughed.</p> + + <p>"I'd have a healthy show against a man who really wanted to + get me with a gun. Presumably he'd be an expert, or he wouldn't + be sent."</p> + + <p>It was agreed, however, "in view of the unsettled state of + the country," as Bob gravely characterized the situation, that + the young men should stick together in their work.</p> + + <p>"There's no use taking chances, of course," Bob summed up, + "but there's no sense in making fools of ourselves, either. + Lord love you, I don't mind being <i>haunted</i>! They can + spring as many mysterious apparitions as they please, so long + as said apparitions don't take to heaving bricks. We'd look + sweet and lovely, wouldn't we, to go back to headquarters and + tell them we'd decided to come in because a bad man with + whiskers who'd never been introduced came and looked at us out + of the trees."</p> + + <p>In pursuance of this determination Bob and Elliott combined + forces closely in their next day's work. That this was not a + useless precaution early became apparent. As, momentarily + separated by a few feet, they passed a dense thicket, Bob was + startled by a low whistle. He looked up. Within fifty feet of + him, but so far in the shadow as to be indistinguishable, a man + peered at him. As he caught Bob's eyes he made a violent + gesture whose purport Bob could not guess.</p> + + <p>"Did you whistle?" asked Elliott at his elbow. "What's + up?"</p> + + <p>Bob pointed; but the man had vanished. Where he had stood + they found the print of moccasins.</p> + + <p>Thrice during the day they were interrupted by this + mysterious presence. On each occasion Bob saw him first. Always + he gestured, but whether in warning or threat Bob could not + tell. Each time be vanished as though the earth had swallowed + him the instant Elliott turned at Bob's exclamation.</p> + + <p>"I believe he's crazy!" exclaimed Elliott impatiently.</p> + + <p>"I'd think so, too," replied Bob, "if it weren't for the way + everybody acted down below. Do you suppose he's trying to warn + us out or scare us off?"</p> + + <p>"I'm going to take a crack at him next time he shows up," + threatened Elliott. "I'm getting sick of this."</p> + + <p>"No, you can't do that," warned Bob.</p> + + <p>"I'm going to tell him so anyway."</p> + + <p>"That's all right."</p> + + <p>For this experiment they had not long to await the + opportunity.</p> + + <p>"Hi, there!" shouted Elliott at the place from which the + mysterious apparition had disappeared; "I give you fair + warning! Step out and declare yourself peaceably or accept the + consequences. If you show yourself again after five minutes are + up, I'll open fire!"</p> + + <p>The empty forest gave no sign. For an hour nothing happened. + Then all at once, when Elliott was entangled in a tiny thicket + close at Bob's elbow, the latter was startled by the appearance + of the man not ten feet away. He leaped apparently from below a + rounded rock, and now stood in full view of its crown. Bob had + time only to catch cognizance of a blue eye and a long beard, + to realize that the man was saying something rapidly and in a + low voice, when Elliott's six-shooter exploded so near his ear + as almost to deafen him. At the report the man toppled backward + off the rock.</p> + + <p>"Good Lord! You've killed him!" cried Bob.</p> + + <p>"I did not; I fired straight up!" panted Elliott, dashing + past him. "Quick! We'll catch him!"</p> + + <p>But catch him nor see him again they did not.</p> + + <p>Ten minutes later while working in a wide open stretch of + forest, they were brought to a stand by the report of a rifle. + At the same instant the shock of a bullet threw a shower of + dead pine needles and humus over Elliott. Another and another + followed, until six had thudded into the soft earth at the + young man's feet. He stood quite motionless, and though he went + a little pale, his coolness did not desert him. After the sixth + shot silence fell abruptly. Elliott stood still for some + moments, then moved forward a single step.</p> + + <p>"Guess the show's over," he remarked with a curt laugh. He + stooped to examine the excavation the bullets had made. "Quaint + cuss," he remarked a trifle bitterly. "Just wanted to show me + how easy it would be. All right, my friend, I'm obliged to you. + We'll quit the gun racket; but next time you show your pretty + face I'll give you a run for it."</p> + + <p>"And get shot," interposed Bob.</p> + + <p>"If it's shoot, we'll get ours any minute. Say," went on the + young man in absolutely conversational tones, "don't you see + I'm mad?"</p> + + <p>Bob looked and saw.</p> + + <p>"Maybe you think shooting at me is one of my little niece's + favourite summer-day stunts?" went on Elliott. "Well, uncle + isn't used to it yet."</p> + + <p>His tone was quiet, but his eyes burned and the muscles + around his mouth were white.</p> + + <p>"He's probably crazy, and he's armed," Bob pointed out. "For + heaven's sake, go slow."</p> + + <p>"I'm going to paddle his pantalettes, if he commands a + gatling," stated Elliott.</p> + + <p>But the mysterious visitor appeared no more that afternoon, + and Elliott's resolutions had time to settle.</p> + + <p>That night the young men turned in rather earlier than + usual, as they were very tired. Bob immediately dropped into a + black sleep. So deep was his slumber that it seemed to him he + had just dropped off, when he was awakened by a cool hand + placed across his forehead. He opened his eyes quietly, without + alarm, to look full into the waning moon sailing high above. + His first drowsy motion was one of astonishment, for the + luminary had not arisen when he had turned in. The camp fire + had fallen to a few faintly glowing coals. These perceptions + came to him so gently that he would probably have dropped + asleep again had not the touch on his forehead been repeated. + Then he started broad awake to find himself staring at a + silhouetted man leaning over him.</p> + + <p>With a gesture of caution, the stranger motioned him to + arise. Bob obeyed mechanically. The man bent toward him.</p> + + <p>"Put on your pants and sweater and come along," he whispered + guardedly.</p> + + <p>Bob peered at him through the moonlight and recognized, + vaguely, the man who had been so mysteriously pursuing them all + day. He drew back.</p> + + <p>"For the Lord's sake do what I tell you!" whispered the man. + "Here!"</p> + + <p>His hand sought the shadow of his side, and instantly + gleamed with a weapon. Bob started back; but the man was + holding the revolver's butt to him.</p> + + <p>"Now come on!" besought the stranger with a strange note of + pleading. "Don't wake your pardner!"</p> + + <p>Yielding, with a pleasant thrill, to the adventure of the + situation, and it must be confessed, to a strong curiosity, Bob + hastily assumed his outer clothing. Then, with the muzzle of + the revolver, he motioned the stranger to proceed.</p> + + <p>Stepping cautiously they gained the open forest beyond the + screen of brush. Here the man led the way more rapidly. Bob + followed close at his heels. They threaded the forest aisles + without hesitation, crossed a deep ravine where the man paused + to drink, and began to clamber the precipitous and rocky sides + of Baldy.</p> + + <p>"That'll do for that!" growled Bob suddenly.</p> + + <p>The man looked around as though for information.</p> + + <p>"You needn't go so fast. Keep about three feet in front of + me. And when we strike your gang, you keep close to me. + <i>Sabe</i>?"</p> + + <p>"I'm alone," expostulated the man.</p> + + <p>Nevertheless he slackened pace.</p> + + <p>After five minutes' climb they entered a narrow ravine + gashed almost perpendicularly in the side of the mountain. At + this point, however, it flattened for perhaps fifty paces, so + that there existed a tiny foothold. It was concealed from every + point, and nevertheless, directly to the west, Bob, pausing for + breath, looked out over California slumbering in the moon. On + this ledge flowed a tiny stream, and over it grew a score of + cedar and fir trees. A fire smouldered near an open camp. On + this the man tossed a handful of pitch pine. Immediately the + flames started up.</p> + + <p>"Here we are!" he remarked aloud.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I see we are," replied Bob, looking suspiciously about + him, "but what does all this mean?"</p> + + <p>"I couldn't get to talk with you no other way, could I?" + said the man in tones of complaint; "I sure tried hard enough! + But you and your pardner stick closer than brothers."</p> + + <p>"If you wanted to speak to me, why didn't you say so?" + demanded Bob, his temper rising.</p> + + <p>"Well, I don't know who your pardner is, or whether he's + reliable, nor nothin'. A man can't be too careful. I thought + mebbe you'd make a chance yourself, so I kept giving you a show + to. 'Course I didn't want to be seen by him."</p> + + <p>"Not seen by him!" broke in Bob impatiently. "What in blazes + are you driving at! Explain yourself!"</p> + + <p>"I showed myself plain only to you—except when he cut + loose that time with his fool six-shooter. I thought he was + further in the brush. Why didn't you make a chance to + talk?"</p> + + <p>"Why should I?" burst out Bob. "Will you kindly explain to + me why I should make a chance to talk to you; and why I've been + dragged out here in the dead of night?"</p> + + <p>"No call to get mad," expostulated the man in rather + discouraged tones; "I just thought as how mebbe you was still + feeling friendly-like. My mistake. But I reckon you won't be + giving me away anyhow?"</p> + + <p>During this speech he had slowly produced from his hip + pocket a frayed bandana handkerchief; as slowly taken off his + hat and mopped his brow.</p> + + <p>The removal of the floppy and shady old sombrero exposed to + the mingled rays of the fire and the moon the man's full + features. Heretofore, Bob had been able to see indistinctly + only the meagre facts of a heavy beard and clear eyes.</p> + + <p>"George Pollock!" he cried, dropping the revolver and + leaping forward with both hands outstretched.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XI"></a> + + <h2>XI</h2><br> + + + <p>Pollock took his hands, but stared at him puzzled. "Surely!" + he said at last. His clear blue eyes slowly widened and became + bigger. "Honest! Didn't you know me! Is that what ailed you, + Bobby? I thought you'd done clean gone back on me; and I sure + always remembered you for a friend!"</p> + + <p>"Know you!" shouted Bob. "Why, you eternal old fool, how + should I know you?"</p> + + <p>"You might have made a plumb good guess."</p> + + <p>"Oh, sure!" said Bob; "easiest thing in the world. Guess + that the first shadow you see in the woods is a man you thought + was in Mexico."</p> + + <p>"Didn't you know I was here?" demanded Pollock earnestly. + "Sure pop?"</p> + + <p>"How should I know?" asked Bob again.</p> + + <p>George Pollock's blue eyes smouldered with anger.</p> + + <p>"I'll sure tan that promising nephew of mine!" he + threatened; "I've done sent you fifty messages by him. Didn't + he never give you none of them?"</p> + + <p>"Who; Jack?"</p> + + <p>"That's the whelp."</p> + + <p>Bob laughed.</p> + + <p>"That's a joke," said he; "I've been bunking with him for a + year. Nary message!"</p> + + <p>"I told Carroll and Martin and one or two more to tell + you."</p> + + <p>"I guess they're suspicious of any but the mountain people," + said Bob. "They're right. How could they know?"</p> + + <p>"That's right, they couldn't," agreed George reluctantly. + "But I done told them you was my friend. And I thought you'd + gone back on me sure."</p> + + <p>"Not an inch!" cried Bob, heartily.</p> + + <p>George kicked the logs of the fire together, filled the + coffee pot at the creek, hung it over the blaze, and squatted + on his heels. Bob tossed him a sack of tobacco which he + caught.</p> + + <p>"Thought you were bound for Mexico," hazarded Bob at + length.</p> + + <p>"I went," said Pollock shortly, "and I came back."</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Bob after a time.</p> + + <p>"Homesick," said Pollock; "plain homesick. Wasn't so bad + that-a-way at first. I was desp'rit. Took a job punching with a + cow outfit near Nogales. Worked myself plumb out every day, and + slept hard all night, and woke up in the morning to work myself + plumb out again."</p> + + <p>He fished a coal from the fire and deftly flipped it atop + his pipe bowl. After a dozen deep puffs, he continued:</p> + + <p>"Never noticed the country; had nothing to do with the + people. All I knew was brands and my bosses. Did good enough + cow work, I reckon. For a fact, it was mebbe half a year before + I begun to look around. That country is worse than over Panamit + way. There's no trees; there's no water; there's no green + grass; there's no folks; there's no nothin'! The mountains look + like they're made of paper. After about a half year, as I said, + I took note of all this, but I didn't care. What the hell + difference did it make to me what the country was like? I + hadn't no theories to that. I'd left all that back here."</p> + + <p>He looked at Bob questioningly, unwilling to approach nearer + his tragedy unless it was necessary. Bob nodded.</p> + + <p>"Then I begun to dream. Things come to me. I'd see places + plain—like the falls at Cascadell—and smell things. + For a fact, I smelt azaleas plain and sweet once; and woke up + in the damndest alkali desert you ever see. I thought I'd never + want to see this country again; the farther I got away, the + more things I'd forget. You understand."</p> + + <p>Again Bob nodded.</p> + + <p>"It wasn't that way. The farther off I got, the more I + remembered. So one day I cashed in and come back."</p> + + <p>He paused for some time, gazing meditatively on the coffee + pot bubbling over the fire.</p> + + <p>"It's good to get back!" he resumed at last. "It smells + good; it tastes good. For a while that did me well enough.... I + used to sneak down nights and look at my old place.... In + summer I go back to Jim and the cattle, but it's dangerous + these days. The towerists is getting thicker, and you can't + trust everybody, even among the mountain folks."</p> + + <p>"How many know you are back here?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Mighty few; Jim and his family knows, of course, and Tom + Carroll and Martin and a few others. They ride up trail to the + flat rock sometimes bringing me grub and papers. But it's plumb + lonesome. I can't go on livin' this way forever, and I can't + leave this yere place. Since I have been living here it seems + like—well, I ain't no call as I can see it to desert my + wife dead or alive!" he declared stoutly.</p> + + <p>"You needn't explain," said Bob.</p> + + <p>George Pollock turned to him with sudden relief.</p> + + <p>"Well, you know about such things. What am I to do?"</p> + + <p>"There are only two courses that I can see," answered Bob, + after reflection, "outside the one you're following now. You + can give yourself up to the authorities and plead guilty. + There's a chance that mitigating circumstances will influence + the judge to give you a light sentence; and there's always a + possibility of a pardon. When all the details are made known + there ought to be a good show for getting off easy."</p> + + <p>"What's the other?" demanded Pollock, who had listened with + the closest attention.</p> + + <p>"The other is simply to go back home."</p> + + <p>"They'd arrest me."</p> + + <p>"Let them," said Bob. "Plead not guilty, and take your + chances on the trial. Their evidence is circumstantial; you + don't have to incriminate yourself; I doubt if a jury would + agree on convicting you. Have you ever talked with anybody + about—about that morning?"</p> + + <p>"About me killing Plant?" supplied Pollock tranquilly. "No. + A man don't ask about those things."</p> + + <p>"Not even to Jim?"</p> + + <p>"No. We just sort of took all that for granted."</p> + + <p>"Well, that would be all right. Then if they're called on + the stand, they can tell nothing. There are at least no + witnesses to the deed itself."</p> + + <p>"There's you----" suggested George.</p> + + <p>Bob brought up short in his train of reasoning.</p> + + <p>"But you won't testify agin me?"</p> + + <p>"There's no reason why I should be called. Nobody even knows + I was out of bed at that time. If my name happens to be + mentioned—which isn't at all likely—Auntie Belle or + a dozen others will volunteer that I was in bed, like the rest + of the town. There's no earthly reason to connect me with + it."</p> + + <p>"But if you are called?" persisted the mountaineer.</p> + + <p>"Then I'll have to tell the truth, of course," said Bob + soberly; "it'll be under oath, you know."</p> + + <p>Pollock looked at him strangely askant.</p> + + <p>"I didn't much look to hear you talk that-a-way," said + he.</p> + + <p>"George," said Bob, "this will take money. Have you + any?"</p> + + <p>"I've some," replied the mountaineer sulkily.</p> + + <p>"How much?"</p> + + <p>"A hundred dollars or so."</p> + + <p>"Not enough by a long patch. You must let me help you on + this."</p> + + <p>"I don't need no help," said Pollock.</p> + + <p>"You let me help you once before," Bob reminded him gently, + "if it was only to hold a horse."</p> + + <p>"By God, that's right!" burst out George Pollock, "and I'm a + fool! If they call you on the stand, don't you lie under oath + for me! I don't believe you'd do it for yourself; and that's + what I'm going to do for myself. I reckon I'll just plead + guilty!"</p> + + <p>"Don't be in a hurry," Bob warned him. "It isn't a matter to + go off half-cock on. Any man would have done what you did. I'd + have done it myself. That's why I stood by you. I'm not sure + you aren't right to take advantage of what the law can do for + you. Plenty do just that with only the object of acquiring + other people's dollars. I don't say it's right in theory; but + in this case it may be eternally right in practice. Go slow on + deciding."</p> + + <p>"You're sure a good friend, Bobby," said Pollock simply.</p> + + <p>"Whatever you decide, don't even mention my name to any + one," warned Bob. "We don't want to get me connected with the + case in any man's mind. Hardly let on you remember to have + known me. Don't overdo it though. You'll want a real good + lawyer. I'll find out about that. And the money—how'll we + fix it?"</p> + + <p>George thought for a moment.</p> + + <p>"Fix it with Jack," said he at length. "He'll stay put. Tell + him not to tell his own father. He won't. He's reliable."</p> + + <p>"Sure?"</p> + + <p>"Well, I'm risking my neck on it."</p> + + <p>"I'll simply tell him the name of the lawyer," decided Bob, + "and get him actual cash."</p> + + <p>"I'll pay that back—the other I can't," said Pollock + with sudden feeling. "Here, have a cup of coffee."</p> + + <p>Bob swallowed the hot coffee gratefully. Without speaking + further, Pollock arose and led the way. When finally they had + reached the open forest above the camp, the mountaineer + squeezed Bob's fingers hard.</p> + + <p>"Good-bye," said the younger man in a guarded voice. "I + won't see you again. Remember, even at best it's a long wait in + jail. Think it over before you decide!"</p> + + <p>"I'm in jail here," replied Pollock.</p> + + <p>Bob walked thoughtfully to camp. He found a fire burning and + Elliott afoot.</p> + + <p>"Thank God, you're here!" cried that young man; "I was + getting scared for you. What's up?"</p> + + <p>"You are and I am," replied Bob. "Couldn't sleep, so I went + for a walk. Think that bogy-man of yours had got me?"</p> + + <p>"I surely began to."</p> + + <p>"Nothing doing. I guess I can snooze a little now."</p> + + <p>"I can't," complained Elliott. "You've got me good and waked + up, confound you!"</p> + + <p>Bob kicked off his boots, and without further disrobing + rolled himself into his gray blanket. As he was dropping asleep + two phrases flashed across his brain. They were: "compounding a + felony," and "accessory after the fact."</p> + + <p>"Don't feel much like a criminal either," murmured Bob to + himself; and after a moment: "Poor devil!"</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XII"></a> + + <h2>XII</h2><br> + + + <p>Two days later, from the advantage of the rock designated by + California John, Elliott reported the agreed signal for their + recall. Accordingly, they packed together their belongings and + returned to headquarters.</p> + + <p>"We're getting short-handed, and several things have come + up," said Thorne. "I have work for both of you."</p> + + <p>Having dispatched Elliott, Thorne turned to Bob.</p> + + <p>"Orde," said he, "I'm going to try you out on a very + delicate matter. At the north end lives an old fellow named + Samuels. He and his family are living on a place inside the + National forests. He took it up years ago, mainly for the + timber, but he's one of these hard-headed old coons that's + 'agin the Government,' on general principles. He never proved + up, and when his attention was called to the fact, he refused + to do anything. No reason why not, except that 'he'd always + lived there and always would.' You know the kind."</p> + + <p>"Ought to—put in two years in the Michigan woods," + said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well, as a matter of fact, he gave up the claim to all + intents and purposes, but now that the Yellow Pine people are + cutting up toward him, he's suddenly come to the notion that + the place is worth while. So he's patched up his cabin, and + moved in his whole family. We've got to get a relinquishment + out of him."</p> + + <p>"If he has no right there, why not put him off?" asked + Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well, in the first place, this Samuels is a hard old + citizen with a shotgun; in the second place, he has some shadow + of right on which he could make a fight; in the third place, + the country up that way doesn't care much for us anyway, and we + want to minimize opposition."</p> + + <p>"I see," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"You'll have to go up and look the ground over, that's all. + Do what you think best. Here are all the papers in the matter. + You can look them over at your leisure."</p> + + <p>Bob tucked the bundle of papers in his <i>cantinas</i>, or + pommel bags, and left the office. Amy was rattling the stove in + her open-air kitchen, shaking down the ashes preparatory to the + fire. Bob stopped to look across at her trim, full figure in + its starched blue, immaculate as always.</p> + + <p>"Hullo, Colonel!" he called. "How are the legions of + darkness and ignorance standing the cannonading these days? + Funny paper any new jokes?"</p> + + <p>This last was in reference to Amy's habit of reading the + Congressional Record in search of speeches or legislation + affecting the forests. Bob stoutly maintained, and nobody but + Amy disputed him, that she was the only living woman, in or out + of captivity, known to read that series of documents.</p> + + <p>Amy shook her head, without looking up.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter?" asked Bob solicitously. "Nothing wrong + with the Hero, nor any of the Assistant Heroes?"</p> + + <p>Thus in their banter were designated the President, and such + senators as stood behind his policies of conservation.</p> + + <p>"Then the villains must have been saying a few triumphant + ha! has!" pursued Bob, referring to Fulton, Clark, Heyburn and + the rest of the senatorial representatives of the + anti-conservationists. "Or is it merely the stove? Let me + help."</p> + + <p>Amy stood upright, and thrust back her hair.</p> + + <p>"Please don't," said she. "I don't feel like joking + to-day."</p> + + <p>"It <i>is</i> something!" cried Bob. "I do beg your pardon; + I didn't realize ... you know I'd like to help, if it's + anything I can do."</p> + + <p>"It is nothing to do with any of us," said Amy, seating + herself for a moment, and letting her hands fall in her lap. + "It's just some news that made me feel sorry. Ware came up with + the mail a little while ago, and he tells us that George + Pollock has suddenly reappeared and is living down at his own + place."</p> + + <p>"They've arrested him!" cried Bob.</p> + + <p>"Not yet; but they will. The sheriff has been notified. Of + course, his friends warned him in time; but he won't go. Says + he intends to stay."</p> + + <p>"Then he'll go to jail."</p> + + <p>"And to prison. What chance has a poor fellow like that + without money or influence? All he has is his denial."</p> + + <p>"Then he denies?" asked Bob eagerly.</p> + + <p>"Says he knows nothing about Plant's killing. His wife died + that same morning, and he went away because he could not stand + it. That's his story; but the evidence is strong against him, + poor fellow."</p> + + <p>"Do you believe him?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>Amy swung her foot, pondering.</p> + + <p>"No," she said at last. "I believe he killed Plant; and I + believe he did right! Plant killed his wife and child, and took + away all his property. That's what it amounted to."</p> + + <p>"There are hardships worked in any administration," Bob + pointed out.</p> + + <p>Amy looked at him slowly.</p> + + <p>"You don't believe that in this case," she pronounced at + last.</p> + + <p>"Then Pollock will perjure himself," suggested Bob, to try + her.</p> + + <p>"And if he has friends worth the name, they'll perjure + themselves, too!" cried Amy boldly. "They'll establish an + alibi, they'll invent a murderer for Plant, they'll do anything + for a man as persecuted and hunted as poor George Pollock!"</p> + + <p>"Heavens!" returned Bob, genuinely aghast at this wholesale + programme. "What would become of morals and honour and law and + all the rest of it, if that sort of thing obtained?"</p> + + <p>"Law?" Amy caught him up. "Law? It's become foolish. No man + lives capable of mastering it so completely that another man + cannot find flaws in his best efforts. Reuf and Schmitz are + guilty—everybody says so, even themselves. Why aren't + they in jail? Because of the law. Don't talk to me of law!"</p> + + <p>"But how about ordinary mortals? You can't surely permit a + man to lie in a court of justice just because he thinks his + friend's cause is just!"</p> + + <p>"I don't know anything about it," sighed Amy, as though + weary all at once, "except that it isn't right. The law should + be a great and wise judge, humane and sympathetic. George + Pollock should be able to go to that judge and say: 'I killed + Plant, because he had done me an injury for which the + perpetrator should suffer death. He was permitted to do this + because of the deficiency of the law.' And he should be able to + say it in all confidence that he would be given justice, + eternal justice, and not a thing so warped by obscure and + forgotten precedents that it fits nothing but some lawyer's + warped notion of logic!"</p> + + <p>"Whew!" whistled Bob, "what a lady of theory and erudition + it is!"</p> + + <p>Amy eyed him doubtfully, then smiled.</p> + + <p>"I'm glad you happened along," said she. "I feel better. Now + I believe I'll be able to do something with my biscuits."</p> + + <p>"I could do justice to some of them," remarked Bob, "and it + would be the real thing without any precedents in that line + whatever."</p> + + <p>"Come around later and you'll have the chance," invited Amy, + again addressing herself to the stove.</p> + + <p>Still smiling at this wholesale and feminine way of leaping + directly to a despotically desired ideal result, Bob took the + trail to his own camp. Here he found Jack Pollock poring over + an old illustrated paper.</p> + + <p>"Hullo, Jack!" he called cheerfully. "Not out on duty, + eh?"</p> + + <p>"I come in," said Jack, rising to his feet and folding the + old paper carefully. He said nothing more, but stood eyeing his + colleague gravely.</p> + + <p>"You want something of me?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"No," denied Jack, "I don't know nothing I want of you. But + I was told to come and get a piece of paper and maybe some + money that a stranger was goin' to leave by our chimbley. It + ain't there. You ain't seen it, by any chance?"</p> + + <p>"It may have got shoved among some of my things by mistake," + replied Bob gravely. "I haven't had a chance of looking. I'm + just in from the Basin." At these last words he looked at Jack + keenly, but that young man's expression remained inscrutable. + "I'll look when I get back," he continued after a moment; "just + now I've got to ride over to the mill to see Mr. Welton."</p> + + <p>Jack nodded gravely.</p> + + <p>"If you find them, leave them by the chimbley," said he. + "I'm going to headquarters."</p> + + <p>Bob rode to the mill. By the exercise of some diplomacy he + brought the conversation to good lawyers without arousing + Welton's suspicions that he could have any personal interest in + the matter.</p> + + <p>"Erbe's head and shoulders above the rest," said Welton. "He + has half the business. He's for Baker's interests, and our own; + and he's shrewd. Maybe you'll get into trouble yourself some + day, Bob. Better send for him. He's the greatest criminal + lawyer in the business."</p> + + <p>Bob laughed heartily with his old employer. From Poole he + easily obtained currency for his personal check of two hundred + dollars. This would do to go on with for the time being. He + wrote Erbe's name and address—in a disguised + hand—on a piece of rough brown paper. This he wrapped + around the money, and deposited by the alarm clock on the rough + log mantelpiece of his cabin. The place was empty. When he had + returned from his invited supper with the Thornes, the package + had disappeared. He did not again catch sight of Jack Pollock, + for next morning he started out on his errand to the north + end.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XIII"></a> + + <h2>XIII</h2><br> + + + <p>At noon of the second day of a journey that led him up the + winding watered valleys of the lower ranges, Bob surmounted a + ridge higher than the rest and rode down a long, wide slope. + Here the character of the country changed completely. Scrub + oaks, young pines and chaparral covered the ground. Among this + growth Bob made out the ancient stumps of great trees. The + ranch houses were built of sawn lumber, and possessed brick + chimneys. In appearance they seemed midway between the farm + houses of the older settled plains and the rougher cabins of + the mountaineers.</p> + + <p>Bob continued on a dusty road until he rode into a little + town which he knew must be Durham. Its main street contained + three stores, two saloons, a shady tree, a windmill and + watering trough and a dozen chair-tilted loafers. A wooden + sidewalk shaded by a wooden awning ran the entire length of + this collection of commercial enterprises. A redwood hitching + rail, much chewed, flanked it. Three saddle horses, and as many + rigs, dozed in the sun.</p> + + <p>Bob tied his saddle horse to the rail, leaving the pack + animal to its own devices. Without attention to the curious + stares of the loafers, he pushed into the first store, and + asked directions of the proprietor. The man, a type of the + transplanted Yankee, pushed the spectacles up over his + forehead, and coolly surveyed his questioner from head to foot + before answering.</p> + + <p>"I see you're a ranger," he remarked drily. "Well, I + wouldn't go to Samuels's if I was you. He's give it out that + he'll kill the next ranger that sets foot on his place."</p> + + <p>"I've heard that sort of talk before," replied Bob + impatiently.</p> + + <p>"Samuels means what he says," stated the storekeeper. "He + drove off the last of you fellows with a shotgun—and he + went too."</p> + + <p>"You haven't told me how to get there," Bob pointed out.</p> + + <p>"All you have to do is to turn to the right at the white + church and follow your nose," replied the man curtly.</p> + + <p>"How far is it?"</p> + + <p>"About four mile."</p> + + <p>"Thank you," said Bob, and started out.</p> + + <p>The man let him get to the door.</p> + + <p>"Say, you!" he called.</p> + + <p>Bob stopped.</p> + + <p>"You might be in better business than to turn a poor man out + of his house and home."</p> + + <p>Bob did not wait to hear the rest. As he untied his saddle + horse, a man brushed by him with what was evidently intentional + rudeness, for he actually jostled Bob's shoulder. The man + jerked loose the tie rein of his own mount, leaped to the + saddle, and clattered away. Bob noticed that he turned to the + right at the white church.</p> + + <p>The four-mile ride, Bob discovered, was almost straight up. + At the end of it he found himself well elevated above the + valley, and once more in the sugar-pine belt. The road wound + among shades of great trees. Piles of shakes, gleaming and + fragrant, awaited the wagon. Rude signs, daubed on the riven + shingles, instructed the wayfarer that this or that dim track + through the forest led to So-and-so's shake camp.</p> + + <p>It was by now after four of the afternoon. Bob met nobody on + the road, but he saw in the dust fresh tracks which he shrewdly + surmised to be those of the man who had jostled him. Samuels + had his warning. The mountaineer would be ready. Bob had no + intention of delivering a frontal attack.</p> + + <p>He rode circumspectly, therefore, until he discerned an + opening in the forest. Here he dismounted. The opening, of + course, might be only that of a natural meadow, but in fact + proved to be the homestead claim of which Bob was in + search.</p> + + <p>The improvements consisted of a small log cabin with a stone + and mud chimney; a log stable slightly larger in size; a + rickety fence made partly of riven pickets, partly of split + rails, but long since weathered and rotted; and what had been a + tiny orchard of a score of apple trees. At some remote period + this orchard had evidently been cultivated, but now the weeds + and grasses grew rank and matted around neglected trees. The + whole place was down at the heels. Tin cans and rusty baling + wire strewed the back yard; an ill-cared-for wagon stood + squarely in front; broken panes of glass in the windows had + been replaced respectively by an old straw hat and the dirty + remains of overalls. The supports of the little verandah roof + sagged crazily. Over it clambered a vine. Close about drew the + forest. That was it: the forest! The "homestead" was a mere + hovel; the cultivation a patch; the improvements sketchy and + ancient; but the forest, become valuable for lumber where long + it had been considered available only for shakes, furnished the + real motive for this desperate attempt to rehabilitate old and + lapsed rights.</p> + + <p>The place was populous enough, for all its squalor. A + half-dozen small children, scantily clothed, swarmed amongst + the tin cans; two women, one with a baby in her arms, appeared + and disappeared through the low doorway of the cabin; a horse + or two dozed among the trees of the neglected orchard; chickens + scratched everywhere. Square in the middle of the verandah, in + a wooden chair, sat an old man whom Bob guessed to be Samuels. + He sat bolt upright, facing the front, his knees spread apart, + his feet planted solidly. A patriarchal beard swept his great + chest; thick, white hair crowned his head; bushy white brows, + like thatch, overshadowed his eyes. Even at the distance, Bob + could imagine the deep-set, flashing, vigorous eyes of the old + man. For everything about him, save the colour of his hair and + beard, bespoke great vigour. His solidly planted attitude in + his chair, the straight carriage of his back, the set of his + shoulders, the very poise of his head told of the power and + energy of an autocrat. Across his knees rested a shotgun.</p> + + <p>As Bob watched, a tall youth sauntered around the corner of + the cabin. He spoke to the old man. Samuels did not look + around, but nodded his massive head. The young man disappeared + in the cabin to return after a moment, accompanied by the + individual Bob had seen in Durham. The two spoke again to the + old man; then sauntered off in the direction of the barn.</p> + + <p>Bob returned, untied his horse; and, leading that animal, + approached the cabin afoot. No sooner had he emerged into view + when the old man arose and came squarely and uncompromisingly + to meet him. The two encountered perhaps fifty yards from the + cabin door.</p> + + <p>Bob found that a closer inspection of his antagonist rather + strengthened than diminished the impression of force. The old + man's eyes were flashing fire, and his great chest rose and + fell rapidly. He held his weapon across the hollow of his left + arm, but the muscles of his right hand were white with the + power of his grip.</p> + + <p>"Get out of here!" he fairly panted at Bob. "I warned you + fellows!"</p> + + <p>Bob replied calmly.</p> + + <p>"I came in to see if I could get to stay for supper, and to + feed my horse."</p> + + <p>At this the old man exploded in a violent rage. He ordered + Bob off the place instantly, and menaced him with his shotgun. + Had Bob been mounted, Samuels would probably have shot him; but + the mere position of a horseman afoot conveys subtly an + impression of defencelessness that is difficult to overcome. He + is, as it were, anchored to the spot, and at the other man's + mercy. Samuels raged, but he did not shoot.</p> + + <p>At the sounds of altercation, however, the whole hive + swarmed. The numerous children scuttled for cover like quail, + but immediately peered forth again. The two women thrust their + heads from the doorway. From the direction of the stable the + younger men came running. One of them held a revolver in his + hand.</p> + + <p>During all this turmoil and furore Bob had stood perfectly + still, saying no word. Provided he did nothing to invite it, he + was now safe from personal violence. To be sure, a very slight + mistake would invite it. Bob waited patiently.</p> + + <p>He remembered, and was acting upon, a conversation he had + once held with Ware. The talk had fallen on gunfighting, and + Bob, as usual, was trying to draw Ware out. The latter was, + also, as usual, exceedingly reticent and disinclined to open + up.</p> + + <p>"What would you do if a man got your hands up?" chaffed + Bob.</p> + + <p>Ware turned on him quick as a flash.</p> + + <p>"No man ever got my hands up!"</p> + + <p>"No?" said Bob, hugely delighted at the success of his + stratagem. "What do you do, then, when a man gets the cold drop + on you?"</p> + + <p>But now Ware saw the trap into which his feet were leading + him, and drew back into his shell.</p> + + <p>"Oh, shoot out, or bluff out," said he briefly.</p> + + <p>"But look here, Ware," insisted Bob, "it's all very well to + talk like that. But suppose a man actually has his gun down on + you. How can you 'shoot out or bluff out'?"</p> + + <p>Ware suddenly became serious.</p> + + <p>"No man," said he, "can hold a gun on you for over ten + seconds without his eyes flickering. It's too big a strain. He + don't let go for mor'n about the hundredth part of a second. + After that he has holt again for another ten seconds, and will + pull trigger if you bat an eyelash. <i>But if you take it when + his eyes flicker, and are quick, you'll get him!</i>"</p> + + <p>"What about the other way around?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"I never pulled a gun unless I meant to shoot," said Ware + grimly.</p> + + <p>The practical philosophy of this Bob was now utilizing. If + he had ridden up boldly, Samuels would probably have shot him + from the saddle. Having gained the respite, Bob now awaited the + inevitable momentary relaxing from this top pitch of + excitement. It came.</p> + + <p>"I have not the slightest intention of tacking up any + notices or serving any papers," he said quietly, referring to + the errand of the man whom Samuels had driven off at the point + of his weapon. "I am travelling on business; and I asked for + shelter and supper."</p> + + <p>"No ranger sets foot on my premises," growled Samuels.</p> + + <p>"Very well," said Bob, unpinning and pocketing his pine tree + badge. (<i>"Oh, I'd have died rather than do that!" cried Amy + when she heard. "I'd have stuck to my guns!" "Heroic, but + useless," replied her brother drily.</i>) "I don't care whether + the ranger is fed or not. But I'm a lot interested in me. I ask + you as a man, not as an official."</p> + + <p>"Your sort ain't welcome here; and if you ain't got sense + enough to see it, you got to be shown!" the youngest man broke + in roughly.</p> + + <p>Bob turned to him calmly.</p> + + <p>"I am not asking your sufferance," said he, "nor would I eat + where I am not welcome. I am asking Mr. Samuels to bid me + welcome. If he will not do so, I will ride on." He turned to + the old man again. "Do you mean to tell me that the North End + is so far behind the South End in common hospitality? We've fed + enough men at the Wolverine Company in our time."</p> + + <p>Bob let fly this shaft at a venture. He knew how many + passing mountaineers paused for a meal at the cook house, and + surmised it probable that at least one of his three opponents + might at some time have stopped there. This proved to be the + case.</p> + + <p>"Are you with the Wolverine Company?" demanded the man who + had jostled him.</p> + + <p>"I was for some years in charge of the woods."</p> + + <p>"I've et there. You can stay to supper," said Samuels + ungraciously.</p> + + <p>He turned sharp on his heel and marched back to the cabin, + leaving Bob to follow with his horse. The two younger men + likewise went about their business. Bob found himself quite + alone, with only this ungracious permission to act on.</p> + + <p>Nevertheless, quite imperturbably, Bob unsaddled, led his + animal into the dark stable, threw it some of the wild hay + stacked therein, washed himself in the nearby creek, and took + his station on the deserted verandah. The twilight fell. Some + of the children ventured into sight, but remained utterly + unmoved by the young man's tentative advances. He heard people + moving about inside, but no one came near him. Finally, just at + dusk, the youngest man protruded his head from the doorway.</p> + + <p>"Come to supper," said he surlily.</p> + + <p>Bob ducked his head to enter a long, low room. Its walls + were of the rough logs; its floor of hewn timbers; its ceiling + of round beams on which had been thrown untrimmed slabs as a + floor to the loft above. A board table stood in the centre of + this, flanked by homemade chairs and stools of all varieties of + construction. A huge iron cooking stove occupied all of one + end—an extraordinary piece of ordnance. The light from a + single glass lamp cast its feeble illumination over coarse + dishes steaming with food.</p> + + <p>Bob bowed politely to the two women, who stood, their arms + crossed on their stomachs, without deigning his salutation the + slightest attention. The children, of all sizes and ages, + stared at him unblinking. The two men shuffled to their seats, + without looking up at the visitor. Only the old man vouchsafed + him the least notice....</p> + + <p>"Set thar!" he growled, indicating a stool.</p> + + <p>Bob found on the board that abundance and variety which + always so much surprises the stranger to a Sierra mountaineer's + cabin. Besides the usual bacon, beans, and bread, there were + dishes of canned string-beans and corn, potatoes, boiled beef, + tomatoes and pressed glass dishes of preserves. Coffee, hot as + fire, and strong as lye, came in thick china cups without + handles.</p> + + <p>The meal went forward in absolute silence, which Bob knew + better than to interrupt. It ended for each as he or she + finished eating. The two women were left at the last quite + alone. Bob followed his host to the veranda. There he silently + offered the old man a cigar; the younger men had vanished.</p> + + <p>Samuels took the cigar with a grunt of thanks, smelled it + carefully, bit an inch off the end, and lit it with a + slow-burning sulphur match. Bob also lit up.</p> + + <p>For one hour and a half—two cigars apiece—the + two sat side by side without uttering a syllable. The velvet + dark drew close. The heavens sparkled as though frosted with + light. Bob, sitting tight on what he knew was the one and only + plan to accomplish his purpose, began to despair of his chance. + Of his companion he could make out dimly only the white of his + hair and beard, the glowing fire of his cigar. Inside the house + the noises made by the inhabitants thereof increased and died + away; evidently the household was seeking its slumber. A + tree-toad chirped, loudest in all the world of stillness.</p> + + <p>Suddenly, without warning, the old man scraped back his + chair. Bob's heart leaped. Was his one chance escaping him? + Then to his relief Samuels spoke. The long duel of silence was + at an end.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XIV"></a> + + <h2>XIV</h2><br> + + + <p>"What might your name be?" inquired Samuels.</p> + + <p>"Orde."</p> + + <p>"I heerd of you ... what might you be doing up here?"</p> + + <p>"I'm just riding through."</p> + + <p>"Best thing any of you can do," commented the old man + grimly.</p> + + <p>"I wish you'd tell me now why you jumped on me so this + evening," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"If you don't know, you're a fool," growled Samuels.</p> + + <p>"I've knocked around a good deal," persisted Bob, "and I've + discovered that one side always sounds good until you hear the + other man's story. I've only heard one side of this one."</p> + + <p>"And that's all you're like to hear," Samuels told him. "You + don't get no evidence out of me against myself."</p> + + <p>Bob laughed.</p> + + <p>"You're mighty suspicious—and I don't know as I blame + you. Bless your soul, what evidence do you suppose I could get + from you in a case like this? You've already made it clear + enough with that old blunderbuss of yours what you think of the + merits of the case. I asked you out of personal interest. I + know the Government claims you don't own this place; and I was + curious to know why you think you do. The Government reasoning + looks pretty conclusive to a man who doesn't know all the + circumstances."</p> + + <p>"Oh, it is, is it!" cried Samuels, stung to anger. "Well, + what claim do you think the Government has?"</p> + + <p>But Bob was too wily to be put in the aggressive.</p> + + <p>"I'm not thinking; I'm asking," said he. "They say you're + holding this for the timber, and never proved up."</p> + + <p>"I took it up bony-fidy," fairly shouted Samuels. "Do you + think a man plants an orchard and such like on a timber claim. + The timber is worth something, of course. Well, don't every man + take up timber? What about that Wolverine Company of yours? + What about the Yellow Pine people? What about everybody, + everywhere? Ain't I got a right to it, same as everybody + else?"</p> + + <p>He leaned forward, pounding his knee. A querulous and sleepy + voice spoke up from the interior of the cabin:</p> + + <p>"Oh, pa, for heaven's sake don't holler so!"</p> + + <p>The old man paused in mid-career. Over the treetops the moon + was rising slowly. Its light struck across the lower part of + the verandah, showing clearly the gnarled hand of the + mountaineer suspended above his sturdy knee; casting into + dimness the silver of his massive head. The hand descended + noiselessly.</p> + + <p>"Ain't I got my rights, same as another man?" he asked, more + reasonably. "Just because I left out some little piece of their + cussed red-tape am I a-goin' to be turned out bag and baggage, + child, kit, and kaboodle, while fifty big men steal, just plain + steal, a thousand acres apiece and there ain't nothing said? + Not if I know it!"</p> + + <p>He talked on. Slowly Bob came to an understanding of the + man's position. His argument, stripped of its verbiage and + self-illusion, was simplicity itself. The public domain was for + the people. Men selected therefrom what they needed. All about + him, for fifty years, homesteads had been taken up quite + frankly for the sake of timber. Nobody made any objections. + Nobody even pretended that these claims were ever intended to + be lived on. The barest letter of the law had been complied + with.</p> + + <p>"I've seen a house, made out'n willow branches, and out'n + coal-oil cans, called resident buildin's under the act," said + Samuels, "and <i>they</i> was so lost in the woods that it + needed a compass to find 'em."</p> + + <p>He, Samuels, on the other hand, had actually planted an + orchard and made improvements, and even lived on the place for + a time. Then he had let the claim lapse, and only recently had + decided to resume what he sincerely believed to be his rights + in the matter.</p> + + <p>Bob did not at any point suggest any of the counter + arguments he might very well have used. He listened, leaning + back against the rail, watching the moonlight drop log by log + as the luminary rose above the verandah roof.</p> + + <p>"And so there come along last week a ranger and started to + tack up a sign bold as brass that read: 'Property of the United + States.' Property of hell!"</p> + + <p>He ceased talking. Bob said nothing.</p> + + <p>"Now you got it; what you think?" asked the old man at + last.</p> + + <p>"It's tough luck," said Bob. "There's more to be said for + your side of the case than I had thought."</p> + + <p>"There's a lot more goin' to be said yet," stated Samuels, + truculently.</p> + + <p>"But I'm afraid when it comes right down to the law of it, + they'll decide against your claim. The law reads pretty plain + on how to go about it; and as I understand it, you never did + prove up."</p> + + <p>"My lawyer says if I hang on here, they never can get me + out," said Samuels, "and I'm a-goin' to hang on."</p> + + <p>"Well, of course, that's for the courts to decide," agreed + Bob, "and I don't claim to know much about law—nor want + to."</p> + + <p>"Me neither!" agreed the mountaineer fervently.</p> + + <p>"But I've known of a dozen cases just like yours that went + against the claimant. There was the Brown case in Idaho, for + instance, that was exactly like yours. Brown had some money, + and he fought it through up to the Supreme Court, but they + decided against him."</p> + + <p>"How was that?" asked Samuels.</p> + + <p>Bob explained at length, dispassionately, avoiding even the + colour of argument, but drawing strongly the parallel.</p> + + <p>"Even if you could afford it, I'm almighty afraid you'd run + up against exactly the same thing," Bob concluded, "and they'd + certainly use the Brown case as a precedent."</p> + + <p>"Well, I've got money!" said Samuels. "Don't you forget it. + I don't have to live in a place like this. I've got a good, + sawn-lumber house, painted, in Durham and a garden of + posies."</p> + + <p>"I'd like to see it," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Sometime you get to Durham, ask for me," invited + Samuels.</p> + + <p>"Well, I see how you feel. If I were in your fix, I'd + probably fight it too, but I'm morally certain they'd get you + in the courts. And it is a tremendous expense for nothing."</p> + + <p>"Well, they've got to git me off'n here first," threatened + Samuels.</p> + + <p>Bob averted the impending anger with a soft chuckle.</p> + + <p>"I wouldn't want the job!" said he. "But if they had the + courts with them, they'd get you off. You can drive those + rangers up a tree quick enough (<i>"You know that isn't so!" + cried Amy at the subsequent recital.</i>), but this is a + Federal matter, and they'll send troops against you, if + necessary."</p> + + <p>"My lawyer----" began Samuels.</p> + + <p>"May be dead right, or he <i>may</i> enjoy a legal battle at + the other man's expense," put in Bob. "The previous cases are + all dead against him; and they're the only ammunition."</p> + + <p>"It's a-gittin' cold," said Samuels, rising abruptly. "Let's + git inside!"</p> + + <p>Bob followed him to the main room of the cabin where the + mountaineer lit a tallow candle stuck in the neck of a + bottle.</p> + + <p>"Oh, pa, come to bed!" called a sleepy voice, "and quit your + palavering."</p> + + <p>"Shet up!" commanded Samuels, setting the candle in the + middle of the table, and seating himself by it. "Ain't there no + decisions the other way?"</p> + + <p>"I'm no lawyer," Bob pointed out, dropping into a stool on + the other side, so that the candle stood between them, "and my + opinion is of no value"—the old man grunted what might + have been assent, or a mere indication of attention—"but + as far as I know, there have been none. I know all the leading + cases, I <i>think</i>" he added.</p> + + <p>"So they can put me off, and leave all these other fellows, + who are worse off than I be in keepin' up with what the law + wants!" cried Samuels.</p> + + <p>"I hope they'll begin action against every doubtful claim," + said Bob soberly.</p> + + <p>"It may be the law to take away my homestead, but it ain't + justice," stated the old man.</p> + + <p>Bob ventured his first aggressive movement.</p> + + <p>"Did you ever read the Homestead Law?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Well, as you remember, that law states pretty plainly the + purpose of the Homestead Act. It is to provide, out of the + public lands, for any citizen not otherwise provided, with one + hundred and sixty acres as a farm to cultivate or a homestead + on which to live. When a man takes that land for any other + purpose whatever, he commits an injustice; and when that land + is recalled to the public domain, that injustice is righted, + not another committed."</p> + + <p>"Injustice!" challenged the old man; "against what, for + heaven's sake!"</p> + + <p>"Against the People," replied Bob firmly.</p> + + <p>"I suppose these big lumber dealers need a home and a farm + too!" sneered Samuels.</p> + + <p>"Because they did wrong is no reason you should."</p> + + <p>"Who dares say I done wrong?" demanded the mountaineer. + "Look here! Why does the Government pick on me and try to drive + me off'n my little place where I'm living, and leave these + other fellows be? What right or justice is there in that?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know the ins and out of it all," Bob reminded him. + "As I said before, I'm no lawyer. But they've at least + conformed with the forms of the law, as far as the Government + has any evidence. You have not. I imagine that's the reason + your case has been selected first."</p> + + <p>"To hell with a law that drives the poor man off his home + and leaves the rich man on his ill-got spoils!" cried + Samuels.</p> + + <p>The note in this struck Bob's ear as something alien. "I + wonder what that echoes from!" was his unspoken thought. Aloud + he merely remarked:</p> + + <p>"But you said yourself you have money and a home in + Durham."</p> + + <p>"That may be," retorted Samuels, "but ain't I got as much + right to the timber, I who have been in the country since '55, + as the next man?"</p> + + <p>"Why, of course you have, Mr. Samuels," agreed Bob heartily. + "I'm with you there."</p> + + <p>"Well?"</p> + + <p>"But you've exercised your rights to timber claims already. + You took up your timber claim in '89, and what is more, your + wife and her brother and your oldest son also took up timber + claims in '90. As I understand it, this is an old homestead + claim, antedating the others."</p> + + <p>Samuels, rather taken aback, stared uncertainly. He had been + lured from his vantage ground of force to that of argument; how + he scarcely knew. It had certainly been without his + intention.</p> + + <p>Bob, however, had no desire that the old man should again + take his stand behind the impenetrable screen of threat and + bluster from which he had been decoyed.</p> + + <p>"We've all got to get together, as citizens, to put a stop + to this sort of thing," he shifted his grounds. "I believe the + time is at hand when graft and grab by the rich and powerful + will have to go. It will go only when we take hold together. + Look at San Francisco—" With great skill he drew the old + man into a discussion of the graft cases in that city.</p> + + <p>"Graft," he concluded, "is just the price the people are + willing to pay to get their politics done for them while they + attend to the pressing business of development and building. + They haven't time nor energy to do everything, so they're + willing to pay to have some things taken off their hands. The + price is graft. When the people have more time, when the other + things are done, then the price will be too high. They'll + decide to attend to their own business."</p> + + <p>Samuels listened to this closely. "There's a good deal in + what you say," he agreed. "I know it's that way with us. If I + couldn't build a better road with less money and less men than + our Supervisor, Curtis, does, I'd lie down and roll over. But I + ain't got time to be supervisor, even if anybody had time to + elect me. There's a bunch of reformers down our way, but they + don't seem to change Curtis much."</p> + + <p>"Reformers are no good unless the rank and file of the + people come to think the way they do," said Bob. "That's why + we've got to start by being good citizens ourselves, no matter + what the next man would do."</p> + + <p>Samuels peered at him strangely, around the guttering + candle. Bob allowed him no time to express his thought.</p> + + <p>"But to get back to your own case," said he. "What gets me + is why you destroy your homestead right for a practical + certainty."</p> + + <p>"What do you mean by that?"</p> + + <p>"Why, I personally think it's a certainty that you will be + dispossessed here. If you wait for the law to put you off, + you'll have no right to take up another homestead—your + right will be destroyed."</p> + + <p>"What good would a homestead right do me these days?" + demanded Samuels. "There's nothing left."</p> + + <p>"New lands are thrown open constantly," said Bob, "and it's + better, other things being equal, to have a right than to want + it. On the other hand, if you voluntarily relinquish this + claim, your right to take up another homestead is still + good."</p> + + <p>At the mention of relinquishment the old mountaineer shied + like a colt. With great patience Bob took up the other side of + the question. The elements of the problem were now all laid + down—patriotism, the certainty of ultimate loss, the + advisability of striving to save rights, the desire to do one's + part toward bringing the land grabbers in line. Remained only + so to apply the pressure of all these cross-motives that they + should finally bring the old man to the point of definite + action.</p> + + <p>Bob wrestled with the demons of selfishness, doubt, + suspicion, pride, stubbornness, anger, acquisitiveness that + swarmed in the old man's spirit, as Christian with Apollyon. + The labour was as great. At times, as he retraced once more and + yet again ground already covered, his patience was overcome by + a great weariness; almost the elemental obstinacy of the man + wore him down. Then his very soul clamoured within him with the + desire to cut all this short, to cry out impatiently against + the slow stupidity or mulishness, or avariciousness, or + whatever it was, that permitted the old man to agree to every + one of the premises, but to balk finally at the conclusion. The + night wore on. Bob realized that it was now or never; that he + must take advantage of this receptive mood a combination of + skill and luck had gained for him. The old man must be held to + the point. The candle burned out. The room grew chill. Samuels + threw an armful of pitch pine on the smouldering logs of the + fireplace that balanced the massive cook stove. By its light + the discussion went on. The red flames reflected strangely from + unexpected places, showing the oddest inconsequences. Bob, at + times, found himself drifting into noticing these things. He + stared for a moment hypnotically on the incongruous + juxtaposition of a skillet and an ink bottle. Then he roused + himself with a start; for, although his tongue had continued + saying what his brain had commanded it to say, the dynamics had + gone from his utterance, and the old man was stirring + restlessly as though about to bring the conference to a close. + Warned by this incident, he forced his whole powers to the + front. His head was getting tired, but he must continuously + bring to bear against this dead opposition all the forces of + his will.</p> + + <p>At last, with many hesitations, the old man signed. The + other two men, rubbing their eyes sleepily, put down their + names as witnesses, and, shivering in the night chill, crawled + back to rest, without any very clear idea of what they had been + called on to do. Bob leaned back in his chair, the precious + document clasped tight. The taut cords of his being had + relaxed. For a moment he rested. To his consciousness dully + penetrated the sound of a rooster crowing.</p> + + <p>"Don't see how you keep chickens," he found himself saying; + "we can't. Coyotes and cats get 'em. I wish you'd tell me."</p> + + <p>Opposite him sat old Samuels, his head forward, motionless + as a graven image. Between them the new candle, brought for the + signing of the relinquishment, flared and sputtered.</p> + + <p>Bob stumbled to his feet.</p> + + <p>"Good night," said he.</p> + + <p>Samuels neither moved nor stirred. He might have been a + figure such as used to be placed before the entrances of wax + works exhibitions, so still he sat, so fixed were his eyes, so + pallid the texture of his weather-tanned flesh after the + vigil.</p> + + <p>Bob went out to the verandah. The chill air stirred his + blood, set in motion the run-down machinery of his physical + being. From the darkness a bird chirped loudly. Bob looked up. + Over the still, pointed tops of the trees the sky had turned + faintly gray. From the window streamed the candle light. It + seemed unwontedly yellow in contrast to a daylight that, save + by this contrast, was not yet visible. Bob stepped from the + verandah. As he passed the window, he looked in. Samuels had + risen to his feet, and stood rigid, his clenched fist on the + table.</p> + + <p>At the stable Bob spoke quietly to his animals, saddled + them, and led them out. For some instinctive reason which he + could not have explained, he had decided to be immediately + about his journey. The cold gray of dawn had come, and objects + were visible dimly. Bob led his horses to the edge of the wood. + There he mounted. When well within the trees he looked back. + Samuels stood on the edge of the verandah, peering out into the + uncertain light of the dawn. From the darkness of the trees Bob + made out distinctly the white of his mane-like hair and the + sweep of his patriarchal beard. Across the hollow of his left + arm he carried his shotgun.</p> + + <p>Bob touched spur to his saddle horse and vanished in the + depths of the forest.</p> + + <br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XV" id="XV"></a> + + <h2>XV</h2><br> + + <p>Bob delivered his relinquishment at headquarters, and received + the news.</p> + + <p>George Pollock had been arrested for the murder of Plant, and + now lay in jail. Erbe, the White Oaks lawyer, had undertaken + charge of his case. The evidence was as yet purely + circumstantial. Erbe had naturally given out no intimation of + what his defence would be.</p> + + <p>Then, within a week, events began to stir in Durham County. + Samuels wrote a rather violent letter announcing his change of + mind in regard to the relinquishment. To this a formal answer of + regret was sent, together with an intimation that the matter was + now irrevocable. Somebody sent a copy of the local paper + containing a vituperative interview with the old mountaineer. + This was followed by other copies in which other citizens + contributed letters of expostulation and indignation. The matter + was commented on ponderously in a typical country editorial + containing such phrases as "clothed in a little brief authority," + "arrogant minions of the law," and so forth. Tom Carroll, riding + through Durham on business, was treated to ugly looks and uglier + words. Ross Fletcher, visiting the county seat, escaped a + physical encounter with belligerent members of an inflamed + populace only by the exercise of the utmost coolness and good + nature. Samuels moved further by petitioning to the proper + authorities for the setting aside of the relinquishment and the + reopening of the whole case, on the ground that his signature had + been obtained by "coercion and undue influence." On the heels of + this a mass meeting in Durham was called and largely attended, at + which a number of speakers uttered very inflammatory doctrines. + It culminated in resolutions of protest against Thorne + personally, against his rangers, and his policy, alleging that + one and all acted "arbitrarily, arrogantly, unjustly and + oppressively in the abuse of their rights and duties." Finally, + as a crowning absurdity, the grand jury, at its annual session, + overstepping in its zeal the limits of its powers, returned + findings against "one Ashley Thorne and Robert Orde, in the pay + of the United States Government, for arbitrary exceeding of their + rights and authorities; for illegal interference with the rights + of citizens; for oppression," and so on through a round dozen + vague counts.</p> + + <p>All this tumult astonished Thorne.</p> + + <p>"I had no idea this Samuels case interested them quite so much + up there; nor did I imagine it possible they would raise such a + row over that old long-horn. I haven't been up in that country as + much as I should have liked, but I did not suspect they were so + hostile to the Service."</p> + + <p>"They always have been," commented California John.</p> + + <p>"All this loud mouthing doesn't mean much," said Thorne, + "though of course we'll have to undergo an investigation. Their + charges don't mean anything. Old Samuels must be a good deal of a + demagogue."</p> + + <p>"He's got a good lawyer," stated California John briefly.</p> + + <p>"Lawyer? Who?"</p> + + <p>"Erbe of White Oaks."</p> + + <p>Thorne stared at him puzzled.</p> + + <p>"Erbe? Are you sure of that? Why, the man is a big man; he's + generally a cut or so above cases of this sort—with as + little foundation for them. He's more in the line of fat fees. + Here's two mountain cases he's undertaken."</p> + + <p>"I never knew Johnny Erbe to refuse any sort of case he'd get + paid for," observed California John.</p> + + <p>"Well, he's certainly raising a dust up north," said Thorne. + "Every paper all at once is full of the most incendiary stuff. I + hate to send a ranger up there these days."</p> + + <p>"I reckon the boys can take care of themselves!" put in Ross + Fletcher.</p> + + <p>California John turned to look at him.</p> + + <p>"Sure thing, Ross," he drawled, "and a first-class row between + a brutal ranger—who could take care of himself—and an + inoffensive citizen would read fine in print."</p> + + <p>"That's the idea," approved Thorne. "We can't afford a row + right now. It would bring matters to a head."</p> + + <p>"There's the Harris case, and the others," suggested Amy; + "what are you going to do about them, now?"</p> + + <p>"Carry them through according to my instructions, unless I get + orders to the contrary," said Thorne. "It is the policy of the + Service throughout to clear up and settle these doubtful land + cases. We must get such things decided. We can't stop because of + a little localized popular clamour."</p> + + <p>"Are there many such cases up in the Durham country?" asked + Bob.</p> + + <p>"Probably a dozen or so."</p> + + <p>"Isn't it likely that those men have got behind Samuels in + order to discourage action on their own cases?"</p> + + <p>"I think there's no doubt of it," answered Thorne, "but the + point is, they've been fighting tooth and nail from the start. We + had felt out their strength from the first, and it developed + nothing like this."</p> + + <p>"That's where Erbe comes in," suggested Bob.</p> + + <p>"Probably."</p> + + <p>"It don't amount to nothin'," said California John. "In the + first place, it's only the 'nesters,' <a name="FNanchor5" id= + "FNanchor5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> the + saloon crowd, who are after you for Austin's case; and the usual + muck of old-timers and loafers who either think they own the + country and ought to have a free hand in everything just as + they're used to, or who are agin the Government on general + principles. I don't believe the people at Durham are behind this. + I bet a vote would give us a majority right now."</p> + + <p>"Well, the majority stays in the house, then," observed Ross + Fletcher drily. "I didn't observe none of them when I walked down + the street."</p> + + <p>"I believe with John," said Thorne. "This crowd makes an awful + noise, but it doesn't mean much. The Office cannot fail to uphold + us. There's nobody of any influence or importance behind all + this."</p> + + <p>Nevertheless, so skilfully was the campaign conducted, + pressure soon made itself felt from above. The usual memorials + and largely-signed protests were drawn up and presented to the + senators from California, and the representatives of that and + neighbouring districts. Men in the employ of the saloon element + rode actively in all directions obtaining signatures. A signature + to anything that does not carry financial obligation is the + easiest thing in the world to get. Hundreds who had no grievance, + and who listened with the facile indignation of the ignorant to + the representations of these emissaries, subscribed their names + as voters and constituents to a cause whose merits or demerits + were quite uncomprehended by them. The members of Congress + receiving these memorials immediately set themselves in motion. + As Thorne could not officially reply to what had not as yet been + officially urged, his hands were tied. A clamour that had at + first been merely noisy and meaningless, began now to gain an + effect.</p> + + <p>Thorne confessed himself puzzled.</p> + + <p>"If it isn't a case of a snowball growing bigger the farther + it rolls, I can't account for it," said he. "This thing ought to + have died down long ago. It's been fomented very skilfully. Such + a campaign as this one against us takes both ability and + money—more of either than I thought Samuels could possibly + possess."</p> + + <p>In the meantime, Erbe managed rapidly to tie up the legal + aspects of the situation. The case, as it developed, proved to be + open-and-shut against his client, but apparently unaffected by + the certainty of this, he persisted in the interposition of all + sorts of delays. Samuels continued to live undisturbed on his + claim, which, as Thorne pointed out, had a bad moral effect on + the community.</p> + + <p>The issue soon took on a national aspect. It began to be + commented on by outside newspapers. Publications close to the + administration and thoroughly in sympathy with its forest + policies, began gravely to doubt the advisability of pushing + these debatable claims at present.</p> + + <p>"They are of small value," said one, "in comparison with the + large public domain of which they are part. At a time when the + Forest Service is new in the saddle and as yet subjected to the + most violent attacks by the special interests on the floors of + Congress, it seems unwise to do anything that might tend to + arouse public opinion against it."</p> + + <p>As though to give point to this, there now commenced in + Congress that virulent assault led by some of the Western + senators, aimed at the very life of the Service itself. + Allegations of dishonesty, incompetence, despotism; of depriving + the public of its heritage; of the curtailments of rights and + liberties; of folly; of fraud were freely brought forward and + urged with impassioned eloquence. Arguments special to cattlemen, + to sheepmen, to lumbermen, to cordwood men, to pulp men, to power + men were emphasized by all sorts of misstatements, twisted + statements, or special appeals to greed, personal interest and + individual policy. To support their eloquence, senators + supposedly respectable did not hesitate boldly to utter sweeping + falsehoods of fact. The Service was fighting for its very + life.</p> + + <p>Nevertheless, persistently, the officials proceeded with their + investigations. Bob had conducted his campaign so skilfully + against Samuels that Thorne used him further in similar matters. + Little by little, indeed, the young man was withdrawn from other + work. He now spent many hours with Amy in the little office going + over maps and files, over copies of documents and old records. + When he had thoroughly mastered the ins and outs of a case, he + departed with his pack animal and saddle horse to look the ground + over in person.</p> + + <p>Since the <i>éclat</i> of the Samuels case, he had + little hope of obtaining relinquishments, nor did he greatly care + to do so. A relinquishment saved trouble in the courts, but as + far as avoiding adverse public notice went, the Samuels affair + showed the absolute ineffectiveness of that method. But by going + on the ground he was enabled to see, with his own eyes, just what + sort of a claim was in question, the improvements that had been + made on it, the value both to the claimant and the Government. + Through an interview he was able to gauge the claimant, to weigh + his probable motives and the purity of both his original and + present intentions. A number of cases thus he dropped, and that + on no other than his own responsibility. They were invariably + those whose issue in the courts might very well be in doubt, so + that it was impossible to tell, without trying them, how the + decision would jump. Furthermore, and principally, he was always + satisfied that the claimant had meant well and honestly + throughout, and had lapsed through ignorance, bad advice, or + merely that carelessness of the letter of the legal form so + common among mountaineers. Such cases were far more numerous than + he had supposed. The men had, in many instances, come into the + country early in its development. They had built their cabins by + the nearest meadow that appealed to them; for, to all intents and + purposes, the country was a virgin wilderness whose camping sites + were many and open to the first comer. Only after their + households had been long established as squatters did these + pioneers awake to an imperfect understanding that further + formality was required before these, their homes, could be + legally their own. Living isolated these men, even then, + blundered in their applications or in the proving up of their + claims. Such might be legally subject to eviction, but Bob in his + recommendations gave them the benefit of the doubt and advised + that full papers be issued. In the hurried days of the Service + such recommendations of field inspectors were often considered as + final.</p> + + <p>There were other cases, however, for which Bob's sympathies + were strongly enlisted, but which presented such flagrant + irregularities of procedure that he could not consistently + recommend anything but a court test of the rights involved. To + this he added a personal note, going completely into details, and + suggesting a way out.</p> + + <p>And finally, as a third class, he was able, as in Samuels's + case, to declare war on behalf of the Government. Men who had + already taken up all the timber claims to which they or their + families were legally entitled, nevertheless added an alleged + homestead to the lot. Other men were taking advantage of twists + and interpretations of the law to gain possession of desirable + tracts of land still included in the National Forests. These men + knew the letter of the law well enough, and took pains to conform + accurately to it. Their lapses were of intention. The excuses + were many—so-called mineral claims, alleged agricultural + land, all the exceptions to reservation mentioned in the law; the + actual ends aimed at were two—water rights or timber. In + these cases Bob reported uncompromisingly against the granting of + the final papers. Thousands of acres, however, had been already + conveyed. Over these, naturally, he had no jurisdiction, but he + kept his eyes open, and accumulated evidence which might some day + prove useful in event of a serious effort to regain those lands + that had been acquired by provable fraud.</p> + + <p>But on the borderland between these sharply defined classes + lay many in the twilight zone. Bob, without knowing it, was to a + certain extent exercising a despotic power. He possessed a + latitude of choice as to which of these involved land cases + should be pushed to a court decision. If the law were to be + strictly and literally interpreted, there could be no doubt but + that each and every one of these numerous claimants could be + haled to court to answer for his short-comings. But that, in many + instances, could not but work an unwarranted hardship. The + expenses alone, of a journey to the state capital, would strain + to the breaking point the means of some of the more impecunious. + Insisting on the minutest technicalities would indubitably + deprive many an honest, well-meaning homesteader of his entire + worldly property. It was all very well to argue that ignorance of + the law was no excuse; that it is a man's own fault if he does + not fulfill the simple requirements of taking up public land. As + a matter of cold fact, in such a situation as this, ignorance is + an excuse. Legalizing apart, the rigid and invariable enforcement + of the law can be tyrannical. Of course, this can never be + officially recognized; that would shake the foundations. But it + is not to be denied that the literal and universal and + <i>invariable</i> enforcement of the minute letter of any law, no + matter how trivial, for the space of three months would bring + about a mild revolution. As witness the sweeping and startling + effects always consequent on an order from headquarters to its + police to "enforce rigidly"—for a time—some + particular city ordinance. Whether this is a fault of our system + of law, or a defect inherent in the absolute logic of human + affairs, is a matter for philosophy to determine. Be that as it + may, the powers that enforce law often find themselves on the + horns of a dilemma. They must take their choice between tyranny + and despotism.</p> + + <p>So, in a mild way, Bob had become a despot. That is to say, he + had to decide to whom a broken law was to apply, and to whom not, + and this without being given any touchstone of choice. The matter + rested with his own experience, knowledge and personal judgment. + Fortunately he was a beneficent despot. A man evilly disposed, + like Plant, could have worked incalculable harm for others and + great financial benefit to himself. That this is not only + possible but inevitable is another defect of law or system. No + sane man for one single instant believes that literal enforcement + of every law at all times is either possible or desirable. No + sane man for one single instant believes that the law can be + excepted to or annulled for especial occasions without + undermining the public confidence and public morals. Yet where is + the middle ground?</p> + + <p>In Bob's capacity as beneficent despot, he ran against many + problems that taxed his powers. It was easy to say that Samuels, + having full intention to get what he very well knew he had no + right to have, and for acquiring which he had no excuse save that + others were allowed to do likewise, should be proceeded against + vigorously. It was likewise easy to determine that Ward, who had + lived on his mountain farm, and cultivated what he could, and had + himself made shakes of his timber, but who had blundered his + formal processes, should be given a chance to make good. But what + of the doubtful cases? What of the cases wherein apparently + legality and equity took opposite sides?</p> + + <p>Bob had adventures in plenty. For lack of a better system, he + started at the north end and worked steadily south, examining + with patience the pedigree of each and every private holding + within the confines of the National Forests. These were at first + small and isolated. Only one large tract drew his attention, that + belonging to old Simeon Wright in the big meadows under Black + Peaks. These meadows, occupying a wide plateau grown sparsely + with lodgepole pine, covered perhaps a thousand acres of good + grazing, and were held legally, but without the shadow of equity, + by the old land pirate who owned so much of California. In going + over both the original records, the newer geological survey maps, + and the country itself, Bob came upon a discrepancy. He asked and + obtained leave for a resurvey. This determined that Wright's + early-day surveyor had made a mistake—no extraordinary + matter in a wild country so remote from base lines. Simeon's + holdings were actually just one mile farther north, which brought + them to the top of a bald granite ridge. His title to this was + indubitable; but the broad and valuable meadows belonged still to + the Government. As the case was one of fact merely, Wright had no + opportunity to contest, or to exercise his undoubtedly powerful + influence. The affair served, however, to draw Bob's name and + activities into the sphere of his notice.</p> + + <p>Among the mountain people Bob was at first held in a distrust + that sometimes became open hostility. He received threats and + warnings innumerable. The Childs boys sent word to him, and + spread that word abroad, that if this government inspector valued + his life he would do well to keep off Iron Mountain. Bob promptly + saddled his horse, rode boldly to the Childs' shake camp, took + lunch with them, and rode back, speaking no word either of + business or of threats. Having occasion to take a meal with some + poor, squalid descendants of hog-raising Pike County Missourians, + he detected a queer bitterness to his coffee, managed unseen to + empty the cup into his canteen, and later found, as he had + suspected, that an attempt had been made to poison him. He rode + back at once to the cabin. Instead of taxing the woman with the + deed—for he shrewdly suspected the man knew nothing of + it—he reproached her with condemning him unheard.</p> + + <p>"I'm the best friend you people have," said he. "It isn't my + fault that you are in trouble with the regulations. The + Government must straighten these matters out. Don't think for a + minute that the work will stop just because somebody gets away + with me. They'll send somebody else. And the chances are, in that + case, they'll send somebody who is instructed to stick close to + the letter of the law: and who will turn you out mighty sudden. + I'm trying to do the best I can for you people."</p> + + <p>This family ended by giving him its full confidence in the + matter. Bob was able to save the place for them.</p> + + <p>Gradually his refusal to take offence, his refusal to debate + any matter save on the impersonal grounds of the Government + servant acting solely for his masters, coupled with his + willingness to take things into consideration, and his desire to + be absolutely fair, won for Bob a reluctant confidence. At the + north end men's minds were as yet too inflamed. It is a curious + matter of flock psychology that if the public mind ever occupies + itself fully with an idea, it thereby becomes for the time being + blind, impervious, to all others. But in other parts of the + mountains Bob was not wholly unwelcome; and in one or two + cases—which pleased him mightily—men came in to him + voluntarily for the purpose of asking his advice.</p> + + <p>In the meantime the Samuels case had come rapidly to a crisis. + The resounding agitation had resulted in the sending of + inspectors to investigate the charges against the local + officials. The first of these inspectors, a rather precise and + formal youth fresh from Eastern training, was easily handled by + the versatile Erbe. His report, voluminous as a tariff speech, + and couched in very official language, exonerated Thorne and Orde + of dishonesty, of course, but it emphasized their "lack of tact + and business ability," and condemned strongly their attitude in + the Durham matter. This report would ordinarily have gone no + farther than the district office, where it might have been acted + on by the officers in charge to the great detriment of the + Service. At that time the evil of sending out as inspectors men + admirably trained in theory but woefully lacking in practice and + the knowledge of Western humankind was one of the great menaces + to effective personnel. Fortunately this particular report came + into the hands of the Chief, who happened to be touring in the + West. A fuller investigation exposed to the sapient experience of + that able man the gullibility of the inspector. From the district + a brief statement was issued upholding the local + administration.</p> + + <p>The agitation, thus deprived of its chief hope, might very + well have been expected to simmer down, to die away slowly. As a + matter of fact, it collapsed. The newspaper attacks ceased; the + public meetings were discontinued; the saloons and other storm + centres applied their powers to a discussion of the Gans-Nelson + fight. Samuels was very briefly declared a trespasser by the + courts. Erbe disappeared from the case. The United States + Marshal, riding up with a posse into a supposedly hostile + country, found no opposition to his enforcement of the court's + decree. Only old Samuels himself offered an undaunted defence, + but was soon dislodged and led away by men who half-pitied, + half-ridiculed his violence. The sign "Property of the U.S." + resumed its place. Thorne made of the ancient homestead a + ranger's post.</p> + + <p>"It's incomprehensible as a genuine popular movement," said he + on one of Bob's periodical returns to headquarters. The young man + now held a commission, and lived with the Thornes when at home. + "The opposition up there was so rabid and it wilted too + suddenly."</p> + + <p>"'The mutable many,'" quoted Amy.</p> + + <p>But Thorne shook his head.</p> + + <p>"It's as though they'd pricked a balloon," said he. "They + don't love us up there, yet; but it's no worse now than it used + to be here. Last week it was actually unsafe on the streets. If + they were so strong for Samuels then, why not now? A mere court + decision could not change their minds so quickly. I should have + expected the real bitterness and the real resistence when the + Marshal went up to put the old man off."</p> + + <p>"That's the way I sized it up," admitted Bob.</p> + + <p>"It's as if somebody had turned off the steam and the engine + quit running," said Thorne, "and for that reason I'm more than + ever convinced that it was a made agitation. Samuels was only an + excuse."</p> + + <p>"What for?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Struck me the same way," put in California John. "Reminded me + of the war. Looked like they held onto this as a sort of first + defence as long as they could, and then just abandoned it and + dropped back."</p> + + <p>"That's it," nodded Thorne. "That's my conclusion. Somebody + bigger than Samuels fears investigation; and they hoped to stop + our sort of investigation short at Samuels. Well, they haven't + succeeded."</p> + + <p>Amy arose abruptly and ran to her filing cases.</p> + + <p>"That ought to be easily determined," she cried, looking over + her shoulder with shining eyes. "I have the papers about all + ready for the whole of our Forest. Here's a list of the private + holdings, by whom held, how acquired and when." She spread the + papers out on the table. "Now let's see who owns lots of land, + and who is powerful enough to enlist senators, and who would fear + investigation."</p> + + <p>All four bent over the list for a few moments. Then Thorne + made five dots with his pencil opposite as many names.</p> + + <p>"All the rest are little homesteaders," said he. "One of these + must be our villain."</p> + + <p>"Or all of them," amended California John drily.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XVI" id="XVI"></a> + + <h2>XVI</h2><br> + + <p>The little council of war at once commenced an eager + discussion of the names thus indicated.</p> + + <p>"There's your own concern, the Wolverine Company," suggested + Thorne. "What do you know about the way it acquired its + timber?"</p> + + <p>"Acquired in 1879," replied Amy, consulting her notes. "Partly + from the Bank, that held it on mortgage, and partly from + individual owners."</p> + + <p>"Welton is no crook," struck in Bob. "Even if he'd strained + the law, which I doubt; he wouldn't defend himself at this late + date with any method as indirect as this."</p> + + <p>"I think you're right on the last point," agreed Thorne. + "Proceed."</p> + + <p>"Next is the Marston N. Leavitt firm."</p> + + <p>"They bought their timber in a lump from a broker by the name + of Robinson; and Robinson got it of the old Joncal <a name= + "FNanchor6" id="FNanchor6"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> Mill outfit; and heaven knows + where they got it," put in California John.</p> + + <p>"How long ago?"</p> + + <p>"'84—the last transfer," said Amy.</p> + + <p>"Doesn't look as though the situation ought to alarm them to + immediate and violent action," observed Thorne. "Aren't there any + more recent claims?" he asked Amy.</p> + + <p>"Here's one; the Modoc Mining Company, about one thousand + mineral claims, amounting to approximately 28,000 acres, filed + 1903."</p> + + <p>"That looks more promising. Patents issued in the reign of our + esteemed predecessor, Plant."</p> + + <p>"Where are most of the claims?" asked California John.</p> + + <p>"<i>All</i> the claims are in the same place," replied + Amy.</p> + + <p>"The Basin!" said Bob.</p> + + <p>Amy recited the "descriptions" within whose boundaries lay the + bulk of the claims.</p> + + <p>"That's it," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Is there any real mineral there?" inquired Thorne.</p> + + <p>"Not that anybody ever heard of," said California John, who + was himself an old miner; "but gold is where you find it," he + added cautiously.</p> + + <p>"How's the timber?"</p> + + <p>"It's the best stand I've seen in the mountains," said + Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well," observed Thorne, "of course it wouldn't do to say so, + but I think we've run against the source of our opposition in the + Samuels case."</p> + + <p>"That explains Erbe's taking the case," put in Bob; "he's + counsel for most of these corporations."</p> + + <p>"The fact that this is not a mineral country," continued + Thorne, "together with the additional considerations of a + thousand claims in so limited an area, and the recent date, makes + it look suspicious. I imagine the Modoc Mining Company intends to + use a sawmill, rather more than a stamp mill."</p> + + <p>"Who are they?" asked California John.</p> + + <p>"We must find that out. Also we must ourselves ascertain just + what colour of mineral there is over there."</p> + + <p>"That ought to be on the records somewhere already," Amy + pointed out.</p> + + <p>"Plant's records," said Thorne drily.</p> + + <p>"I'm ashamed to say I haven't looked up the mineral lands + act," confessed Bob. "How did they do it?"</p> + + <p>"Well, it's simple enough. The company made application under + the law that allows mineral land in National Forests to be + 'freely prospected, located, developed and patented.' It is + necessary to show evidence of 'valuable deposits.'"</p> + + <p>"Gold and silver?"</p> + + <p>"Not necessarily. It may be even building stone, or fine clay, + limestone or slate. Then it's up to the Forest Officer to + determine whether the deposits are actually 'valuable' or not. + You can drive a horse and cart through the law; and it's strictly + up to the Forest Officer—or has been in the past. If he + reports the deposits valuable, and on that report a patent is + issued, why that settles it."</p> + + <p>"Even if the mineral is a fake?"</p> + + <p>"A patent is a patent. The time to head off the fraud is when + the application is made."</p> + + <p>"Cannot the title be upset if fraud is clearly proved?"</p> + + <p>"I do not see how," replied Thorne. "Plant is dead. The law is + very liberal. Predetermining the value of mineral deposits is + largely a matter of personal judgment. The company could, as we + have seen, bring an enormous influence to bear."</p> + + <p>"Well," said Bob, "that land will average sixty thousand feet + to the acre. That's about a billion and a half feet. It's a big + stake."</p> + + <p>"If the company wasn't scared, why did they try so hard to + head us off?" observed California John shrewdly.</p> + + <p>"It will do us no harm to investigate," put in Bob, his eye + kindling with eagerness. "It won't take long to examine the + indications those claims are based on."</p> + + <p>"It's a ticklish period," objected Thorne. "I hate to + embarrass the Administration with anything ill-timed. We have + much to do straightening out what we now have on hand. You must + remember we are short of men; we can't spare many now."</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you," suggested Amy. "Put it up to the Chief. Tell + him just how the matter stands. Let him decide."</p> + + <p>"All right; I'll do that," agreed Thorne.</p> + + <p>In due time the reply came. It advised circumspection in the + matter; but commanded a full report on the facts. Time enough, + the Chief wrote, to decide on the course to be pursued when the + case should be established in their own minds.</p> + + <p>Accordingly Thorne detached Bob and Ware to investigate the + mineral status of the Basin. The latter's long experience in + prospecting now promised to stand the Service in good stead.</p> + + <p>The two men camped in the Basin for three weeks, until the + close of which time they saw no human being. During this period + they examined carefully the various ledges on which the mineral + claims had been based. Ware pronounced them valueless, as far as + he could judge.</p> + + <p>"Some of them are just ordinary quartz dikes," said he. "I + suppose they claim gold for them. There's nothing in it; or if + this does warrant a man developing, then every citizen who lives + near rock has a mine in his back yard."</p> + + <p>Nevertheless he made his reports as detailed as possible. In + the meantime Bob accomplished a rough, or "cruiser's" estimate of + the timber.</p> + + <p>As has been said, they found the Basin now quite deserted. The + trail to Sycamore Flats had apparently not been travelled since + George Pollock had ridden down it to give himself up to + authority. Their preliminary labours finished, the two Forest + officers packed, and were on the very point of turning up the + steep mountain side toward the lookout, when two horsemen rode + over the flat rock.</p> + + <p>Naturally Bob and Ware drew up, after the mountain custom, to + exchange greetings. As the others drew nearer, Bob recognized in + one the slanting eyeglasses, the close-lipped, gray moustache and + the keen, cold features of Oldham. Ware nodded at the other man, + who returned his salutation as curtly.</p> + + <p>"You're off your beat, Mr. Oldham," observed Bob.</p> + + <p>"I'm after a deer," replied Oldham. "You are a little off your + own beat, aren't you?"</p> + + <p>"My beat is everywhere," replied Bob carelessly.</p> + + <p>"What devilment you up to now, Sal?" Ware was asking of the + other man, a tall, loose-jointed, freckle-faced and red-haired + individual with an evil red eye.</p> + + <p>"I'm earnin' my salary; and I misdoubt you ain't," sneered the + individual thus addressed.</p> + + <p>"As what; gun man?" demanded Ware calmly.</p> + + <p>"You may find that out sometime."</p> + + <p>"I'm not as easy as young Franklin was," said Ware, dropping + his hand carelessly to his side. "Don't make any mistakes when + you get around to your demonstration."</p> + + <p>The man said nothing, but grinned, showing tobacco-stained, + irregular teeth beneath his straggling, red moustache.</p> + + <p>After a moment's further conversation the little groups + separated. Bob rode on up the trail. Ware followed for perhaps + ten feet, or until out of sight behind the screen of willows that + bordered the stream. Then, without drawing rein, he dropped from + his saddle. The horse, urged by a gentle slap on the rump, + followed in the narrow trail after Bob and the pack animal. Ware + slipped quietly through the willows until he had gained a point + commanding the other trail. Oldham and his companion were riding + peacefully. Satisfied, Ware returned, climbed rapidly until he + had caught up with his horse, and resumed his saddle. Bob had + only that moment noticed his absence.</p> + + <p>"Look here, Bob," said Ware, "that fellow with Mr. Oldham is a + man called Saleratus Bill. He's a hard citizen, a gun man, and + brags of eleven killin's in his time. Mr. Oldham or no one else + couldn't pick up a worse citizen to go deer hunting with. When + you track up with him next, be sure that he starts and keeps + going before you stir out of your tracks."</p> + + <p>"You don't believe that deer hunting lie, do you?" asked + Bob.</p> + + <p>Ware chuckled.</p> + + <p>"I was wondering if <i>you</i> did," said he.</p> + + <p>"I guess there's no doubt as to who the Modoc Mining Company + is."</p> + + <p>"Oldham?"</p> + + <p>"No," said Bob; "Baker and the Power Company. Oldham is + Baker's man."</p> + + <p>Ware whistled.</p> + + <p>"Well, I suppose you know what you're talking about," said he, + "but it's pretty generally understood that Oldham is on the other + side of the fence. He's been bucking Baker in White Oaks on some + franchise business. Everybody knows that."</p> + + <p>Bob opened his eyes. Casting his mind back over the sources of + his information, he then remembered that intimation of the + connection between the two men had come to him when he had been + looked on as a member of the inner circle, so that all things + were talked of openly before him; that since Plant's day Oldham + had in fact never appeared in Baker's interests.</p> + + <p>"He's up in this country a good deal," Bob observed finally. + "What's he say is his business?"</p> + + <p>"Why, he's in a little timber business, as I understand it; + and he buys a few cattle—sort of general brokerage."</p> + + <p>"I see," mused Bob.</p> + + <p>He rode in silence for some time, breathing his horse + mechanically every fifty feet or so of the steep trail. He was + busily recalling and piecing together the fragments of what he + had at the time considered an unimportant discussion, and which + he had in part forgotten.</p> + + <p>"It's a blind," he said at last; "Oldham is working for + Baker."</p> + + <p>"What makes you think that?"</p> + + <p>"Something I heard once."</p> + + <p>He rode on. The Basin was dropping away beneath them; the + prospect to the north was broadening as peak after peak raised + itself into the line of ascending vision. The pines, clinging to + the steep, cast bars of shadow across the trail, which zigzagged + and dodged, taking advantage of every ledge and each strip of + firm earth. Occasionally they crossed a singing brook, shaded + with willows and cottonwoods, with fragrant bay and alders, only + to clamber out again to the sunny steeps.</p> + + <p>Now Bob remembered and pieced together the whole. Baker had + been bragging that he intended to pay nothing to the Government + for his water power. Bob could almost remember the very words. + "'They've swiped about everything in sight for these pestiferous + reserves,'" he murmured to himself, "'but they encourage the + honest prospector.... Oldham's got the whole matter ... '" and so + on, in the unfolding of the very scheme by which these acres had + been acquired. "Near headwaters," he had said; and that + statement, combined with the fact that nothing had occurred to + stir indistinct memories, had kept Bob in the dark. At the time + "near headwaters" had meant to him the tract of yellow pine near + the head of Sycamore Creek. So he had dismissed the matter. Now + he saw clearly that a liberal construction could very well name + the Basin as the headwaters of the drainage system from which + Sycamore Creek drew, if not its source, at least its main volume + of water. He exclaimed aloud in disgust at his stupidity; which, + nevertheless, as all students of psychology know, typified a very + common though curious phenomenon in the mental world. Suddenly he + sat up straight in his saddle. Here, should Baker and the Modoc + Mining Company prove to be one and the same, was the evidence of + fraudulent intent! Would his word suffice? Painfully + reconstructing the half-forgotten picture, he finally placed the + burly figure of Welton. Welton was there too. His corroboration + would make the testimony irrefutable.</p> + + <p>Certainties now rushed to Bob's mind in flocks. If he had been + stupid in the matter, it was evident that Baker and Oldham had + not. The fight in Durham was now explained. All the demagogic + arousing of the populace, the heavy guns brought to bear in the + newspaper world, the pressure exerted through political levers, + even the concerted attacks on the Service from the floors of + Congress traced, by no great stretch of probabilities, to the + efforts of the Power Company to stop investigation before it + should reach their stealings. That, as California John had said, + was the first defence. If all investigation could be called off, + naturally Baker was safe. Now that he realized the investigation + must, in the natural course of events, come to his holdings, what + would be his second line?</p> + + <p>Of course, he knew that Bob possessed the only testimony that + could seriously damage him. Even Thorne's optimism had realized + the difficulties of pressing to a conviction against such + powerful interests without some evidence of a fraudulent intent. + Could it be that the presence of this Saleratus Bill in company + with Oldham meant that Baker was contemplating so sinister a + removal of damaging testimony?</p> + + <p>A moment's thought disabused him of this notion, however. + Baker was not the man to resort to violence of this sort; or at + least he would not do so before exhausting all other means. Bob + had been, in a way, the capitalist's friend. Surely, before + turning a gun man loose, Baker would have found out definitely + whether, in the first place, Bob was inclined to push the case; + and secondly, whether he could not be persuaded to refrain from + introducing his personal testimony. The longer Bob looked at the + state of affairs, the more fantastic seemed the hypothesis that + the gun man had been brought into the country for such a + purpose.</p> + + <p>"Why do you suppose Oldham is up there with this Saleratus + Bill?" he asked Ware at length.</p> + + <p>"Search me!"</p> + + <p>"Is Bill good for anything beside gun work?"</p> + + <p>"Well," said Ware, judicially, "he sure drinks without an + effort."</p> + + <p>"I don't believe Oldham is interested in the liquor famine," + laughed Bob. "Anything else?"</p> + + <p>"They <i>may</i> be after deer," acknowledged Ware, + reluctantly, "though I hate to think that rattlesnake is out for + anything legitimate. I will say he's a good hunter; and an A1 + trailer."</p> + + <p>"Oh, he's a good trailer, is he?" said Bob. "Well, I rather + suspected you'd say that. Now I know why they're up there; they + want to figure out from the signs we've left just what we've been + up to."</p> + + <p>"That's easy done," remarked Ware.</p> + + <p>This explanation fitted. Bob had been in the Basin before, but + on the business of estimating government timber. Baker knew this. + Now that the Forest officer had gone in for a second time, it + might be possible that he was doing the same thing; or it might + be equally possible that he was engaged in an investigation of + Baker's own property. This the power man had decided to find out. + Therefore he had sent in, with his land man, an individual expert + at deducing from the half-obliterated marks of human occupation + the activities that had left them. That Oldham and his sinister + companion had encountered the Forest men was a sheer accident due + to miscalculation.</p> + + <p>Having worked this out to his own satisfaction, Bob knew what + next to expect. Baker must interview him. Bob was sure the young + man would take his own time to the matter, for naturally it would + not do to make the fact of such a meeting too public. Accordingly + he submitted his report to Thorne, and went on about his further + investigations, certain that sooner or later he would again see + the prime mover of all these dubious activities.</p> + + <p>He was not in the least surprised, therefore, to look up when + riding one day along the lonely and rugged trail that cuts across + the lower canon of the River, to see Baker seated on the top of a + round boulder. The incongruity, however, brought a smile to his + lips. The sight of the round, smooth face, the humorous eyes, and + the stout, city-fed figure of this very urban individual on a + rock in a howling figure of this very urban individual on a rock + in a howling wilderness, with the eternal mountains for a + background, was inexpressibly comical.</p> + + <p>"Hullo, merry sunshine!" called Baker, waving his hand as soon + as he was certain Bob had seen him. "Welcome to our thriving + little hamlet."</p> + + <p>"Hullo, Baker," said Bob; "what are you doing 'way off + here?"</p> + + <p>"Just drifting down the Grand Canal and listening to the + gondoliers; and incidentally, waiting for you. Climb off your + horse and come up here and get a tailor-made cigarette."</p> + + <p>"I'm on my way over to Spruce Top," said Bob, "and I've got to + keep moving."</p> + + <p>"Haste not, hump not, hustle not," said Baker, with the air of + one quoting a hand-illuminated motto. "It will only get you + somewhere. Come, gentle stranger, I would converse with thee; and + I've come a long way to do it."</p> + + <p>"I live nearer home than this," grinned Bob.</p> + + <p>"I wanted to see you in your office," grinned back Baker + appreciatively, "and this is strictly business."</p> + + <p>Bob dismounted, threw the reins over his horse's head, and + ascended to the top of the boulder.</p> + + <p>"Fire ahead," said he; "I keep union hours."</p> + + <br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XVII" id="XVII"></a> + + <h2>XVII</h2><br> + + <p>"Union hours suit me," said Baker. "Why work while papa has + his health? What I want to know is, how high is the limit on this + game anyway?"</p> + + <p>"What do you mean?"</p> + + <p>"This confounded so-called 'investigation' of yours? In other + words, do you intend to get after me?"</p> + + <p>"As how?"</p> + + <p>Baker's shrewd eyes looked at him gravely from out his smiling + fat face.</p> + + <p>"Modoc Mining Company's lands."</p> + + <p>"Then you are the Modoc Mining Company?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>Baker eyed him again.</p> + + <p>"Look here, my angel child," said he in a tone of + good-humoured pity, "I can make all that kind of talk in a + witness box—if necessary. In any case, I didn't come 'way + out here to exchange that sort with you. You know perfectly well + I'm the Modoc Mining Company, and that I've got a fine body of + timber under the mineral act, and all the rest of it. You know + all this not only because you've got some sense, but because I + told you so before a competent witness. It stands to reason that + I don't mind telling you again where there are no witnesses. Now + smoke up and join the King's Daughters—let's have a + heart-to-heart and find out how we stand."</p> + + <p>Bob laughed, and Baker, with entirely whole-hearted enjoyment, + laughed too.</p> + + <p>"You're next on the list," said Bob, "and, personally, I + think----"</p> + + <p>Baker held up his hand.</p> + + <p>"Let's not exchange thinks," said he. "I've got a few thinks + coming myself, you know. Let's stick to facts. Then the + Government is going to open up on us?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"On the grounds of fraudulent entry, I suppose."</p> + + <p>"That's it."</p> + + <p>"Well, they'll never win----"</p> + + <p>"Let's not exchange thinks," Bob reminded him.</p> + + <p>"Right! I can see that you're acting under orders, and the + suit must be brought. Now I tell you frankly, as one Modern + Woods-pussy of the World to another, that you're the only fellow + that has any real testimony. What I want to know is, are you + going to use it?"</p> + + <p>Bob looked at his companion steadily.</p> + + <p>"I don't see why, even without witnesses, I should give away + government plans to you, Baker."</p> + + <p>Baker sighed, and slid from the boulder.</p> + + <p>"I'm practically certain how the cat jumps, and I've long + since made my plans accordingly. Whatever you say does not alter + my course of action. Only I hate to do a man an injustice without + being sure. You needn't answer. Your last remark means that you + are. I have too much sense to do the little Eva to you, Orde. + You've got the gray stuff in your head, even if it is a trifle + wormy. Of course, it's no good telling you that you're going back + on a friend, that you'll be dragging Welton into the game when he + hasn't got a chip to enter with, that you're betraying private + confidence—well, I guess the rest is all 'thinks.'"</p> + + <p>"I'm sorry, Baker," said Bob, "and I suppose I must appear to + be a spy in the matter. But it can't be helped."</p> + + <p>Baker's good-humoured, fat face had fallen into grave lines. + He studied a distant spruce tree for a moment.</p> + + <p>"Well," he roused himself at last, "I wish this particular + attack of measles had passed off before you bucked up against us. + Because, you know, that land's ours, and we don't expect to give + it up on account of this sort of fool agitation. We'll win this + case. I'm sorry you're mixed up in it."</p> + + <p>"Saleratus Bill?" hinted Bob.</p> + + <p>Baker's humorous expression returned.</p> + + <p>"What do you take me for?" he grinned. "No, that's Oldham's + bodyguard. Thinks he needs a bodyguard these days. That's what + comes from having a bad conscience, I tell him. Some of those + dagoes he's sold bum farms to are more likely to show up with a + desire to abate him, than that anything would happen to him in + these hills. Now let's get this straight; the cases go on?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"And you testify?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"And call Welton in for corroboration?"</p> + + <p>"I hardly think that's necessary."</p> + + <p>"It will be, as you very well know. I just wanted to be sure + how we stood toward each other. So long."</p> + + <p>He turned uncompromisingly away, and stumped off down the + trail on his fat and sturdy legs.</p> + + <p>Bob looked after him amazed, at this sudden termination of the + interview. He had anticipated argument, sophistry, appeal to old + friendship, perhaps a more dark and doubtful approach. Though + conscious throughout of Baker's contempt for what the promoter + would call his childish impracticability, his disloyalty and his + crankiness, Bob realized that all of this had been carefully + subdued. Baker's manner at parting expressed more of regret than + of anger or annoyance.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XVIII" id="XVIII"></a> + + <h2>XVIII</h2><br> + + <p>To this short and inconclusive interview, however, Baker did + not fail to add somewhat through Oldham. The agent used none of + the circumspection Baker had considered necessary, but rode + openly into camp and asked for Bob. The latter, remembering + Oldham's reputed antagonism to Baker, could not but admire the + convenience of the arrangement. The lank and sinister figure of + Saleratus Bill was observed to accompany that of the land agent, + but the gun man, at a sign from his principal; did not dismount. + He greeted no one, but sat easily across his saddle, holding the + reins of both horses in his left hand, his jaws working slowly, + his evil, little eyes wandering with sardonic interest over the + people and belongings at headquarters. Ware nodded to him. The + man's eyes half closed and for an instant the motion of his jaw + quickened. Otherwise he made no sign.</p> + + <p>Oldham drew Bob one side.</p> + + <p>"I want to talk to you where we won't be interrupted," he + requested.</p> + + <p>"Talk on," said Bob, seating himself on a log. "The open is as + good a place as another; you can see your eavesdroppers + there."</p> + + <p>Oldham considered this a moment, then nodded his head, and + took his place by the young man's side.</p> + + <p>"It's about those Modoc lands," said he.</p> + + <p>"I suppose so," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Baker tells me you fully intend to prosecute a suit for + their recovery."</p> + + <p>"I believe the Government intends to do so. I am, of course, + only the agent of the Government in this or any other + matter."</p> + + <p>"In other words, you have received orders to proceed?"</p> + + <p>"I would hardly be acting without them, would I?"</p> + + <p>"Of course; I see. Mr. Baker is sometimes hasty. Assuming that + you cared to do so, is there no way you could avoid this + necessity?"</p> + + <p>"None that I can discover. I must obey orders as long as I'm a + government officer."</p> + + <p>"Exactly," said Oldham. "Now we reach the main issue. What if + you were not a government officer?"</p> + + <p>"But I am."</p> + + <p>"Assume that you were not."</p> + + <p>"Naturally my successor would carry out the same orders."</p> + + <p>"But," suggested Oldham, "it might very well be that another + man would not be—well, quite so qualified to carry out the + case—"</p> + + <p>"You mean I'm the only one who heard Baker say he was going to + cheat the Government," put in Bob bluntly.</p> + + <p>"You and Mr. Welton and Mr. Baker were the only ones present + at a certain interview," he amended. "Now, in the event that you + were not personally in charge of the case would you feel it + necessary to volunteer testimony unsuspected by anybody but you + three?"</p> + + <p>"If I were to resign, I should volunteer nothing," stated + Bob.</p> + + <p>Oldham's frosty eyes gleamed with satisfaction behind their + glasses.</p> + + <p>"That's good!" he cried.</p> + + <p>"But I have no intention of resigning," Bob concluded.</p> + + <p>"That is a matter open to discussion," Oldham took him up. + "There are a great many reasons that you have not yet + considered."</p> + + <p>"I'm ready to hear them," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Look at the case as it stands. In the first place, you cannot + but admit that Mr. Baker and the men associated with him have + done great things for this country. When they came into it, it + was an undeveloped wilderness, supplying nothing of value to + civilization, and supporting only a scattered and pastoral + people. The valley towns went about their business on horse cars; + they either paid practically a prohibitive price for electricity + and gas, or used oil and candles; they drank well water and river + water. The surrounding country was either a desert given over to + sage brush and jack rabbits, or raised crops only according to + the amount of rain that fell. You can have no conception, Mr. + Orde, of the condition of the country in some of these regions + before irrigation. In place of this the valley people now enjoy + rapid transportation, not only through the streets of their + towns, but also by trolley lines far out in all directions. They + have cheap and abundant electric light and power. They possess + pure drinking water. Above all they raise their certain crops + irrespective of what rains the heavens may send."</p> + + <p>Bob admitted that electricity and irrigation are good + things.</p> + + <p>"These advantages have drawn people. I am not going to bore + you with a lot of statistics, but the population of all White + Oaks County, for instance, is now above fifty thousand people, + where before was a scant ten. But how much agricultural wealth do + you suppose these people <i>export</i> each year? Not how much + they <i>produce</i>, but their net exportations?"</p> + + <p>"Give it up."</p> + + <p>"Fifty million dollars worth! That's a marvellous per + capita."</p> + + <p>"It is indeed," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Now," said Oldham impressively, "that wealth would be + absolutely non-existent, that development could not have taken + place, <i>did</i> not take place, until men of Mr. Baker's genius + and courage came along to take hold. I have personally the + greatest admiration for Mr. Baker as a type of citizen without + whom our resources and possibilities would be in the same + backward condition as obtains in Canada."</p> + + <p>"I'm with you there," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Mr. Baker has added a community to the state, cities to the + commonwealth, millions upon millions of dollars to the nation's + wealth. He took long chances, and he won out. Do not you think in + return the national resources should in a measure reward him for + the advantages he has conferred and the immense wealth he has + developed? Mind you, Mr. Baker has merely taken advantage of the + strict letter of the law. It is merely open to another + interpretation. He needs this particular body of timber for the + furtherance of one of his greatest quasi-public enterprises; and + who has a better right in the distribution of the public domain + than the man who uses it to develop the country? The public land + has always been intended for the development of resources, and + has always been used as such."</p> + + <p>Oldham talked fluently and well. He argued at length along the + lines set forth above.</p> + + <p>"You have to use lubricating oil to overcome friction on a + machine," he concluded. "You have to subsidize a railroad by land + grants to enter a new country. By the same immutable law you must + offer extraordinary inducements to extraordinary men. Otherwise + they will not take the risks."</p> + + <p>"I've nothing to do with the letter of the law," Bob replied; + "only with its spirit and intention. The main idea of the mineral + act is to give legitimate miners the timber they need for + legitimate mining. Baker does not pretend, except officially, + that he ever intends to do anything with his claims. He certainly + has done a great work for the country. I'll agree to everything + you say there. But he came into California worth nothing, and he + is now reputed to be worth ten millions and to control vast + properties. That would seem to be reward enough for almost + anybody. He does not need this Basin property for any of his + power projects, except that its possession would let him off from + paying a very reasonable tax on the waterpower he has been + accustomed to getting free. Cutting that timber will not develop + the country any further. I don't see the value of your argument + in the present case."</p> + + <p>"Mr. Baker has invested in this project a great many millions + of dollars," said Oldham. "He must be adequately safeguarded. To + further develop and even to maintain the efficiency of what he + has, he must operate to a large extent on borrowed capital. + Borrowing depends on credit; and credit depends on confidence. If + conditions are proved to be unstable, capital will prove more + than cautious in risking itself. That is elementary. Surely you + can see that point."</p> + + <p>"I can see that, all right," admitted Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well," went on Oldham, taking heart, "think of the + responsibility you are assuming in pushing forward a mere + technicality, and a debatable technicality at that. You are not + only jeopardizing a great and established business—I will + say little of that—but you are risking the prosperity of a + whole countryside. If Mr. Baker's enterprises should quit this + section, the civilization of the state would receive a serious + setback. Thousands of men would be thrown out of employment, not + only on the company's works, but all along the lines of its + holdings; electric light and power would increase in + price—a heavy burden to the consumer; the country trolley + lines must quit business, for only with water-generated power can + they compete with railroads at all; fertile lands would revert to + desert—"</p> + + <p>"I am not denying the value of Mr. Baker's enterprises," broke + in Bob; "but what has a billion and a half of timber to do with + all this?"</p> + + <p>"Mr. Baker has long been searching for an available supply for + use in the enterprises," said Oldham, eagerly availing himself of + this opening. "You probably have a small idea of the immense + lumber purchases necessary for the construction of the power + plants, trolley lines, and roads projected by Mr. Baker. + Heretofore the company has been forced to buy its timber in the + open market."</p> + + <p>"This would be cheaper," suggested Bob.</p> + + <p>"Much."</p> + + <p>"That would increase net profits, of course. I suppose that + would result in increased dividends. Or, perhaps, the public + would reap the benefit in decreased cost of service."</p> + + <p>"Undoubtedly both. Certainly electricity and transportation + would cheapen."</p> + + <p>"The same open markets can still supply the necessary + timber?"</p> + + <p>"At practically prohibitive cost," Oldham reminded.</p> + + <p>"Which the company has heretofore afforded—and still + paid its dividends," said Bob calmly. "Well, Mr. Oldham, even + were I inclined to take all you say at its face value; even were + I willing to admit that unless Mr. Baker were given this timber + his business would fail, the country would be deprived of the + benefits of his enterprise, and the public seriously incommoded, + I would still be unable to follow the logic of your reasoning. + Mind you, I do not admit anything of the kind. I do not + anticipate any more dire results than that the dividends will + remain at their present per cent. But even supposing your + argument to be well founded, this timber belongs to the people of + the United States. It is part of John Jones's heritage, whether + John Jones lives in White Oaks or New York. Why should I permit + Jones of New York to be robbed in favour of Jones of White + Oaks—especially since Jones of New York put me here to look + after his interests for him? That's the real issue; and it's very + simple."</p> + + <p>"You look at the matter from a wrong point of view----" began + Oldham, and stopped. The land agent was shrewd, and knew when he + had come to an <i>impasse</i>.</p> + + <p>"I always respect a man who does his duty," he began again, + "and I can see how you're tied up in this matter. But a + resignation could be arranged for very easily. Mr. Baker knows + thoroughly both your ability and experience, and has long + regretted that he has not been able to avail himself of them. Of + course, as you realize, the great future of all this country is + not along the lines even of such great industries as lumber + manufacture, but in agriculture and in waterpower engineering. + Here, more than anywhere else in the world, Water is King!"</p> + + <p>A recollection tickled Bob. He laughed outright. Oldham + glanced at him sharply.</p> + + <p>"Oh, the Lucky Lands," said he at last; "I'd forgotten you had + ever been there. Well, the saying is as true now as it was then. + The great future for any young man is along those lines. I am + sure—in fact, I am told to say with authority—that + Mr. Baker would be only too pleased to have you come in with him + on this new enterprise he is opening up."</p> + + <p>"As how?"</p> + + <p>"As stockholder to the extent of ten thousand shares + preferred, and a salaried position in the field, of course. But, + that is a small matter compared with the future + opportunities—"</p> + + <p>"It's cheering to know that I'm worth so much," interrupted + Bob. "Shares now worth par?"</p> + + <p>"A fraction over."</p> + + <p>"One hundred thousand and some odd dollars," observed Bob. + "It's a nice tidy bribe; and if I were any sort of a bribe taker + at all, I'd surely feel proud and grateful. Only I'm not. So you + might just as well have made it a million, and then I'd have felt + still more set up over it."</p> + + <p>"I hope you don't think I'm a bribe giver, either," said + Oldham. "I admit my offer was not well-timed; but it has been + long under contemplation, and I mentioned it as it occurred to + me."</p> + + <p>Having thus glided over this false start, the land agent + promptly opened another consideration.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps we are at fatal variance on our economics," said he; + "but how about the justice of the thing? When you get right down + to cases, how about the rest of them? I'll venture to say there + are not two private timber holdings of any size in this country + that have been acquired strictly within the letter of the law. Do + you favour general confiscation?"</p> + + <p>"I believe in the law," declared Bob, "and I do not believe + your statement."</p> + + <p>Oldham rose.</p> + + <p>"I tell you this, young man," he said coldly: "you can + prosecute the Modoc Company or not, as you please—or, + perhaps, I should say, you can introduce your private testimony + or not, as you please. We are reasonable; and we know you cannot + control government prosecutions. But the Modoc Company intends + that you play no favourites."</p> + + <p>"I do not understand you," said Bob with equal coldness.</p> + + <p>"If the Modoc Company is prosecuted, we will make it our + business to see that every great land owner holding title in this + Forest is brought into the courts for the same offence. If the + letter of the law is to be enforced against us, we'll see that it + is enforced against all others."</p> + + <p>Bob bowed. "Suits me," said he.</p> + + <p>"Does it?" sneered Oldham. He produced a bundle of papers + bound by a thick elastic. "Well, I've saved you some trouble in + your next case. Here are certified copies of the documents for + it, copied at Sacramento, and subscribed to before a notary. Of + course, you can verify them; but you'll find them accurate."</p> + + <p>He handed them to Bob, who took them, completely puzzled. + Oldham's next speech enlightened him.</p> + + <p>"You'll find there," said the older man, tapping the papers in + Bob's hand, "the documents in full relating to the Wolverine + Company's land holdings, and how they were acquired. After + looking them over, we shall expect you to bring suit. If you do + not do so, we will take steps to force you to do so—or, + failing this, to resign!"</p> + + <p>With these words, Oldham turned square on his heel and marched + to where Saleratus Bill was stationed with the horses. Bob stared + after him, the bundle of papers in his hand. When Oldham had + mounted, Bob looked down on these papers.</p> + + <p>"The second line of defence!" said he.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XIX" id="XIX"></a> + + <h2>XIX</h2><br> + + <p>Bob's first interest was naturally to examine these documents. + He found them, as Oldham had said, copies whose accuracy was + attested by the copyist before a notary. They divided themselves + into two classes. The first traced the titles by which many small + holdings had come into the hands of the corporation known as the + Wolverine Company. The second seemed to be some sort of finding + by an investigating commission. This latter was in the way of + explanation of the title records, so that by referring from one + to the other, Bob was able to trace out the process by which the + land had been acquired. This had been by "colonizing," as it was + called. According to Federal law, one man could take up but one + hundred and sixty acres of government land. It had, therefore, + been the practice to furnish citizens with the necessary capital + so to do; after which these citizens transferred their land to + the parent company. This was, of course, a direct evasion of the + law; as direct an evasion as Baker's use of the mineral lands + act.</p> + + <p>For a time Bob was unable to collect his reasoning powers + adequately to confront this new fact. His thoughts were in a + whirl. The only thing that stood out clearly was the difference + in the two cases. He knew perfectly that after Baker's effort to + lift bodily from the public domain a large block of its wealth + every decent citizen should cry, "Stop thief!" Instinctively he + felt, though as yet he could not analyze the reasons for so + feeling, that to deprive the Wolverine Company of its holdings + would work a crying injustice. Yet, to all intents and purposes, + apparently, the cases were on all fours. Both Welton and Baker + had taken advantage of a technicality.</p> + + <p>When Bob began to think more clearly, he at first laid this + difference to a personal liking, and was inclined to blame + himself for letting his affections cloud his sense of justice. + Baker was companionable, jolly, but at the same time was shrewd, + cold, calculating and unscrupulous in business. He could be as + hard as nails. Welton, on the other hand, while possessing all of + Baker's admirable and robust qualities, had with them an + endearing and honest bigness of purpose, limited + only—though decidedly—by his point of view and the + bounds of his practical education. Baker would steal land without + compunction; Welton would take land illegally without thought of + the illegality, only because everybody else did it the same + way.</p> + + <p>But should the mere fact of personality make any difference in + the enforcing of laws? That one man was amiable and the other not + so amiable had nothing to do with eternal justice. If Bob were to + fulfil his duty only against those he disliked, and in favour of + his friends, he had indeed slipped back to the old days of + henchman politics from which the nation was slowly struggling. He + reared his head at this thought. Surely he was man enough to sink + private affairs in the face of a stern public duty!</p> + + <p>This determined, Bob thought the question settled. After a few + minutes, it returned as full of interrogation points as ever. + Leaving Baker and Welton entirely out of the question, the two + cases still drew apart. One was just, the other unjust. Why? On + the answer depended the peace of Bob's conscience. Of course he + would resign rather than be forced to prosecute Welton. That was + understood, and Bob resolutely postponed contemplation of the + necessity. He loved this life, this cause. It opened out into + wider and more beautiful vistas the further he penetrated into + it. He conceived it the only life for which he was particularly + fitted by temperament and inclination. To give it up would be to + cut himself off from all that he cared for most in active life; + and would be to cast him into the drudgery of new and uncongenial + lines. That sacrifice must be made. It's contemplation and + complete realization could wait. But a deeper necessity held Bob, + the necessity of resolving the question of equities which the + accident of his personal knowledge of Welton and Baker had + evoked. He had to prove his instincts right or wrong.</p> + + <p>He was not quite ready to submit the matter officially, but he + wished very much to talk it over with some one. Glancing up he + caught sight of the glitter of silver and the satin sheen of a + horse. Star was coming down through the trees, resplendent in his + silver and carved leather trappings, glossy as a bird, stepping + proudly and daintily under the curbing of his heavy Spanish bit. + In the saddle lounged the tall, homely figure of old California + John, clad in faded blue overalls, the brim of his disreputable, + ancient hat flopped down over his lean brown face, and his kindly + blue eyes. Bob signalled him.</p> + + <p>"John!" he called, "come here! I want to talk with you!"</p> + + <p>The stately, beautiful horse turned without any apparent + guiding motion from his master, stepped the intervening space and + stopped. California John swung from the saddle. Star, his head + high, his nostril wide, his eye fixed vaguely on some distant + vision, stood like an image.</p> + + <p>"I want a good talk with you," repeated Bob.</p> + + <p>They sat on the same log whereon Oldham and Bob had + conferred.</p> + + <p>"John," said Bob, "Oldham has been here, and I don't know what + to do."</p> + + <p>California John listened without a single word of comment + while Bob detailed all the ins and outs of the situation. When he + had finished, the old man slowly drew forth his pipe, filled it, + and lit it.</p> + + <p>"Son," said he, "I'm an old man, and I've lived in this state + since the early gold days. That means I've seen a lot of things. + In all that time the two most valuable idees I've dug up are + these: in the first place, it don't never do to go off half-cock; + and in the second place, if you want to know about a thing, go to + headquarters for it."</p> + + <p>He removed his pipe and blew a cloud.</p> + + <p>"Half of that's for me and the other half's for you," he + resumed. "I ain't going to give you my notions until I've thought + them over a little; that's for me. As for you, if I was you, I'd + just amble over and talk the whole matter over with Mr. Welton + and see what he thinks about his end of it."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XX" id="XX"></a> + + <h2>XX</h2><br> + + <p>This advice seemed so good that Bob acted upon it at his + earliest opportunity. He found Welton riding his old brindle mule + in from the bull donkey where he had been inspecting the work. + The lumberman's red, jolly face lit up with a smile of real + affection as he recognized Bob, an expression quickly changed, + however, as he caught sight of the young man's countenance.</p> + + <p>"What's up, Bobby?" he inquired with concern; "anything + happened?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing yet; but I want to talk with you."</p> + + <p>Welton immediately dismounted, with the laborious clumsiness + of the man brought up to other means of locomotion, tied Jane to + a tree, and threw himself down at the foot of a tall pine.</p> + + <p>"Let's have it," said he.</p> + + <p>"There have come into my hands some documents," said Bob, + "that embarrass me a great deal. Here they are."</p> + + <p>He handed them to Welton. The lumberman ran them through in + silence.</p> + + <p>"Well," he commented cheerfully, "they seem to be all right. + What's the matter?"</p> + + <p>"The matter is with the title to the land," said Bob.</p> + + <p>Welton looked the list of records over more carefully.</p> + + <p>"I'm no lawyer," he confessed at last; "but it don't need a + lawyer to see that this is all regular enough."</p> + + <p>"Have you read the findings of the commission?"</p> + + <p>"That stuff? Sure! That don't amount to anything. It's merely + an expression of opinion; and mighty poor opinion at that."</p> + + <p>"Don't you see what I'm up against?" insisted Bob. "It will be + in my line of duty to open suit against the Wolverine Company for + recovery of those lands."</p> + + <p>"Suit!" echoed Welton. "You talk foolish, Bob. This company + has owned these lands for nearly thirty years, and paid taxes on + them. The records are all straight, and the titles clear."</p> + + <p>"It begins to look as if the lands were taken up contrary to + law," insisted Bob; "and, if so, I'll be called upon to + prosecute." "Contrary to your grandmother," said Welton + contemptuously. "Some of your young squirts of lawyers have been + reading their little books. If these lands were taken up contrary + to law, why so were every other timber lands in the state."</p> + + <p>"That may be true, also," said Bob. "I don't know."</p> + + <p>"Well, will you tell me what's wrong with them?" asked + Welton.</p> + + <p>"It appears as though the lands were 'colonized,'" said Bob; + "or, at least, such of them as were not bought from the + bank."</p> + + <p>"I guess you boys have a new brand of slang," confessed + Welton.</p> + + <p>"Why, I mean the tract was taken direct from many small + holders in hundred-and-sixty-acre lots," explained Bob.</p> + + <p>Welton stared at him.</p> + + <p>"Well, will you tell me how in blazes you were going to get + together a piece of timber big enough to handle in any other + way?" he demanded at last. "All one firm could take up by itself + was a quarter section, and you're not crazy enough to think any + concern could afford to build a plant for the sake of cutting + that amount! That's preposterous! A man certainly has a right + under the law to sell what is his to whom-ever he pleases."</p> + + <p>"But the 'colonists,'" said Bob, "took up this land merely for + the purpose of turning it over to the company. The intention of + the law is that the timber is for the benefit of the original + claimant."</p> + + <p>"Well, it's for his benefit, if he gets paid for it, ain't + it?" demanded Welton ingenuously. "You can't expect him to cut it + himself."</p> + + <p>"That is the intent of the law," insisted Bob, "and that's + what I'll be called upon to do. What shall I do about it?"</p> + + <p>"Quit the game!" said Welton, promptly and eagerly. "You can + see yourself how foolish it is. That crew of young squirts just + out of school would upset the whole property values of the state. + Besides, as I've just shown you, it's foolish. Come on back in a + sensible business. We'd get on fine!"</p> + + <p>Bob shook his head.</p> + + <p>"Then go ahead; bring your case," said Welton. "I don't + mind."</p> + + <p>"I do," said Bob. "It looks like a strong case to me."</p> + + <p>"Don't bring it. You don't need to report in your evidence as + you call it. Just forget it."</p> + + <p>"Even if I were inclined to do so," said Bob, "I wouldn't be + allowed. Baker would force the matter to publicity."</p> + + <p>"Baker," repeated Welton; "what has he got to do with it?"</p> + + <p>"It's in regard to the lands in the Basin. He took them up + under the mineral act, and plainly against all law and decency. + It's the plainest case of fraud I know about, and is a direct + steal right from under our noses."</p> + + <p>"I think myself he's skinning things a trifle fine," admitted + Welton; "but I can't see but what he's complied with the law all + right. He don't have any right to that timber, I'll agree with + you there; but it looks to me like the law had a hole in it."</p> + + <p>"If he took that land up for other purposes than an honest + intention to mine on it, the title might be set aside," said + Bob.</p> + + <p>"You'd have a picnic proving anything of the sort one way or + another about what a man intends to do," Welton pointed out.</p> + + <p>"Do you remember one evening when Baker was up at camp and was + kicking on paying water tolls? It was about the time Thorne first + came in as Supervisor, and just before I entered the + Service."</p> + + <p>"Seems to me I recall something of the sort."</p> + + <p>"Well, you think it over. Baker told us then that he had a way + of beating the tolls, and mentioned this very scheme of taking + advantage of the mineral laws. At the time he had a notion of + letting us in on the timber."</p> + + <p>"Sure! I remember!" cried Welton.</p> + + <p>"Well, if you and I were to testify as to that conversation, + we'd establish his intent plainly enough."</p> + + <p>"Sure as you're a foot high!" said Welton slowly.</p> + + <p>"Baker knows this; and he's threatened, if I testify against + him, to bring the Wolverine Company into the fight. <i>Now</i> + what should I do about it?"</p> + + <p>Welton turned on him a troubled eye.</p> + + <p>"Bob," said he, "there's more to this than you think. I didn't + have anything to do with this land until just before we came out + here. One of the company got control of it thirty year ago. All + that flapdoodle," he struck the papers, "didn't mean nothing to + me when I thought it came from your amatoore detectives. But if + Baker has this case looked up there's something to it. Go slow, + son."</p> + + <p>He studied a moment.</p> + + <p>"Have you told your officers of your own evidence against + Baker?"</p> + + <p>"Not yet."</p> + + <p>"Or about these?" he held up the papers.</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"Well, that's all right. Don't."</p> + + <p>"It's my duty----"</p> + + <p>"Resign!" cried Welton energetically; "then it won't be your + duty. Nobody knows about what you know. If you're not called on, + you've nothing to say. You don't have to tell all you know."</p> + + <p>A vision swept before Bob's eyes of a noble forest supposedly + safe for all time devoted by his silence to a private greed.</p> + + <p>"But concealing evidence is as much of a perjury as falsifying + it—" he began. A second vision flashed by of a ragged, + unshorn fugitive, now in jail, whom his testimony could condemn. + He fell silent.</p> + + <p>"Let sleeping dogs lie," said Welton, earnestly. "You don't + know the harm you may do. Your father's reelection comes this + fall, you know, and even if it's untrue, a suit of this + character—" He in his turn broke off.</p> + + <p>"I don't see how this could hurt father's chances—either + way," said Bob, puzzled.</p> + + <p>"Well, you know how I think about it," said Welton curtly, + rising. "You asked me."</p> + + <p>He stumped over to Jane, untied the rope with his thick + fingers, clambered aboard. From the mule's back he looked down on + Bob, his kindly, homely face again alight with affection.</p> + + <p>"If you never have anything worse on your conscience than + keeping your face shut to protect a friend from injustice, + Bobby," he said, "I reckon you won't lose much sleep."</p> + + <p>With these words he rode away. Bob, returning to camp, + unsaddled, and, very weary, sought his cabin. His cabin mate was + stolidly awaiting him, seated on the single door step.</p> + + <p>"My friend that was going to leave me some money in my bunk + was coming to-day," said Jack Pollock. "It ain't in your bunk by + mistake?"</p> + + <p>"Jack," said Bob, weariedly throwing all the usual pretence + aside, "I'm ashamed to say I clean forgot it; I had such a job on + hand. I'll ride over and get it now."</p> + + <p>"Don't understand you," said Jack, without moving a muscle of + his face.</p> + + <p>Bob smiled at the serious young mountaineer, playing loyally + his part even to his fellow-conspirator.</p> + + <p>"Jack," said he, "I guess your friend must have been delayed. + Maybe he'll get here later."</p> + + <p>"Quite like," nodded Jack gravely.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXI" id="XXI"></a> + + <h2>XXI</h2><br> + + <p>Bob made the earliest chance to obtain California John's + promised advice. The old man was unlettered, but his + understanding was informed by a broad and gentle spirit and long + experience of varied things. On this the head ranger himself + touched.</p> + + <p>"Bob," he began, "I'm an old man, and I've lived through a + lot. When I come into this state the elk and deer and antelope + was running out on the plains like sheep. I mined and prospected + up and down these mountains when nobody knew their names. There's + hardly a gold camp you can call over that I ain't been in on; nor + a set of men that had anything to do with making the state that I + ain't tracked up with. Most of the valley towns wasn't in + existence those days, and the rest was little cattle towns that + didn't amount to anything. The railroad took a week to come from + Chicago. There wasn't any railroad up the coast. They hadn't + begun to irrigate much. Where the Redlands and Riverside orange + groves are there was nothing but dry washes and sage-brush + desert. It cost big money to send freight. All that was shipped + out of the country in a season wouldn't make up one shipment + these days. I suppose to folks back East this country looked + about as far off as Africa. Even to folks living in California + the country as far back as these mountains looked like going to + China. They got all their lumber from the Coast ranges and the + lower hills. This back here was just wilderness, so far off that + nobody rightly thought of it as United States at all.</p> + + <p>"Of course, by and by the country settled up a little more but + even then nobody ever thought of timber. You see, there was no + market to amount to anything out here; and a few little + jerk-water mills could supply the whole layout easy. East, the + lumber in Michigan and Wisconsin and Minnesota never was going to + give out. In those days you could hardly <i>give</i> away land up + in this country. The fellow that went in for timber was looked on + as a lunatic. It took a big man with lots of sand to see it at + all."</p> + + <p>Bob nodded, his eye kindling with the beginnings of + understanding.</p> + + <p>"There was a few of them. They saw far enough ahead, and they + come in here and took up some timber. Other folks laughed at + them; but I guess they're doing most of the laughing now. It took + nerve, and it took sense, and it took time, and it took + patience." California John emphasized each point with a pat of + his brown, gnarled hand.</p> + + <p>"Now those fellows started things for this country. If they + hadn't had the sheer nerve to take up that timber, nobody would + have dared do anything else—not for years anyhow. But just + the fact that the Wolverine Company bought big, and other big men + come in—why it give confidence to the people. The country + boomed right ahead. If nobody had seen the future of the country, + she'd have been twenty year behind. Out West that means a hell of + a lot of value, let me tell you!"</p> + + <p>"The timber would have belonged to the Government," Bob + reminded him.</p> + + <p>"I'm a Forest officer," said California John, "and what's + more, I was a Forest officer for a good many years when there was + nothin' to it but kicks. There can't nobody beat me in wishing a + lot of good forest land was under the Service instead of being + due to be cut up by lumbermen. But I've lived too long not to see + the point. You can't get benefits without paying for 'em. The + United States of America was big gainers because these old + fellows had the nerve just to come in and buy. It ain't so much + the lumber they saw and put out where it's needed—though + that's a good deal; and it ain't so much the men they bring into + the country and give work to—though that's a lot, too. + <i>It's the confidence they inspire</i>, it's the lead they give. + That's what counts. All the rest of these little operators, and + workmen, and storekeepers, and manufacturers wouldn't have found + their way out here in twenty years if the big fellows hadn't led + the way. If you should go over and buy ten thousand acres of land + by Table Mountain to-morrow, next year there'd be a dozen to + follow you in and do whatever you'd be doing. And while it's the + big fellow that gives the lead, <i>it's the little fellow that + makes the wealth of the country!</i>"</p> + + <p>Bob stared at the old man in fascinated surprise. This was a + new California John, this closely reasoning man, with, clear, + earnest eyes, laying down the simple doctrine taught by a long + life among men.</p> + + <p>"The Government gives alternate sections of land to railroads + to bring them in the country," went on California John. "In my + notion all this timber land in private hands is where it belongs. + It's the price the Government paid for wealth."</p> + + <p>"And the Basin----" cried Bob.</p> + + <p>"What the hell more confidence does this country need now?" + demanded California John fiercely; "what with its mills and its + trolleys, its vineyards and all its big projects. What right has + this man Baker to get pay for what he ain't done?"</p> + + <p>The distinction Bob had sensed, but had not been able to + analyze, leaped at him. The equities hung in equal balance. On + one side he saw the pioneer, pressing forward into an unknown + wilderness, breaking a way for those that could follow, holding + aloft a torch to illumine dark places, taking long and desperate + chances, or seeing with almost clairvoyant power beyond the + immediate vision of men; waiting in faith for the fulfillment of + their prophecies. On the other he saw the plunderer, grasping for + a wealth that did not belong to him, through values he had not + made. This fundamental difference could never again, in Bob's + mind, be gainsaid.</p> + + <p>Nevertheless though a difference in deeper ethics, it did not + extend to the surface of things by which men live. It explained; + but did it excuse, especially in the eye of abstract ethics? Had + not these men broken the law, and is not the upholding of the law + important in its moral effect on those that follow?</p> + + <p>"Just the same," he voiced this thought to California John, + "the laws read then as they do to-day."</p> + + <p>"On the books, yes," replied the old man, slowly; "but not in + men's ideas. You got to remember that those fellows held pretty + straight by what the law <i>says</i>. They got other men to take + up the timber, and then had it transferred to themselves. That's + according to law. A man can do what he wants with his own. You + know."</p> + + <p>"But the intention of the law is to give every man a----"</p> + + <p>"That's what we go by now," interrupted California John.</p> + + <p>"What other way is there to go by?"</p> + + <p>"None—now. But in those days that was the settled way to + get timber land. They didn't make any secret of it. They just + looked at it as the process to go through with, like filing a + deed, or getting two witnesses. It was a nuisance, and looked + foolish, but if that was the way to do it, why they'd do it that + way. Everybody knew that. Why, if a man wanted to get enough + timber to go to operating on, his lawyer would explain to him how + to do it; any of his friends that was posted would show him the + ropes; and if he'd take the trouble to go to the Land Office + itself, the clerk would say: 'No, Mr. Man, I can't transfer to + you, personally, more'n a hundred and sixty acres, but you can + get some of your friends to take it up for you.'[Footnote: A + fact.] Now will you tell me how Mr. Man could get it any + straighter than that?"</p> + + <p>Bob was seeing a great light. He nodded.</p> + + <p>"They've changed the rules of the game!" said California John + impressively, "and now they want to go back thirty year and hold + these fellows to account for what they did under the old rules. + It don't look to me like it's fair."</p> + + <p>He thought a moment.</p> + + <p>"I suppose," he remarked reflectively, going off on one of his + strange tangents, and lapsing once more into his customary + picturesque speech, "that these old boys that burned those Salem + witches was pretty well thought of in Salem—deacons in the + church, and all such; p'ticular elect, and held up to the kids + for high moral examples? had the plumb universal approval in + those torchlight efforts of theirn?"</p> + + <p>"So I believe," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well," drawled California John, stretching his lank frame, + "suppose one of those old bucks had lived to now—of course, + he couldn't, but suppose he did—and was enjoying himself + and being a good citizen. And suppose some day the sheriff + touched him on the shoulder and says: 'Old boy, we're rounding up + all the murderers. I've just got Saleratus Bill for scragging + Franklin. You come along, too. Don't you know that burnin' + witches is murder?'" California John spat with vigour. "Oh, + hell!" said he.</p> + + <p>"Now, Baker," he went on, after a moment, "is Saleratus Bill + because he knows he's agin what the people knows is the law; and + the other fellows is old Salem because they lived like they were + told to. Even old Salem would know that he couldn't burn no + witches nowadays. These old timers ain't the ones trying to steal + land now, you notice. They're too damn honest. You don't need to + tell me that you believe for one minute when he took up this + Wolverine land, that your father did anything that he, <i>or + anybody else</i>, courts included, thought was off-colour."</p> + + <p>"My father!" cried Bob.</p> + + <p>"Why, yes," said California John, looking at him curiously; + "you don't mean to say you didn't know he is the Wolverine + Company!"</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXII" id="XXII"></a> + + <h2>XXII</h2><br> + + <p>"Well," said California John, after a pause, "after you've + made your jump there ain't much use in trying to turn back. If + you didn't know it, why it was evident you wasn't intended to + know it. But I was in the country when your father bought the + land, so I happened to know about it."</p> + + <p>Bob stared at the old man so long that the latter felt called + upon to reassure him.</p> + + <p>"I wouldn't take it so hard, if I was you, son," said he. "I + really don't think all these bluffs of Baker's amount to much. + The findings of that commission ain't never been acted on, which + would seem to show that it didn't come to nothing at the time; + and I don't have the slightest notion in the world but what the + whole thing will blow up in smoke."</p> + + <p>"As far as that is concerned, I haven't either," said Bob; + "though you never can tell, and defending such a suit is always + an expensive matter. But here's the trouble; my father is + Congressman from Michigan, he's been in several pretty heavy + fights this last year, and has some powerful enemies; he is up + for reelection this fall."</p> + + <p>"Suffering cats!" whistled California John.</p> + + <p>"A lot could be made of a suit of that nature," said Bob, + "whether it had any basis, or not."</p> + + <p>"I've run for County Supervisor in my time," said California + John simply.</p> + + <p>"Well, what is your advice?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Son, I ain't got none," replied the old man.</p> + + <p>That very evening a messenger rode over from the mill bringing + a summons from Welton. Bob saddled up at once. He found the + lumberman, not in the comfortable sitting room at his private + sleeping camp, but watching the lamp alone in the office. As Bob + entered, his former associate turned a troubled face toward the + young man.</p> + + <p>"Bob," said he at once, "they've got the old man cinched, + unless you'll help out."</p> + + <p>"How's that?"</p> + + <p>"You remember when we first came in here how Plant closed the + road and the flume right-of-way on us because we didn't have the + permit?"</p> + + <p>"Of course."</p> + + <p>"Now, Bob, you remember how we was up against it, don't you? + If we hadn't gone through that year we'd have busted the business + absolutely. It was just a case of hold-up and we had to pay it. + You remember?"</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"Well!" burst out Welton, bringing his fist down, "now this + hound, Baker, sends up his slick lawyer to tell me that was + bribery, and that he can have me up on a criminal charge!"</p> + + <p>"He's bluffing," said Bob quietly. "I remember all about that + case. If I'd known as much then of inside workings as I do now, + I'd have taken a hand. But Baker himself ran the whole show. If + he brings that matter into court, he'll be subject to the same + charge; for, if you remember, he paid the money."</p> + + <p>"Will he!" shouted Welton. "You don't know the lowlived skunk! + Erbe told me that if this suit was brought and you testified in + the matter, that Baker would turn state's evidence against me! + That would let him off scot-free."</p> + + <p>"What!" said Bob incredulously. "Brand himself publicly as a + criminal and tell-tale just to get you into trouble! Not likely. + Think what that would mean to a man in his position! It would be + every bit as bad as though he were to take his jail sentence. + He's bluffing again."</p> + + <p>"Do you really think so?" asked Welton, a gleam of relief + lightening the gloom of his red, good-natured face. "I'll agree + to handle the worst river crew you can hand out to me; but this + law business gets me running in circles."</p> + + <p>"It does all of us," said Bob with a sigh.</p> + + <p>"I concluded from Erbe's coming up here that you had decided + to tell about what you knew. That ain't so, is it?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know; I can't see my duty clearly yet."</p> + + <p>"For heaven's sake, Bobby, what's it to you!" demanded Welton + exasperated.</p> + + <p>But Bob did not hear him.</p> + + <p>"I think the direct way is the best," he remarked, by way of + thinking aloud. "I'm going to keep on going to headquarters. I'm + going to write father and put it straight to him how he did get + those lands and tell him the whole situation; and I'm going down + to interview Baker, and discover, if I can, just how much of a + bluff he is putting up."</p> + + <p>"In the meantime----" said Welton apparently not noting the + fact that Bob had become aware of the senior Orde's connection + with the land.</p> + + <p>"In the meantime I'm going to postpone action if I can."</p> + + <p>"They're summoning witnesses for the Basin trial."</p> + + <p>"I'll do the best I can," concluded Bob.</p> + + <p>Accordingly he wrote the next day to his father. In this + letter he stated frankly the situation as far as it affected the + Wolverine lands, but said nothing about the threatened criminal + charges against Welton. That was another matter. He set out the + great value of the Basin lands and the methods by which they had + been acquired. He pointed out his duty, both as a forest officer + and as a citizen, but balanced this by the private considerations + that had developed from the situation.</p> + + <p>This dispatched, he applied for leave.</p> + + <p>"This is the busy season, and we can spare no one," said + Thorne. "You have important matters on hand."</p> + + <p>"This is especially important," urged Bob.</p> + + <p>"It is absolutely impossible. Come two months later, and I'll + be glad to lay you off as long as I can."</p> + + <p>"This particular affair is most urgent business."</p> + + <p>"Private, of course?"</p> + + <p>"Not entirely."</p> + + <p>"Couldn't be considered official?"</p> + + <p>"It might become so."</p> + + <p>"What is it?"</p> + + <p>"That I am not at liberty to tell you."</p> + + <p>Thorne considered.</p> + + <p>"No; I'm sorry, but I don't see how I can spare you."</p> + + <p>"In that case," said Bob quietly, "you will force me to tender + my resignation."</p> + + <p>Thorne looked up at him quickly, and studied his face.</p> + + <p>"From anybody else, Orde," said he, "I'd take that as a threat + or a hold-up, and fire the man on the spot. From you I do not. + The matter must be really serious. You may go. Get back as soon + as you can."</p> + + <p>"Thank you," said Bob. "It is serious. Three days will do + me."</p> + + <p>He set about his preparations at once, packing a suit case + with linen long out of commission, smoothing out the tailored + clothes he had not had occasion to use for many a day. He then + transported this—and himself—down the mountain on his + saddle horse. At Auntie Belle's he changed his clothes. The next + morning he caught the stage, and by the day following walked up + the main street of Fremont.</p> + + <p>He had no trouble in finding Baker's office. The Sycamore + Creek operations were one group of many. As one of Baker's + companies furnished Fremont with light and power, it followed + that at night the name of that company blazed forth in thousands + of lights. The sign was not the less legible, though not so + fiery, by day. Bob walked into extensive ground-floor offices + behind plate-glass windows. Here were wickets and railings + through which and over which the public business was transacted. + A narrow passageway sidled down between the wall and a row of + ground-glass doors, on which were lettered the names of various + officers of the company. At a swinging bar separating this + passage from the main office sat a uniformed boy directing and + stamping envelopes.</p> + + <p>Bob wrote his name on a blank form offered by this youth. The + young man gazed at it a moment superciliously, then sauntered + with an air of great leisure down the long corridor. He + reappeared after a moment's absence behind the last door, to + return with considerably more alacrity.</p> + + <p>"Come right in, sir," he told Bob, in tones which mingled much + deference with considerable surprise.</p> + + <p>Bob had no reason to understand how unusual was the + circumstance of so prompt a reception of a visitor for whom no + previous appointment had been made. He entered the door held open + for him by the boy, and so found himself in Baker's + presence.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXIII" id="XXIII"></a> + + <h2>XXIII</h2><br> + + <p>The office was expensively but plainly furnished in hardwoods. + A thick rug covered the floor, easy chairs drew up by a + fireplace, several good pictures hung off the wall. Near the + windows stood a small desk for a stenographer, and a wide + mahogany table. Behind this latter, his back to the light, sat + Baker.</p> + + <p>The man's sturdy figure was absolutely immobile, and the + customary facetiously quizzical lines of his face had given place + to an expression of cold attention. When he spoke, Bob found that + the picturesque diction too had vanished.</p> + + <p>At Bob's entrance, Baker inclined his head coldly in greeting, + but said nothing. Bob deliberately crossed the room and rested + his two fists, knuckle down, on the polished desktop. Baker + waited stolidly for him to proceed. Bob jerked his head toward + the stenographer.</p> + + <p>"I want to talk to you in private," said he.</p> + + <p>The stenographer glanced toward her employer. The latter + nodded, whereupon she gathered a few stray leaves of paper and + departed. Bob looked after her until the door had closed behind + her. Then, quite deliberately, he made a tour of the office, + trying doors, peering behind curtains and portières. He + ended at the desk, to find Baker's eye fixed on him with sardonic + humour. "Melodramatic, useless—and ridiculous," he said + briefly.</p> + + <p>"If I have any evidence to give, it will be in court, not in a + private office," replied Bob composedly.</p> + + <p>"What do you want?" demanded Baker.</p> + + <p>"I have come this far solely and simply to get a piece of + information at first hand. I was told you had threatened to + become a blackmailer, and I wanted to find out if it is + true?"</p> + + <p>"In a world of contrary definitions, it is necessary to come + down to facts. What do you mean by blackmailer?"</p> + + <p>"It has been told me that you intend to aid criminal + proceedings against Mr. Welton in regard to the right-of-way + trouble and the 'sugaring' of Plant."</p> + + <p>"Well?"</p> + + <p>"And that in order to evade your own criminal responsibility + in the matter you intended to turn state's evidence."</p> + + <p>"Well?" repeated Baker.</p> + + <p>"It seemed inconceivable to me that a man of your social and + business standing would not only confess himself a petty + criminal, but one who shelters himself by betrayal of his + confederate."</p> + + <p>"I do not relish any such process," stated Baker formally, + "and would avoid it if possible. Nevertheless, if the situation + comes squarely up to me, I shall meet it."</p> + + <p>"I suppose you have thought what decent men----"</p> + + <p>Baker held up one hand. This was the first physical movement + he had made.</p> + + <p>"Pardon me," he interrupted. "Let us understand, once and for + all, that I intend to defend myself when attacked. Personally I + do not think that either Mr. Welton or myself are legally + answerable for what we have done. I regret to observe that you, + among others, think differently. If the whole matter were to be + dropped at this point, I should rest quite content. But if the + matter is not dropped"—at last he let his uplifted hand + fall, "if the matter is not dropped," he repeated, "my sense of + justice is strong enough to feel that every one should stand on + the same footing. If I am to be dragged into court, so must + others."</p> + + <p>Bob stood thoughtful for a moment.</p> + + <p>"I guess that's all," said he, and walked out.</p> + + <p>As the door closed behind him, Baker reached forward to touch + one of several buttons. To the uniformed messenger who appeared + he snapped out the one word, "Oldham!" A moment later the land + agent stood before the wide mahogany desk.</p> + + <p>"Orde has just been here," stated Baker crisply. "He wanted to + know if I intended to jail Welton on that old bribery charge. I + told him I did."</p> + + <p>"How did he take it?"</p> + + <p>"As near as I can tell he is getting obstinate. You claimed + very confidently you could head off his testimony. Up to date you + haven't accomplished much. Make good."</p> + + <p>"I'll head him off," stated Oldham grimly, "or put him where + he belongs. I've saved a little persuasion until all the rest had + failed."</p> + + <p>"How?"</p> + + <p>"That I'll tell you in time, but not now. But I don't mind + telling you that I've no reason to love this Orde—or any + other Orde—and I intend to get even with him on my own + account. It's a personal and private matter, but I have a club + that will keep him."</p> + + <p>"Why the secrecy?"</p> + + <p>"It's an affair of my own," insisted Oldham, "but I have it on + him. If he attempts to testify as to the Basin lands, I'll have + him in the penitentiary in ten days."</p> + + <p>"And if he agrees?"</p> + + <p>"Then," said Oldham quietly, "I'll have him in the pen a + little later—after the Basin matter is settled once and for + all."</p> + + <p>Baker considered this a little.</p> + + <p>"My judgment might be worth something as to handling this," he + suggested.</p> + + <p>"The matter is mine," said Oldham firmly, "and I must choose + my own time and place."</p> + + <p>"Very well," Baker acquiesced; "but I'd advise you to tackle + Orde at once. Time is short. Try out your club to see if it will + work."</p> + + <p>"It will work!" stated Oldham confidently.</p> + + <p>"Of course," remarked Baker, relaxing abruptly his attitude, + physical and mental, and lighting a cigar, "of course, it is all + very well to yank the temples down around the merry Philistines, + but it doesn't do your Uncle Samson much good. We can raise hell + with Welton and Orde and a half-dozen others, and we will, if + they push us too hard—but that don't keep us the Basin if + this crazy reformer testifies and pulls in Welton to corroborate + him. I'd rather keep the Basin. If we could stop Orde----"</p> + + <p>"I'll stop him," said Oldham.</p> + + <p>"I hope," said Baker impressively, "that you have more than + one string to your bow. I am not inquiring into your methods, you + understand"—his pause was so significantly long at this + point, that Oldham nodded—"<i>but your sole job is to keep + Orde out of court</i>."</p> + + <p>Baker looked his agent squarely in the eye for fifteen + seconds. Then abruptly he dropped his gaze.</p> + + <p>"That's all," said he, and reached for some papers.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXIV" id="XXIV"></a> + + <h2>XXIV</h2><br> + + <p>Oldham obeyed his principal's orders by joining Bob on the + train back to the city. He dropped down by the young man's side, + produced a cigar which he rolled between his lips, but did not + light, and at once opened up the subject of his negotiations.</p> + + <p>"I wish to point out to you, with your permission," he began, + "just where you stand in this matter. In the confusion and haste + of a busy time you may not have cast up your accounts. First," he + checked off the point on his long, slender forefinger, "in + injuring Mr. Baker in this ill-advised fashion you are injuring + your old-time employer and friend, Mr. Welton, and this in two + ways: you are jeopardizing his whole business, and you are + rendering practically certain his conviction on a criminal + charge. Mr. Welton is an old man, a simple man, and a kindly man; + this thing is likely to kill him." Oldham glanced keenly at the + young man's sombre face, and went on. "Second"—he folded + back his middle finger—"you are injuring your own father, + also in two ways: you are bringing his lawful property into + danger, and you are giving his political enemies the most + effective sort of a weapon to swing in his coming campaign. And + do not flatter yourself they will not make the best of it. It + happens that your father has stood strongly with the Conservation + members in the late fight in Congress. This would be a pretty + scandal. Third," said Oldham, touching his ring finger, "you are + injuring yourself. You are throwing away an opportunity to get in + on the ground floor with the biggest man in the West; you are + making for yourself a powerful enemy; and you are indubitably + preparing the way for your removal from office—if removal + from such an office can conceivably mean anything to any one." He + removed the cigar from his mouth, gazed at the wetted end, waited + a moment for the young man to comment, then replaced it, and + resumed. "And fourth," he remarked closing his fist so that all + fingers were concealed. There he stopped until Bob was fairly + compelled to start him on again.</p> + + <p>"And fourth----" he suggested, therefore.</p> + + <p>"Fourth," rapped out Oldham, briskly, "you injure George + Pollock."</p> + + <p>"George Pollock!" echoed Bob, trying vainly to throw a tone of + ingenuous surprise into his voice.</p> + + <p>"Certainly; George Pollock," repeated Oldham. "I arrived in + Sycamore Flats at the moment when Pollock murdered Plant. I know + positively that you were an eye-witness to the deed. If you + testify in one case, I shall certainly call upon you to testify + in the other. Furthermore," he turned his gray eyes on Bob, and + for the second time the young man was permitted to see an + implacable hostility, "although not on the scene itself, I can + myself testify, and will, that you held the murderer's horse + during the deed, and assisted Pollock to escape. Furthermore, I + can testify, and can bring a competent witness, that while + supposed to be estimating Government timber in the Basin, you + were in communication with Pollock."</p> + + <p>"Saleratus Bill!" cried Bob, enlightened as to the trailer's + recent activities in the Basin.</p> + + <p>"It will be easy to establish not only Pollock's guilt, but + your own as accessory. That will put you hard and fast behind the + bars—where you belong."</p> + + <p>In this last speech Oldham made his one serious mistake of the + interview. So long as he had appealed to Bob's feelings for, and + sense of duty toward, other men, he had succeeded well in still + further confusing the young man's decision. But at the direct + personal threat, Bob's combative spirit flared. Suddenly his + troubled mind was clarified, as though Oldham's menace had acted + as a chemical reagent to precipitate all his doubts. Whatever the + incidental hardships, right must prevail. And, as always, in the + uprooting of evil, some unlucky innocent must suffer. It is the + hardship of life, inevitable, not to be blinked at if a man is to + be a man, and do a man's part. He leaned forward with so swift a + movement that Oldham involuntarily dodged back.</p> + + <p>"You tell your boss," said Bob, "that nothing on God's earth + can keep me out of court."</p> + + <p>He threw away his half-smoked cigar and went back to the chair + car. The sight of Oldham was intolerable to him.</p> + + <p>The words were said, and the decision made. In his heart he + knew the matter irrevocable. For a few moments he experienced a + feeling of relief and freedom, as when a swimmer first gets his + head above the surf that has tumbled him. These fine-spun matters + of ethical balance had confused and wearied his spirit. He had + become bewildered among such varied demands on his personal + decision. It was a comfort to fall back on the old straight rule + of right conduct no matter what the consequences. The essentials + of the situation were not at all altered: Baker was guilty of the + rankest fraud; Welton was innocent of every evil intent and + should never be punished for what he had been unwillingly and + doubtfully persuaded to permit; Orde senior had acquired his + lands quite according to the customs and ideas of the time; + George Pollock should have been justified a thousand times over + in sight of God and man. Those things were to Bob's mind + indisputable. To deprive the one man of a very small portion of + his fraudulently acquired property, it was apparently necessary + to punish three men who should not be punished. These men were, + furthermore, all dear to Bob personally. It did not seem right + that his decision should plunge them into undeserved penalties. + But now the situation was materially altered. Bob also stood in + danger from his action. He, too, must suffer with the others. All + were in the same boat. The menace to his own liberty justified + his course. The innocent must suffer with the guilty; but now the + fact that he was one of those who must so suffer, raised his + decision from a choice to a necessity. Whatever the consequences, + the simplest, least perplexing, most satisfying course was to + follow the obvious right. The odium of ingratitude, of lack of + affection, of disloyalty, of self-reproach was lifted from him by + the very fact that he, too, was one of those who must take + consequences. In making the personal threat against the young + man's liberty, Oldham had, without knowing it, furnished to his + soul the one valid reason for going ahead, conscience-clear.</p> + + <p>Though naturally Oldham could not follow out this psychology, + he was shrewd enough to understand that he had failed. This + surprised him, for he had entertained not the slightest doubt + that the threat of the penitentiary would bring Bob to terms.</p> + + <p>On arriving in the city, Oldham took quarters at the Buena + Vista and sent for Saleratus Bill, whom he had summoned by wire + as soon as he had heard from that individual of Bob's intended + visit to Fremont.</p> + + <p>The spy arrived wearing a new broad, black hat, a celluloid + collar, a wrinkled suit of store clothes, and his same shrewd, + evil leer. Oldham did not appear, but requested that the visitor + be shown into his room. There, having closed the transom, he + issued his instructions.</p> + + <p>"I want you to pay attention, and not interrupt," said he. + "Within a month a case is coming up in which Orde, the Forest + man, is to appear as witness. He must not appear. I leave that + all to you, but, of course, I want no more than necessary + violence. He must be detained until after the trial, and for as + long after that as I say. Understand?"</p> + + <p>"Sure," said Saleratus Bill. "But when he comes back, he'll + fix you just the same."</p> + + <p>"I'll see to that part of it. The case will never be reopened. + Now, mind you, no shooting----"</p> + + <p>"There might be an accident," suggested Saleratus Bill, + opening his red eyes and staring straight at his principal.</p> + + <p>"Accidents," said Oldham, speaking slowly and judicially, "are + always likely to happen. Sometimes they can't be helped." He + paused to let these words sink in.</p> + + <p>Saleratus Bill wrinkled his eyes in an appreciative laugh. + "Accidents is of two kinds: lucky and unlucky," he remarked + briefly, by way of parenthesis.</p> + + <p>"But, of course, it is distinctly understood," went on Oldham, + as though he had not heard, "that this is your own affair. You + have nothing to expect from me if you get into trouble. And if + you mention my name, you'll merely get jugged for attempted + blackmail."</p> + + <p>Saleratus Bill's eyes flared.</p> + + <p>"Cut it," said he, with a rasp in his voice.</p> + + <p>"Nevertheless, that is the case," repeated Oldham, + unmoved.</p> + + <p>The flame slowly died from Saleratus Bill's eyes.</p> + + <p>"I'll want a little raise for that kind of a job," said + he.</p> + + <p>"Naturally," agreed Oldham.</p> + + <p>They entered into discussion of ways and means.</p> + + <p>In the meantime Bob had encountered an old friend.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXV" id="XXV"></a> + + <h2>XXV</h2><br> + + <p>Bob always stayed at the Monterosa Hotel when in town; a + circumstance that had sent Oldham to the Buena Vista. Although it + wanted but a few hours until train time, he drifted around to his + customary stopping place, resolved to enjoy a quiet smoke by the + great plate-glass windows before which the ever-varying theatre + crowds stream by from Main Street cars. He had been thus settled + for some time, when he heard his name pronounced by the man + occupying the next chair.</p> + + <p>"Bob Orde!" he cried; "but this is luck!"</p> + + <p>Bob looked around to see an elderly, gray-haired, slender man, + of keen, intelligent face, pure white hair and moustache, in whom + he recognized Mr. Frank Taylor, a lifelong friend of his father's + and one of the best lawyers his native state had produced. He + sprang to his feet to grasp the older man's hand. The unexpected + meeting was especially grateful, for Bob had been long enough + without direct reminders of his old home to be hungry for them. + Ever since he could remember, the erect, military form of Frank + Taylor had been one of the landmarks of memory, like the sword + that had belonged to Georgie Cathcart's father, or like the + kindly, homely, gray figure of Mr. Kincaid in his rickety, + two-wheeled cart—the man who had given Bob his first + firearm.</p> + + <p>After first greetings and inquiries, the two men sank back to + finish their smoke together.</p> + + <p>"It's good to see you again," observed Bob, "but I'm sorry + your business brings you out here at this time of year. This is + our dry season, you know. Everything is brown. I like it myself, + as do most Californians, but an Easterner has to get used to it. + After the rains, though, the country is wonderful."</p> + + <p>"This isn't my first trip," said Taylor. "I was out here for + some months away back in—I think it was '79. I remember we + went in to Santa Barbara on a steamer that fired a gun by way of + greeting! Strangely enough, the same business brings me here + now."</p> + + <p>"You are out here on father's account?" hazarded Bob, to whom + the year 1879 now began to have its significance.</p> + + <p>"Exactly. Didn't you get your father's letter telling of my + coming?"</p> + + <p>"I've been from headquarters three days," Bob explained.</p> + + <p>"I see. Well, he sent you this message: 'Tell Bob to go ahead. + I can take care of myself.'"</p> + + <p>"Bully for dad!" cried Bob, greatly heartened.</p> + + <p>"He told me he did not want to advise you, but that in the old + days when a fight was on, the spectators were supposed to do + their own dodging."</p> + + <p>"I'd about come to that conclusion," said Bob, "but it surely + does me good to feel that father's behind me in it."</p> + + <p>"My trip in '79—or whenever it was—was exactly on + this same muss-up." Mr. Taylor went on: "Your father owned this + timber land then, and wanted to borrow money on it. At the time a + rascally partner was trying to ruin him; and, in order to prevent + his getting this money, which would save him, this partner + instigated investigations and succeeded temporarily in clouding + the title. Naturally the banks declined to lend money on doubtful + titles; which was all this partner wanted.<a name="FNanchor7" id= + "FNanchor7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> Perhaps + you know all this?"</p> + + <p>Bob shook his head. "I was a little too young to know anything + of business."</p> + + <p>"Your father sent me out to straighten things. The whole + matter was involved in endless red tape, obscured in every + ingenious way possible. Although there proved to be nothing to + the affair, to prove that fact took time, and time was what your + father's partner was after. As a matter of fact, he failed; but + that was not the result of miscalculation. Now I strongly suspect + that your friend Baker, or his lawyers, have dug up a lot of this + old evidence on the records and are going to use it to annoy us. + There is nothing more in it how than there was at the beginning, + but it's colourable enough to start a noisy suit on, and that's + all these fellows are after."</p> + + <p>"But if it was decided once, how can they bring it up again?" + Bob objected.</p> + + <p>"It was never brought to court. When the delay had been + gained—or rather, when I unravelled the whole + matter—it was dropped."</p> + + <p>"I see," said Bob. "Then the titles are all right?"</p> + + <p>"Every bit of that tract is as good as gold," said Taylor + impressively. "Your father bought only from men who had taken up + land with their own money. He paid as high as fifteen or sixteen + hundred dollars for claims where by straight 'colonizing' he + could have had them for three or four hundred."</p> + + <p>"I'm glad to hear that," said Bob. "But are you sure you can + handle this?"</p> + + <p>"As for a suit, they can never win this in the world," said + Taylor. "But that isn't the question. What they want is a chance + for big headlines."</p> + + <p>"Well, can you head them off?"</p> + + <p>"I'm going to try, after I look over the situation. If I can't + head it off completely, I'll at least be in a position to reply + publicly at once. It took me three months to dig this thing out, + but it won't take me half an hour to get it in the papers."</p> + + <p>"I should think they'd know that."</p> + + <p>"I don't think their lawyer really knows about it. As I say, + it took me three months to dig it all out. My notion is that + while they have no idea they can win the case, they believe that + we did actually colonize the lands. In other words, they think + they have it on us straight enough. The results of my + investigations will surprise them. I'll keep the thing out of + court if I can; but in any case we're ready. It will be a trial + in the newspapers."</p> + + <p>"Well," said Bob, "you want to get acquainted then. Western + newspapers are not like those in the East. They certainly jump in + with both feet on any cause that enlists them one way or another. + It is a case of no quarter to the enemy, in headlines, subheads, + down to the date—reading matter, of course. They have a + powerful influence, too, for they are very widely read."</p> + + <p>"Can they be bought?" asked Taylor shrewdly.</p> + + <p>Bob glanced at him.</p> + + <p>"I was thinking of the Power Company," explained Taylor.</p> + + <p>"Blessed if I know," confessed Bob; "but I think not. I + disagree with them on so many things that I'd like to think they + are bought. But they are more often against those apt to buy, + than for them. They lambaste impartially and with a certain Irish + delight in doing the job thoroughly. I must say they are not fair + about it. They hit a man just as hard when he is down. What you + want to do is to be better news than Baker."</p> + + <p>"I'll be all of that," promised Taylor, "if it comes to a + newspaper trial."</p> + + <p>Bob glanced at his watch and jumped to his feet with an + exclamation of dismay.</p> + + <p>"I've five minutes to get to the station," he said. + "Goodbye."</p> + + <p>He rushed out of the hotel, caught a car, ran a + block—and arrived in time to see the tail lights slipping + away. He had to wait until the morning train, but that mattered + little to him now. His wait and the journey back to the mountains + were considerably lightened by this partial relief of the + situation. At the first sign of trouble his father had taken the + field to fight out his own fights. That much responsibility was + lifted from Bob's shoulders. He might have known!</p> + + <p>Of the four dangerous elements of his problem one was thus + unexpectedly, almost miraculously, relieved. Remained, however, + poor Welton's implication in the bribery matter, and Pollock's + danger. Bob could not count in himself. If he could only relieve + the others of the consequences of his action, he could face his + own trouble with a stout heart.</p> + + <p>At White Oaks he was forced to wait for the next stage. This + put him twenty-four hours behind, and he was inclined to curse + his luck. Had he only known it, no better fortune could have + fallen him. The news came down the line that the stage he would + have taken had been held up by a lone highwayman just at the top + of Flour Gold grade. As the vehicle carried only an assortment of + perishable fruit and three Italian labourers, for the dam, the + profits from the transaction were not extraordinary. The sheriff + and a posse at once set out in pursuit. Their efforts at + overtaking the highwayman were unavailing, for the trail soon ran + out over the rocky and brushy ledges, and the fugitive had been + clever enough to sprinkle some of his tracks liberally with red + pepper to baffle the dogs. The sheriff made a hard push of it, + however, and for one day held closely enough on the trail. Bob's + journey to Sycamore Flats took place on this one day—during + which Saleratus Bill was too busy dodging his pursuers to resume + a purpose which Bob's delay had frustrated.</p> + + <p>On arriving at Auntie Belle's, Bob resolved to push on up the + mountain that very night, instead of waiting as usual until the + following morning. Accordingly, after supper, he saddled his + horse, collected the camp mail, and set himself in motion up the + steep road.</p> + + <p>Before he had passed Fern Falls, the twilight was falling. + Hermit thrushes sang down through the cooling forest. From the + side hill, exposed all the afternoon to the California summer + sun, rose tepid odours of bear-clover and snowbush, which exhaled + out into space, giving way to the wandering, faint perfumes of + night. Bob took off his hat, and breathed deep, greatly refreshed + after the long, hot stage ride of the day. Darkness fell. In the + forest the strengthening moonlight laid its wand upon familiar + scenes to transform them. New aisles opened down the woodlands, + aisles at the end of which stood silvered, ghostly trees thus + distinguished by the moonbeams from their unnumbered brethren. + The whole landscape became ghostly, full of depths and shadows, + mysteries and allurements, heights and spaces unknown to the more + prosaic day. Landmarks were lost in the velvet dark; new features + sprang into prominence. Were it not for the wagon trail, Bob felt + that in this strange, enchanted, unfamiliar land he might easily + have become lost. His horse plodded mechanically on. One by one + he passed the homely roadside landmarks, exempt from the + necromancies of the moon—the pile of old cedar posts, split + heaven knows when, by heaven knows whom, and thriftlessly + abandoned; the water trough, with the brook singing by; the S + turn by the great boulders; the narrow defile of the Devil's + Grade—and then, still under the spell of the night, Bob + surmounted the ridge to look out over the pine-clad plateau + slumbering dead-still under the soft radiance of the moon.</p> + + <p>He rode the remaining distance to headquarters at a brisker + pace. As he approached the little meadow, and the group of + buildings dark and silent, he raised joyously the wild hallo of + the late-comer with mail. Immediately lights were struck. A + moment later, by the glimmer of a lantern, he was distributing + the coveted papers, letters and magazines to the half-dressed + group that surrounded him. Amy summoned him to bring her share. + He delivered it to the hand and arm extended from the low + window.</p> + + <p>"You must be nearly dead," said Amy, "after that long stage + ride—to come right up the mountain."</p> + + <p>"It's the finest sort of a night," said Bob. "I wouldn't have + missed it for anything. It's H-O-T, hot, down at the Flats. This + ride just saved my life."</p> + + <p>This might have been truer than Bob had thought, for at almost + that very moment Saleratus Bill, having successfully shaken off + his pursuers, was making casual and guarded inquiries at Austin's + saloon. When he heard that Orde had arrived at the Flats on the + evening's stage, he manifested some satisfaction. The next + morning, however, that satisfaction vanished, for only then he + learned that the young man must be already safe at + headquarters.</p> + + <br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXVI" id="XXVI"></a> + + <h2>XXVI</h2><br> + + <p>In delivering his instructions to Oldham, Baker had, of + course, no thought of extreme measures. Indeed, had the direct + question been put to him, he would most strongly and emphatically + have forbidden them. Nevertheless, he was glad to leave his + intentions vague, feeling that in thus wilfully shutting his eyes + he might avoid personal responsibility for what might happen. He + had every confidence that Oldham—a man of more than average + cultivation—while he might contemplate lawlessness, was of + too high an order to consider physical violence. Baker was + inclined to believe that on mature reflection Bob would yield to + the accumulation of influence against him. If not, Oldham + intimated with no uncertain confidence, that he possessed + information of a sort to coerce the Forest officer into silence. + If that in turn proved unavailing—a contingency, it must be + remembered that Baker hardly thought worth + entertainment—why, then, in some one of a thousand + perfectly legal ways Oldham could entangle the chief witness into + an enforced absence from the trial. This sort of manoeuvre was, + later, actually carried out in the person of Mr. Fremont Older, a + witness in the graft prosecutions of San Francisco. In short, + Baker's intentions, while desperately illegal, contemplated no + personal harm to their victim. He gave as general orders to his + subordinate: "Keep Orde's testimony out of court"; and shrugged + off minute responsibilities.</p> + + <p>This command, filtered through a second and inimical + personality, gained in strength. Oldham was not of a temperament + to contemplate murder. His nerves were too refined; his training + too conventional; his imagination too developed. He, too, + resolutely kept his intentions a trifle vague. If Orde persisted, + then he must be kidnapped for a time.</p> + + <p>But Saleratus Bill, professional gun-man, well paid, took his + instructions quite brutally. In literal and bald statement he + closed the circle and returned to Baker's very words: "Keep + Orde's testimony out of court." Only in this case Saleratus Bill + read into the simple command a more sinister meaning.</p> + + <p>The morning after his return from the lower country, Bob + saddled up to ride over to the mill. He wished to tell Welton of + his meeting Taylor; and to consult him on the best course to + pursue in regard to the bribery charges. With daylight many of + his old perplexities had returned. He rode along so deep in + thought that the only impression reaching him from the external + world was one of the warmth of the sun.</p> + + <p>Suddenly a narrow shadow flashed by his eyes. Before his + consciousness could leap from its inner contemplation, his arms + were pulled flat to his sides, a shock ran through him as though + he had received a heavy blow, and he was jerked backward from his + horse to hit the ground with great violence.</p> + + <p>The wind was knocked from his body, so that for five seconds, + perhaps, he was utterly confused. Before he could gather himself, + or even comprehend what had happened, a heavy weight flung itself + upon him. The beginnings of his feeble struggles were + unceremoniously subdued. When, in another ten seconds, his vision + had cleared, he found himself bound hand and foot. Saleratus Bill + stood over him, slowly recoiling the <i>riata,</i> or throwing + rope, with which he had so dexterously caught Bob from behind. + After contemplating his victim for a moment, Saleratus Bill + mounted his own animal, and disappeared.</p> + + <p>Bob, his head humming from the violence of its impact with the + ground, listened until the hoof beats had ceased to jar the + earth. Then with a methodical desperation he began to wrench and + work at his bonds. All his efforts were useless; Saleratus Bill + understood "hog-tying" too well. When, finally, he had convinced + himself that he could not get away, Bob gave over his efforts. + The forest was very still and warm. After a time the sun fell + upon him, and he began to feel its heat uncomfortably. The affair + was inexplicable. He began to wonder whether Saleratus Bill + intended leaving him there a prey to what fortune chance might + bring. Although the odds were a hundred to one against his being + heard, he shouted several times. About as he had begun once more + to struggle against his bonds, his captor returned, leading Bob's + horse, and cursing audibly over the difficulty he had been put to + in catching it.</p> + + <p>Ignoring Bob's indignant demands, the gun-man loosed his + ankles, taking, however, the precaution of throwing the riata + over the young man's shoulders.</p> + + <p>"Climb your horse," he commanded briefly.</p> + + <p>"How do you expect me to do that, with my hands tied behind + me?" demanded Bob.</p> + + <p>"I don't know. Just do it, and be quick," replied Saleratus + Bill.</p> + + <p>Bob's horse was nervous and restive. Three times he dropped + his master heavily to earth. Then Saleratus Bill, his evil eye + wary, extended a helping hand. This was what Bob was hoping for; + but the gun-man was too wily and experienced to allow himself + within the captive's fettered reach.</p> + + <p>When Bob had finally gained his saddle, Saleratus Bill, + leading the horse, set off at a rapid pace cross country. To all + of Bob's questions and commands he turned a deaf ear, until, + finally, seeing it was useless to ask, Bob fell silent. Only once + did he pause, and then to breathe and water the horses. The + country through which they passed was unfamiliar to Bob. He knew + only that they were going north, and were keeping to westward of + the Second Ranges.</p> + + <p>Late that evening Saleratus Bill halted for the night at a + little meadow. He fed Bob a thick sandwich, and offered him a cup + of water; after which he again shackled the young man's ankles, + bound his elbows, and attached the helpless form to a tree. Bob + spent the night in this case, covered only by his saddle blanket. + The cords cut into his swelled flesh, the retarded circulation + pricked him cruelly. He slept little. At early dawn his captor + offered him the same fare. By sun-up they were under way + again.</p> + + <p>All that day they angled to the northwest. The pine forests + gave way to oaks, buckthorn, chaparral, as they entered lower + country. Several times Saleratus Bill made long detours to avoid + clearings and ranches. Bob, in spite of his strength and the + excellence of his condition, reeled from sheer weariness and + pain. They made no stop at noon.</p> + + <p>At two o'clock, or so, they left the last ranch and began once + more leisurely to climb. The slope was gentle. A badly washed and + eroded wagon grade led them on. It had not been used for years. + The horses, now very tired, plodded on dispiritedly.</p> + + <p>Then, with the suddenness of a shift of scenery, they topped + what seemed to be a trifling rounded hill. On the other side the + slope dropped sheer away. Opposite and to north and south were + the ranks of great mountains, some dark with the blue of + atmosphere before pines, others glittering with snow. Directly + beneath, almost under him, Bob saw a valley.</p> + + <p>It was many thousand feet below, mathematically round, and + completely surrounded by lofty mountains. Indeed, already evening + had there spread its shadows, although to the rest of the world + the sun was still hours high. Through it flowed a river. From the + height it looked like a piece of translucent green glass in the + still depths; like cotton-wool where the rapids broke; for the + great distance robbed it of all motion. This stream issued from a + gorge and flowed into another, both so narrow that the lofty + mountains seemed fairly to close them shut.</p> + + <p>Through the clear air of the Sierras this valley looked like a + toy, a miniature. Every detail was distinct. Bob made out very + plainly the pleasant trees, and a bridge over the river, and the + roofs of many houses, and the streets of a little town.</p> + + <p>To the left the wagon road dropped away down the steep side of + the mountain. Bob's eye could follow it, at first a band, then a + ribbon, finally a tiny white thread, as it wound and zigzagged, + seeking its contours, until finally it ran out on the level and + rested at the bridge end. Opposite, on the other mountain, he + thought to make out here and there faint suggestions of another + way.</p> + + <p>Though his eye thus embraced at a glance the whole length of + the route, Bob found it a two-hours' journey down. Always the + walls of the mountains rose higher and higher above him, gaining + in majesty and awe as he abandoned to them the upper air. Always + the round valley grew larger, losing its toy-like character. Its + features became, not more distinct, but more detailed. Bob saw + the streets of the town were pleasantly shaded by cotton woods + and willows; he distinguished dwelling houses, a store, an office + building, a mill building for crushing of ore. The roar of the + river came up to him more clearly. As though some power had + released the magic of the stream, the water now moved. Rushing + foam and white water tumbled over the black and shining rocks; + deep pools eddied, dark and green, shot with swirls.</p> + + <p>As it became increasingly evident that the road could lead + nowhere but through this village, Bob's spirits rose. The place + was well built. Bob caught the shimmer of ample glass in the + windows, the colour of paint on the boards, and even the ordered + rectangles of brick chimneys! Evidently these things must have + been freighted in over the devious steep grade he was at that + moment descending. Bob well knew that, even nearer the source of + supplies, such mining camps as this appeared to be were most + often but a collection of rude, unpainted shanties, huddled + together for a temporary need. The orderly, well-kept, decent + appearance of this hamlet, more like a shaded New England village + than a Western camp, argued old establishment, prosperity, and + self-respect. The inhabitants could be no desperate + fly-by-nights, such as Saleratus Bill would most likely have + sought as companions. Bob made up his mind that the gun-man would + shortly try to threaten him into a temporary secrecy as to the + condition of affairs. This Bob instantly resolved to refuse.</p> + + <p><img src="images/rgillp568.jpg" alt= + "Bob found it two hours' journey down"></p> + + <p>Saleratus Bill, however, rode on in an unbroken silence. Long + after the brawl of the river had become deafening, the road + continued to dip and descend. It is a peculiar phenomenon + incidental to the descent of the sheer canons of the Sierra + Nevada that the last few hundred feet down seem longer than the + thousands already passed. This is probably because, having gained + close to the level of the tree-tops, the mind, strung taut to the + long descent, allows itself prematurely to relax its attention. + Bob turned in his saddle to look back at the grade. He could not + fail to reflect on how lucky it was that the inhabitants of this + village could haul their materials and supplies <i>down</i> the + road. It would have been prohibitively difficult to drag anything + up.</p> + + <p>After a wearisome time the road at last swung out on the flat, + and so across the meadow to the bridge. Feed was belly deep to + the horses. The bridge proved to be a suspension affair of wire + cables, that swung alarmingly until the horses had to straddle in + order to stand at all. Below it boiled the river, swirling, + dashing, turning lazily and mysteriously over its glass-green + depths, the shimmers and folds of eddies rising and swaying like + air currents made visible.</p> + + <p>They climbed out on solid ground. The road swung to the left + and back, following a contour to the slight elevation on which + the houses stood. Saleratus Bill, however, turned up a brief + short-cut, which landed them immediately on the main street.</p> + + <p>Bob saw two stores, an office building and a small hotel, + shaded by wooden awnings. Beyond them, and opposite them, were + substantial bunk houses and dwelling houses, painted red, each + with its elevated, roofed verandah. Large trees, on either side, + threw a shade fairly across the thoroughfare. An iron pump and + water trough in front of the hotel saved the wayfarer from the + necessity of riding his animals down to the river. The vista at + the end of the street showed a mill building on a distant + mountain side, with the rabbit-burrow dumps of many shafts and + prospect holes all about it.</p> + + <p>They rode up the street past two or three of the houses, the + hotel and the office. Bob, peering in through the windows, saw + tables and chairs, old chromos and newer lithographs on the + walls. Under the tree at the side of the hotel hung a water + <i>olla</i> with a porcelain cup atop. Near the back porch stood + a screen meat safe.</p> + + <p>But not a soul was in sight. The street was deserted, the + houses empty, the office unoccupied. As they proceeded Bob + expected from one moment to the next to see a door open, a figure + saunter around a corner. Save for the jays and squirrels, the + place was absolutely empty.</p> + + <p>For some minutes the full realization of this fact was slow in + coming. The village exhibited none of the symptoms of + abandonment. The window glass was whole; the furniture of such + houses as Bob had glanced into while passing stood in its + accustomed places. A few strokes of the broom might have made any + one of them immediately fit for habitation. The place looked less + deserted than asleep; like one of the enchanted palaces so dear + to tales of magic. It would not have seemed greatly wonderful to + Bob to have seen the town spring suddenly to life in obedience to + some spell. If the mill stamps in the distant crusher had creaked + and begun to pound; if dogs had rushed barking around corners and + from under porches; if from the hotel mine host had emerged, + yawning and rubbing his eyes; if from the shops and offices and + houses had issued the slow, grumbling sounds of life awakening, + it would all have seemed natural and to be expected. Under the + influence of this strange effect a deathly stillness seemed to + fall, in spite of the bawling and roaring of the river, and the + trickle of many streamlets hurrying down from the surrounding + hills.</p> + + <p>So extraordinary was this effect of suspended animation that + Bob again essayed his surly companion.</p> + + <p>"What place do you call this?" he inquired.</p> + + <p>Saleratus Bill had dismounted, and was stretching his long, + lean arms over his head. Evidently he considered this the end of + the long and painful journey, and as evidently he was, in his + relief, inclined to be better natured.</p> + + <p>"Busted minin' camp called Bright's Cove," said he; "they took + about ten million dollars out of here before she bust."</p> + + <p>"How long ago was that?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"Ten year or so."</p> + + <p>The young man gazed about him in amazement. The place looked + as though it might have been abandoned the month before. In his + subsequent sojourn he began more accurately to gauge the reasons + for this. Here were no small boys to hurl the casual pebble + through the delightfully shimmering glass; here was no dust to be + swirled into crevices and angles, no wind to carry it; to this + remote cove penetrated no vandals to rob, mutilate or wantonly + disfigure; and the elevation of the valley's floor was low enough + even to avoid the crushing weights of snow that every winter + brought to the peaks around it. Only the squirrels, the birds and + the tiny wood rats represented in their little way the forces of + destruction. Furthermore, the difficulties of transportation + absolutely precluded moving any of the small property whose + absence so strongly impresses the desertion of a building. When + Bright's Cove moved, it had merely to shut the front door. In + some cases it did not shut the front door.</p> + + <p>Saleratus Bill assisted Bob from the saddle. This had become + necessary, for the long ride in bonds had so cramped and + stiffened the young man that he was unable to help himself. + Indeed, he found he could not stand. Saleratus Bill, after + looking at him shrewdly, untied his hands.</p> + + <p>"I guess you're safe enough for now," said he.</p> + + <p>Bob's wrists were swollen, and his arms so stiff he could + hardly use them. Saleratus Bill paused in throwing the saddles + off the wearied animals.</p> + + <p>"Look here," said he gruffly; "if you pass yore word you won't + try to get away or make no fight, I'll turn you loose."</p> + + <p>"I'll promise you that for to-night, anyway," returned Bob + quickly.</p> + + <p>Saleratus Bill immediately cast the ropes into a corner of the + verandah.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXVII" id="XXVII"></a> + + <h2>XXVII</h2><br> + + <p>The shadows of evening were falling when Saleratus Bill + returned from pasturing the wearied horses. Bob had been too + exhausted to look about him, even to think. From a cache the + gun-man produced several bags of food and a side of bacon. + Evidently Bright's Cove was one of his familiar haunts. After a + meal which Bob would have enjoyed more had he not been so dead + weary, his captor motioned him to one of the bunks. Only too glad + for an opportunity to rest, Bob tumbled in, clothes and all.</p> + + <p>About midnight he half roused, feeling the mountain chill. He + groped instinctively; his hand encountered a quilt, which he drew + around his shoulders.</p> + + <p>When he awoke it was broad daylight. A persistent discomfort + which had for an hour fought with his drowsiness for the + ascendancy, now disclosed itself as a ligature tying his elbows + at the back. Evidently Saleratus Bill had taken this precaution + while the young man slept. Bob could still use his hands and + wrists, after a fashion; he could walk about but he would be + unable to initiate any effective offence. The situation was + admirably analogous to that of a hobbled horse. Moreover, the + bonds were apparently of some broad, soft substance like sacking + or harness webbing, so that, after Bob had moved from his + constrained position, they did not excessively discommode + him.</p> + + <p>He had no means of guessing what the hour might be, and no + sounds reached him from the other parts of the house. His muscles + were sore and bruised. For some time he was quite content to lie + on his side, thinking matters over.</p> + + <p>From his knowledge of the connection between Baker and Oldham, + Oldham and his captor, Bob had no doubt as to the purpose of his + abduction; nor did he fail to guess that now, with the chief + witness out of the way, the trial would be hurried where before + it had been delayed. Personally he had little to fear beyond a + detention—unless he should attempt to escape, or unless a + searching party might blunder on his traces. Bob had already made + up his mind to use his best efforts to get away. As to the + probabilities of a rescue blundering on this retreat, he had no + means of guessing; but he shrewdly concluded that Saleratus Bill + was taking no chances.</p> + + <p>That individual now entered; and, seeing his captive awake, + gruffly ordered him to rise. Bob found an abundant breakfast + ready, to which he was able to do full justice. In the course of + the meal he made several attempts on his jailer's taciturnity, + but without success. Saleratus Bill met all his inquiries, open + and guarded, with a sullen silence or evasive, curt replies.</p> + + <p>"It don't noways matter why you're here, or how you're here. + You <i>are</i> here, and that's all there's to it."</p> + + <p>"How long do I stay?"</p> + + <p>"Until I get ready to let you go."</p> + + <p>"How can you get word from Mr. Oldham when to let me off?" + asked Bob.</p> + + <p>But Saleratus Bill refused to rise to the bait.</p> + + <p>"I'll let you go when I get ready," he repeated.</p> + + <p>Bob was silent for some time.</p> + + <p>"You know this lets me off from my promise," said he, nodding + backward toward his elbows. "I'll get away if I can."</p> + + <p>Saleratus Bill, for the first time, permitted himself a + smile.</p> + + <p>"There's two ways out of this place," said he—"where we + come in, and over north on the trail. You can see every + inch—both ways—from here. Besides, don't make no + mistakes. I'll shoot you if you make a break."</p> + + <p>Bob nodded.</p> + + <p>"I believe you," said he.</p> + + <p>As though to convince Bob of the utter helplessness of any + attempt, Saleratus Bill, leaving the dishes unwashed, led the way + in a tour of the valley. Save where the wagon road descended and + where the steep side hill of the north wall arose, the boundaries + were utterly precipitous. From a narrow gorge, flanked by + water-smoothed rock aprons, the river boiled between glassy + perpendicular cliffs.</p> + + <p>"There ain't no swimming-holes in that there river," remarked + Saleratus Bill grimly.</p> + + <p>Bob, leaning forward, could just catch a glimpse of the + torrent raging and buffeting in the narrow box cañon, + above which the mountains rose tremendous. No stream growths had + any chance there. The place was water and rock—nothing + more. In the valley itself willows and alders, well out of reach + of high water, offered a partial screen to soften the savage + vista.</p> + + <p>The round valley itself, however, was beautiful. Ripening + grasses grew shoulder high. Shady trees swarmed with birds. Bees + and other insects hummed through the sun-warmed air.</p> + + <p>In vain Bob looked about him for the horses, or for signs of + them. They were nowhere to be seen. Saleratus Bill, reading his + perplexity, grinned sardonically.</p> + + <p>"Yore friends might come in here," said he, evidently not + unwilling to expose to Bob the full hopelessness of the latter's + case. "And if so, they can trail us in; <i>and then trail us out + again!</i>" He pointed to the lacets of the trail up the north + wall. He grinned again. "You and I'd just crawl down a mile of + mine shaft."</p> + + <p>Having thus, to his satisfaction, impressed Bob with the utter + futility of an attempt to escape, Saleratus Bill led the way back + to the deserted village. There he turned deliberately on his + captive.</p> + + <p>"Now, young feller, you listen to me," said he. "Don't you try + no monkey business. There won't be no questions asked, none + whatever. As long as you set and look at the scenery, you won't + come to no harm; but the minute you make even a bluff at gettin' + funny—even if yore sorry the next minute—I'll shoot. + And don't you never forget and try to get nearer to me than three + paces. Don't forget that! I don't rightly want to hurt you; but + I'd just as leave shoot you as anybody else."</p> + + <p>To this view of the situation Bob gave the expected + assent.</p> + + <p>The next three days were ones of routine. Saleratus Bill spent + his time rolling brown-paper cigarettes at a spot that commanded + both trails. Bob was instructed to keep in sight. He early + discovered the cheering fact that trout were to be had in the + glass-green pools; and so spent hours awkwardly manipulating an + improvised willow pole equipped with the short line and the Brown + Hackle without which no mountaineer ever travels the Sierras. His + bound elbows and the crudity of his tackle lost him many fish. + Still, he caught enough for food; and his mind was busy.</p> + + <p>Canvassing the possibilities, Bob could not but admit that + Saleratus Bill knew his job. The river was certain death, and led + nowhere except into mysterious and awful granite gorges; the + outlets by roads were well in sight. For one afternoon Bob + seriously contemplated hazarding a personal encounter. He + conceived that in some manner he could get rid of his bonds at + night; that Saleratus Bill must necessarily sleep; and that there + might be a chance to surprise the gun-man then. But when night + came, Saleratus Bill disappeared into the outer darkness; nor did + he return until morning. He might have spent the hours camped + under the trees of the more remote meadow, whence in the + brilliant moonlight he could keep tabs on the trails, or he might + be lying near at hand; Bob had no means of telling. Certainly, + again the young man reluctantly acknowledged to himself, + Saleratus Bill knew his job!</p> + + <p>Nevertheless, as the days slipped by; and Bob's physical + strength returned in its full measure, his active and bold spirit + again took the initiative. A slow anger seized possession of him. + The native combative stubbornness of the race asserted itself, + the necessity of doing something, the inability tamely to submit + to imposed circumstances. Bob's careful analysis of the situation + as a whole failed to discover any feasible plan. Therefore he + abandoned trying to plan ahead, and fell back on those + always-ready and comfortable aphorisims of the + adventurous—"sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof," + and "one thing at a time." Obviously, the first thing to do was + to free his arms; after that he would see what he would see.</p> + + <p>Every evening Saleratus Bill took the candle and departed, + leaving Bob to find his own way to his bunk. This was the time to + cut his bonds; if at all. Unfortunately Bob could find nothing + against which to cut them. Saleratus Bill had carefully removed + every abrasive possibility in the two rooms. Bob very wisely + relinquished the idea of passing the threshold in search of a + suitable rock or piece of tin. He had no notion of risking a + bullet until something was likely to be gained by it.</p> + + <p>Finally his cogitations brought him an idea. Saleratus Bill + was attentive enough to such of the simple creature comforts as + were within his means. Bob's pipe had been well supplied with + tobacco. On the fourth evening Bob filled it just as his jailor + was about to take away the candle for the night.</p> + + <p>"Just a minute," said Bob. "Let me have a light."</p> + + <p>Bill set the candle on the table again, and retired the three + paces which he never forgot rigidly to maintain between himself + and his captive. Bob thereupon lit his pipe and nodded his + thanks. As soon as Saleratus Bill had well departed, however, he + retired to his bunk room, shutting the door carefully after him. + There, with great care, he deliberately set to work to coax into + flame a small fire on the old hearth, using as fuel the rounds of + a broken chair, and as ignition the glowing coal in the bowl of + his pipe. Before the hearth he had managed to hang the heavy + quilt from his bunk, so that the flicker of the flames should not + be visible from the outside.</p> + + <p>The little fire caught, blazed for a few moments, and fell to + a steady glow. Bob fished out one of the chair rungs, jammed the + cool end firmly in one of the open cracks between the timbers of + the room, turned his back, and deliberately pressed the band + around his elbows against the live coal.</p> + + <p>A smell of burning cloth immediately filled the air. After a + moment the coal went out. Bob replaced the charred rung in the + fire, extracted another, and repeated the operation.</p> + + <p>It was exceedingly difficult to gauge the matter accurately, + as Bob soon found out to his cost. He managed to burn more holes + in his garment—and himself—than in the bonds. + However, he kept at it, and after a half hour's steady and + patient effort he was able to snap asunder the last strands. He + stretched his arms over his head in an ecstasy of physical + freedom.</p> + + <p>That was all very well, but what next? Bob was suddenly called + to a decision which had up to that moment seemed inconceivably + remote. Heretofore, an apparent impossibility had separated him + from it. Now that impossibility was achieved.</p> + + <p>A moment's thought convinced him of the senseless hazard of + attempting to slip out through any of the doors or windows. The + moon was bright, and Saleratus Bill would have taken his + precautions. Bob attacked the floor. Several boards proved to be + loose. He pried them up cautiously, and so was enabled to drop + through into the open space beneath the house. Thence it was easy + to crawl away. Saleratus Bill's precautions were most likely + taken, Bob argued to himself, with a view toward a man bound at + the elbows, not to a man with two hands. In this he was evidently + correct, for after a painful effort, he found himself among the + high grasses of the meadow.</p> + + <p>There were now, as he recognized, two courses open to him: he + could either try to discover Saleratus Bill's sleeping place and + by surprise overpower that worthy as he slept; or he could make + the best of the interim before his absence was discovered to get + as far away as possible. Both courses had obvious disadvantages. + The most immediate to the first alternative was the difficulty, + failing some clue, of finding Saleratus Bill's sleeping place + without too positive a risk of discovery; the most immediate to + the second was the difficulty of getting to the other side of the + river. As Saleratus Bill might be at any one of a thousand + places, in or out of doors; whereas the river could be crossed + only by the bridge. Bob, without hesitation, chose the + latter.</p> + + <p>Therefore he made his way cautiously to that structure. It + proved to be lying in broad moonlight. As it constituted the only + link with the outside world to the south, Bob could not doubt + that his captor had arranged to keep it in sight.</p> + + <p>The bridge was, as has been said, suspended across a strait + between two rocks by means of heavy wire cables. Slipping beneath + these rocks and into the shadow, Bob was rejoiced to find that + between the stringers and the shore, smaller cables had been bent + to act as guy lines. If he could walk "hand over hand," the + distance comprised by the width of the stream he could pass the + river below the level of the bridge floor. He measured the + distance with his eye. It did not look farther than the length of + the gymnasium at college. He seized the cable and swung himself + out over the waters.</p> + + <p>Immediately the swift and boiling current, though twenty feet + below, seemed to suck at his feet. The swirling and flashing of + the water dizzied his brain with the impression of falling + upstream. He had to fix his eyes on the black flooring above his + head. The steel cable, too, was old and rusted and harsh. Bob's + hands had not for many years grasped a rope strongly, and in that + respect he found them soft. His muscles, cramped more than he had + realized by the bonds of his captivity, soon began to drag and + stretch. When halfway across, suspended above a ravening torrent; + confronted, tired, by an effort he had needed all his fresh + energies to put forth, Bob would have given a good deal to have + been able to clamber aboard the bridge, risk or no risk. It was, + however, a clear case of needs must. He finished the span on + sheer nerve and will power; and fell thankfully on the rocks + below the farther abutment. For a half minute he lay there, + stretching slowly his muscles and straightening his hands, which + had become cramped like claws. Then he crept, always in the + shadow, to the level of the meadow.</p> + + <p>Bob was learning to be a mountaineer. Therefore, on the way + down, he had subconsciously noted that from the head of the + meadow a steep dry wash climbed straight up to intersect the + road. The recollection came to the surface of his mind now. If he + could make his way up this wash, he would gain three advantages: + he would materially shorten his journey by cutting off a mile or + so of the road-grade's twists and doublings; he would avoid the + necessity of showing himself so near the Cove in the bright + moonlight; and he would leave no tracks where the road touched + the valley. Accordingly he turned sharp to the left and began to + pick his way upstream, keeping in close to the river and treading + as much as possible on the water-worn rocks. The willows and + elders protected him somewhat. In this manner he proceeded until + he had come to the smooth rock aprons near the gorge from which + the river flowed. Here, in accordance with his intention of + keeping close in the shadow of the mountain, he was to turn to + the right until he should have arrived at the steep "chimney" of + the wash. He was about to leave the shelter of the last willows + when he looked back. As his eyes turned, a flash of moonlight + struck them full, like the heliographing of a mirror. He fixed + his gaze on the bushes from which the flicker had come. In a + moment it was repeated. Then, stooping low, a human figure + hurried across a tiny opening, and once again the moonlight + reflected from the worn and shining revolver in its hand.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXVIII" id="XXVIII"></a> + + <h2>XXVIII</h2><br> + + <p>In some manner Saleratus Bill had discovered the young man's + escape, and had already eliminated the other possibilities of his + direction of flight. Bob shuddered at this evidence of the + rapidity with which the expert trailer had arrived at the correct + conclusion. He could not now skirt the mountain, as he had + intended, for that would at once expose him in full view; he + could not return by the way he had come, for that would bring him + face to face with his enemy. It would avail him little to + surrender, for the gun-man would undoubtedly make good his + threats; fidelity to such pledges is one of the few things sacred + to the race. With some vague and desperate idea of defence, Bob + picked up a heavy branch of driftwood. Then, as the man drew + nearer, Bob scrambled hastily over the smooth apron to the tiny + beach that the eddies had washed out below the precipice.</p> + + <p>Here for the moment he was hidden, but he did not flatter + himself he would long remain so. He cast his eyes about him for a + way of escape. To the one side was the river, in front of him was + the rock apron with his enemy, to the other side and back of him + was a sheer precipice. In his perplexity he looked down. A gleam + of metal caught his eye. He stooped and picked up the half of a + worn horseshoe. Even in his haste of mind, he cast a passing + wonderment on how it had come there.</p> + + <p>If Bob had not been trained by his river work in the ways of + currents, he might sooner have thought of the stream. But well he + knew that Saleratus Bill had spoken right when he had said that + there were "no swimming holes" here. The strongest swimmer could + not have taken two strokes in that cauldron of seething white + water. But now, as Bob looked, he saw that a little back eddy + along the perpendicularity of the cliff slowed the current close + to the sheer rock. It might be just possible, with luck, to win + far enough along this cliff to lie concealed behind some + outjutting boulder until Saleratus Bill had examined the beach + and gone his way. Bob was too much in haste to consider the + unexplained tracks he must leave on the sand.</p> + + <p>He thrust the branch he carried into the still black water. To + his surprise it hit bottom at a foot's depth. Promptly he waded + in. Sounding ahead, he walked on. The underwater ledge continued. + The water never came above his knees. Out of curiosity he tapped + with his branch until he had reached the edge of the submerged + shelf. It proved to be some four feet wide. Beyond it the water + dropped off sheer, and the current nearly wrenched the staff from + Bob's hand.</p> + + <p>In this manner he proceeded cautiously for perhaps a hundred + feet. Then he waded out on another beach.</p> + + <p>He found himself in a pocket of the cliffs, where the + precipice so far drew back as to leave a clear space of four or + five acres in the river bottom. Such pockets, or "coves," are by + no means unusual in the inaccessible depths of the great box + cañons of the Sierras. Often the traveller can look down + on them from above, lying like green gems in their settings of + granite, but rarely can he descend to examine them. Thankfully + Bob darted to one side. Here for a moment he might be safe, for + surely no one not driven by such desperation as his own would + dream of setting foot in the river.</p> + + <p>A loud snort almost at his elbow, and a rush of scurrying + shapes, startled him almost into crying aloud. Then out into the + moonlight from the shadow of the cliffs rushed two horses. And + Bob, seeing what they were, sprang from his fancied security into + instant action, for in a flash he saw the significance of the + broken horseshoe on the beach, the sunken ledge, and the secret + of the horses' pasture. By sheer chance he had blundered on one + of Saleratus Bill's outlaw retreats.</p> + + <p>Hastily he skirted the walls of the tiny valley. They were + unbroken. The river swept by tortured and tumbled. He ran to the + head of the cove. No sunken ledge there rewarded him. Instead, + the river at that point swept inward, so that the full force of + the current washed the very shores.</p> + + <p>Bob searched the prospect with eager eye. Twelve or fifteen + feet upstream, and six or seven feet out from the cliff, stood a + huge round boulder. That alone broke the shadowy expanse of the + river, which here rushed down with great velocity. Manifestly it + was impossible to swim to this boulder. Bob, however, conceived a + daring idea. At imminent risk and by dint of frantic scrambling + he worked his way along the cliff until he had gained a point + opposite the boulder and considerably above it. Then, without + hesitation, he sprang as strongly as he was able sidewise from + the face of the cliff.</p> + + <p>He landed on the boulder with great force, so that for a + moment he feared he must have broken some bones. Certainly his + breath was all but knocked from his body. Spread out flat on the + top of the rock, he moved his limbs cautiously. They seemed to + work all right. He backed cautiously until he lay outspread on + the upstream slope of the boulder. At just this moment he caught + the sinister figure of Saleratus Bill moving along the sunken + ledge.</p> + + <p>For the first time Bob remembered the tracks he must have left + and the man's skill at trailing. A rapid review of his most + recent actions reassured him at one point; in order to gain to + the first of the minor cliff projections by means of which he had + spread-eagled along the face of the rock, he had been forced to + step into the very shallow water at the stream's edge. Thus his + last footprints led directly into the river.</p> + + <p>The value of this impression, conjoined with the existence of + a ledge below over which he had already waded safely, was not + lost on Bob's preception. As has been stated, his earlier + experience in river driving had given him an intimate knowledge + of the action of currents. Casting his eye hastily down the + moonlit river, he seized his hat from his head and threw it low + and skimming toward an eddy opposite him as he lay. The river + snatched it up, tossed it to one side or another, and finally + carried it, as Bob had calculated, within a few feet of the ledge + along which Saleratus Bill was still making his way.</p> + + <p>The gun-man, of course, caught sight of it, and even made an + attempt to capture it as it floated past, but without avail. It + served, however, to prepossess his mind with the idea that Bob + had been swept away by the river, so that when, after a careful + examination of the tiny cove, he came to the trail leading into + the water, he was prepared to believe that the young man had been + carried off his feet in an attempt to wade out past the cliff. He + even picked up a branch, with which he poked at the bottom. A + short and narrow rock projection favoured his hypothesis, for it + might very well happen that merely an experimental venture on so + slanting and slippery a footing would prove fatal. Saleratus Bill + examined again for footprints emerging; threw his branch into the + river, and watched the direction of its course; and then, for the + first time, slipped the worn and shiny old revolver into its + holster. He spent several moments more reexamining the cove, + glanced again at the river, and finally disappeared, wading + slowly back around the sunken ledge.</p> + + <p>Bob's next task was to regain solid land. For some minutes he + sat astride the boulder, estimating the force and directions of + the current. Then he leaped. As he had calculated, the stream + threw him promptly against the bank below. There his legs were + immediately sucked beneath the overhanging rock that had + convinced Saleratus Bill of his captive's fate. It seemed likely + now to justify that conviction. Bob clung desperately, until his + muscles cracked, but was unable so far to draw his legs from + underneath the rock as to gain a chance to struggle out of water. + Indeed, he might very well have hung in that equilibrium of + forces until tired out, had not a slender, water-washed alder + root offered itself to his grasp. This frail shrub, but lightly + rooted, nevertheless afforded him just the extra support he + required. Though he expected every instant that the additional + ounces of weight he from moment to moment applied to it would + tear it away, it held. Inch by inch he drew himself from the + clutch of the rushing water, until at length he succeeded in + getting the broad of his chest against the bank. A few vigorous + kicks then extricated him.</p> + + <p>For a moment or so he lay stretched out panting, and + considering what next was to be done. There was a chance, of + course—and, in view of Saleratus Bill's shrewdness, a very + strong chance—that the gun-man would add to his precautions + a wait and a watch at the entrance to the cove. If Bob were to + wade out around the ledge, he might run fairly into his former + jailer's gun. On the other hand, Saleratus Bill must be fairly + well convinced of the young man's destruction, and he must be + desirous of changing his wet clothes. Bob's own predicament, in + this chill of night, made him attach much weight to this latter + consideration. Besides, any delay in the cove meant more tracks + to be noticed when the gun-man should come after the horses. Bob, + his teeth chattering, resolved to take the chance of instant + action.</p> + + <p>Accordingly he waded back along the sunken ledge, glided as + quickly as he could over the rock apron, and wormed his way + through the grasses to the dry wash leading up the side of the + mountains. Here fortune had favoured him, and by a very simple, + natural sequence. The moon had by an hour sailed farther to the + west; the wash now lay in shadow.</p> + + <p>Bob climbed as rapidly as his wind would let him, and in that + manner avoided a chill. He reached the road at a broad sheet of + rock whereon his footsteps left no trace. After a moment's + consideration, he decided to continue directly up the + mountainside through the thick brush. This travel must be + uncertain and laborious; but if he proceeded along the road, + Saleratus Bill must see the traces he would indubitably leave. In + the obscurity of the shady side of the mountain he found his task + even more difficult than he had thought possible. Again and again + he found himself puzzled by impenetrable thickets, impassable + precipices, rough outcrops barring his way. By dint of patience + and hard work, however, he gained the top of the mountain. At + sunrise he looked back into Bright's Cove. It lay there + peacefully deserted, to all appearance; but Bob, looking very + closely, thought to make out smoke. The long thread of the road + was quite vacant.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXIX" id="XXIX"></a> + + <h2>XXIX</h2><br> + + <p>Bob had no very clear idea of where he was, except that it was + in the unfriendly Durham country. It seemed well to postpone all + public appearances until he should be beyond a chance that + Saleratus Bill might hear of him. Bob was quite satisfied that + the gun-man should believe him to have been swept away by the + current.</p> + + <p>Accordingly, after he had well rested from his vigorous climb, + he set out to parallel the dim old road by which the two had + entered the Cove. At times this proved so difficult a matter that + Bob was almost on the point of abandoning the hillside tangle of + boulders and brush in favour of the open highway. He reflected in + time that Saleratus Bill must come out by this route; and he + shrewdly surmised the expert trailer might be able from some + former minute observation to recognize his footprints. Therefore + he struggled on until the road dipped down toward the lower + country. He remembered that, on the way in, his captor had led + him first down the mountain, and then up again. Bob resolved to + abandon the road and keep to the higher contours, trusting to cut + the trail where it again mounted to his level. To be sure, it was + probable that there existed some very good reason why the road so + dipped to the valley—some dike, ridge or deep cañon + impassable to horses. Bob knew enough of mountains to guess that. + Still, he argued, that might not stop a man afoot.</p> + + <p>The rest of a long, hard day he spent in proving this latter + proposition. The country was very broken. A dozen times Bob + scrambled and slid down a gorge, and out again, doing thus an + hour's work for a half mile gain. The sun turned hot, and he had + no food. Fortunately water was abundant. Toward the close of the + afternoon he struck in to a long slope of pine belt, and + conceived his difficulties over.</p> + + <p>After the heat and glare of the rocks, the cool shadows of the + forest were doubly grateful. Bob lifted his face to the wandering + breezes, and stepped out with fresh vigour. The way led at first + up the narrow spine of a "hogback," but soon widened into one of + the ample and spacious parks peculiar to the elevations near the + summits of the First Rampart. Occasional cattle tracks meandered + here and there, but save for these Bob saw no signs of man's + activities—no cuttings, no shake-bolts, no blazes on the + trees to mark a way. Nevertheless, as he rose on the slow, even + swell of the mountain the conviction of familiarity began to + force its way in him. The forest was just like every other + forest; there was no outlook in any direction; but all the same, + with that instinct for locality inherent in a natural woodsman, + he began to get his bearings, to "feel the lay of the country," + as the saying is. This is probably an effect of the subconscious + mind in memory; a recognition of what the eye has seen without + reporting to the conscious mind. However that may be, Bob was not + surprised when toward sunset he came suddenly on a little + clearing, a tiny orchard, and a house built rudely of logs and + shakes.</p> + + <p>Relieved that he was not to spend the night without food and + fire, he vaulted the "snake" fence, and strode to the back door. + A woman was frying venison steaks.</p> + + <p>"Hullo, Mrs. Ward," Bob shouted at her. "That smells good to + me; I haven't had a bite since last night!"</p> + + <p>The woman dropped her pan and came to the door. A lank and + lean Pike County Missourian rose from the shadows and + advanced.</p> + + <p>"Light and rest yo' hat, Mr. Orde!" he called before he came + well into view. "But yo' already lighted, and you ain't go no + hat!" he cried in puzzled tones. "Whar yo'all from?"</p> + + <p>"Came from north," Bob replied cheerfully, "and I lost my + horse down a cañon, and my hat in a river."</p> + + <p>"And yere yo' be plumb afoot!"</p> + + <p>"And plumb empty," supplemented Bob. "Maybe Mrs. Ward will + make me some coffee," he suggested with a side glance at the + woman who had once tried to poison him.</p> + + <p>She turned a dull red under the tan of her sallow + complexion.</p> + + <p>"Shore, Mr. Orde—" she began.</p> + + <p>"We didn't rightly understand each other," Bob reassured her. + "That was all."</p> + + <p>"Did she-all refuse you coffee onct?" asked Ward. "What yo' + palaverin' about?"</p> + + <p>"She isn't refusing to make me some now," said Bob.</p> + + <p>He spent the night comfortably with his new friends who a few + months ago had been ready to murder him. The next morning early, + supplied with an ample lunch, he set out. Ward offered him a + riding horse, but he declined.</p> + + <p>"I'd have to send it back," said he, "and, anyway, I'd neither + want to borrow your saddle nor ride bareback. I'd rather + walk."</p> + + <p>The old man accompanied him to the edge of the clearing.</p> + + <p>"By the way," Bob mentioned, as he said farewell, "if some one + asks you, just tell them you haven't seen me."</p> + + <p>The old man stopped short.</p> + + <p>"What-for a man?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Any sort."</p> + + <p>A frosty gleam crept into the old Missourian's eye.</p> + + <p>"I'll keep hands off," said he. He strode on twenty feet. "I + got an extra gun—" said he.</p> + + <p>"Thanks," Bob interrupted. "But I'll get organized better when + I get home."</p> + + <p>"Hope you git him," said the old man by way of farewell. "He + won't git nothing out of me," he shot back over his shoulder.</p> + + <p>Bob now knew exactly where he was going. Reinvigorated by the + food, the night's rest, and the cool air of these higher + altitudes, he made good time. By four o'clock of the afternoon he + at last hit the broad, dusty thoroughfare over which were hauled + the supplies to Baker's upper works. Along this he swung, hands + in pockets, a whistle on his lips, the fine, light dust rising + behind his footsteps. The slight down grade released his tired + muscles from effort. He was enjoying himself.</p> + + <p>Then he came suddenly around a corner plump against a horseman + climbing leisurely up the grade. Both stopped.</p> + + <p>If Bob had entertained any lingering doubt as to Oldham's + complicity in his abduction, the expression on the land agent's + face would have removed it. For the first time in public Oldham's + countenance expressed a livelier emotion than that of cynical + interest. His mouth fell open and his eyeglasses dropped off. He + stared at Bob as though that young man had suddenly sprung into + visibility from clear atmosphere. Bob surveyed him grimly.</p> + + <p>"Delighted to see me, aren't you?" he remarked. A slow anger + surged up within him. "Your little scheme didn't work, did it? + Wanted me out of the way, did you? Thought you'd keep me out of + court! Well, I'm here, just as I said I'd be here. You can pay + your villainous tool or kick him out, as you please. He's failed, + and he won't get another chance. You miserable whelp!"</p> + + <p>But Oldham had recovered his poise.</p> + + <p>"Get out of my way. I don't know what you are talking about. + I'll land you in the penitentiary a week after you appear in + court. You're warned."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I've been warned for some time. But first I'll land + you."</p> + + <p>"Really! How?"</p> + + <p>"Right here and now," said Bob stepping forward.</p> + + <p>Oldham reined back his horse, and drew from his side pocket a + short, nickel-plated revolver.</p> + + <p>"Let me pass!" he commanded harshly. He presented the weapon, + and his gray eyes contracted to pin points.</p> + + <p>"Throw that thing away," said Bob, laying his hand on the + other man's bridle. "<i>I'm going to give you the very worst + licking you ever heard tell of!</i>"</p> + + <p>The young man's muscles were tense with the expectation of a + shot. To his vast astonishment, at his last words Oldham turned + deadly pale, swayed in the saddle, and the revolver clattered + past his stirrup to fall in the dust. With a snarl of contempt at + what he erroneously took for a mere physical cowardice, Bob + reached for his enemy and dragged him from the saddle.</p> + + <p>The chastisement was brief, but effective. Bob's anger cooled + with the first blow, for Oldham was no match for his younger and + more vigorous assailant. In fact, he hardly offered any + resistance. Bob knocked him down, shook him by the collar as a + terrier shakes a ground squirrel, and cast him fiercely in the + dust. Oldham sat up, his face bleeding slightly, his eyes + bewildered with the suddenness of the onslaught. The young man + leaned over him, speaking vehemently to rivet his attention.</p> + + <p>"Now you listen to me," said he. "You leave me alone. If I + ever hear any gossip, even, about what you will or will not do to + me, I'll know where it started from. The first word I hear from + any one anywhere, I'll start for you."</p> + + <p>He looked down for a moment at the disorganized man seated in + the thick, white dust that was still floating lazily around him. + Then he turned abruptly away and resumed his journey.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXX" id="XXX"></a> + + <h2>XXX</h2><br> + + <p>For ten seconds Oldham sat as Bob had left him. His hat and + eyeglasses were gone, his usually immaculate irongray hair + rumpled, his clothes covered with dust. A thin stream of blood + crept from beneath his close-clipped moustache. But the most + striking result of the encounter, to one who had known the man, + was in the convulsed expression of his countenance. A close + friend would hardly have recognized him. His lips snarled, his + eyes flared, the muscles of his face worked. Ordinarily repressed + and inscrutable, this crisis had thrown him so far off his + balance that, as often happens, he had fallen to the other + extreme. Sniffling and half-sobbing, like a punished schoolboy, + he dragged himself to where his revolver lay forgotten in the + dust. Taking as deliberate aim as his condition permitted, he + pulled at the trigger. The hammer refused to rise, or the + cylinder to revolve. Abandoning the self-cocking feature of the + arm, he tried to cock it by hand. The mechanism grated sullenly + against the grit from the road. Oldham worked frantically to get + the hammer to catch. By the time he had succeeded, his antagonist + was out of reach. With a half-scream of baffled rage, he hurled + the now useless weapon in the direction of the young man's + disappearance. Then, as Oldham stood militant in the dusty road, + a change came over him. Little by little the man resumed his old + self. A full minute went by. Save for the quicker breathing, a + spectator might have thought him sunk in reverie. At the end of + that time the old, self-contained, reserved, cynical Oldham + stepped from his tracks, and set methodically to repair + damages.</p> + + <p>First he searched for and found his glasses, fortunately + unbroken. At the nearest streamlet he washed his face, combed his + hair, brushed off his clothes. The saddle horse browsed not far + away. Finally he walked down the road, picked up the revolver, + cleaned it thoroughly of dust, tested it and slipped it into his + pocket. Then he resumed his journey, outwardly as self-possessed + as ever.</p> + + <p>Near the upper dam he had another encounter. The dust of some + one approaching warned him some time before the traveller came in + sight. Oldham reined back his horse until he could see who it + was; then he spurred forward to meet Saleratus Bill.</p> + + <p>The gun-man was lounging along at peace with all the world, + his bridle rein loose, his leg slung over the pommel of his + saddle. At the sight of his employer, he grinned cheerfully.</p> + + <p>Oldham rode directly to him.</p> + + <p>"Why aren't you attending to your job?" he demanded icily.</p> + + <p>"Out of a job," said Saleratus Bill cheerfully.</p> + + <p>"Why haven't you kept your man in charge?"</p> + + <p>"I did until he just naturally had one of those unavoidable + accidents."</p> + + <p>"Explain yourself."</p> + + <p>"Well. I ain't never been afraid of words. He's dead; that's + what."</p> + + <p>"Indeed," said Oldham, "Then I suppose I met his ghost just + now; and that a spirit gave me this cut lip."</p> + + <p>Saleratus Bill swung his leg from the saddle horn and + straightened to attention.</p> + + <p>"Did he have a hat on?" he demanded keenly.</p> + + <p>"Yes—no—I believe not. No, I'm sure he + didn't."</p> + + <p>"It's him, all right." He shook his head reflectively, "I + can't figure it."</p> + + <p>Oldham was staring at him with deadly coldness.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you'll be good enough to explain," he + sneered—"five hundred dollars worth at any rate."</p> + + <p>Saleratus Bill detailed what he knew of the whole affair. + Oldham listened to the end. His cynical expression did not + change; and the unlighted cigar that he held between his swollen + lips never changed its angle.</p> + + <p>"And so he just nat'rally disappeared," Saleratus Bill ended + his recital. "I can't figure it out."</p> + + <p>Then Oldham spat forth the cigar. His calm utterly deserted + him. He thrust his livid countenance out at his man.</p> + + <p>"Figure it out!" he cried. "You pin-headed fool! You had an + unarmed man tied hand and foot, in a three-thousand-foot hole, + and you couldn't keep him! And one of the smallest interests + involved is worth more than everything your worthless hide can + hold! I picked you out for this job because I thought you + reliable. And now you come to me with 'I can't figure it out!' + That's all the explanation or excuse you bring! You miserable, + worthless cur!"</p> + + <p>Saleratus Bill was looking at him steadily from his evil, + red-rimmed eyes.</p> + + <p>"Hold on," he drawled. "Go slow. I don't stand such talk."</p> + + <p>Oldham spurred up close to him.</p> + + <p>"Don't you try any of your gun-play or intimidation on me," he + fairly shouted. "I won't stand for it. You'll hear what I've got + to say, just as long as I choose to say it."</p> + + <p>He eyed the gun-man truculently. Certainly even Bob could not + have accused him of physical cowardice at that moment.</p> + + <p>Saleratus Bill stared back at him with the steady, venomous + glare of a rattlesnake. Then his lips, under his straggling, + sandy moustache, parted in a slow grin.</p> + + <p>"Say your say," he conceded. "I reckon you're mad; I reckon + that boy man-handled you something scand'lous."</p> + + <p>At the words Oldham's face became still more congested.</p> + + <p>"But you look a-here," said Saleratus Bill, suddenly leaning + across from his saddle and pointing a long, lean finger. "You + just remember this: I took this yere job with too many strings + tied to it. I mustn't hurt him; and I must see no harm comes to + him; and I must be noways cruel to mama's baby. You had me + hobbled, and then you cuss me out because I can't get over the + rocks. If you'd turned me loose with no instructions except to + disappear your man, I'd have earned my money."</p> + + <p>He dropped his hand to the butt of his six-shooter, and looked + his principal in the eye.</p> + + <p>"I'm just as sorry as you are that he made this get-away," he + continued slowly. "Now I got to pull up stakes and get out. + Nat'rally he'll make it too hot for me here. Then I could use + that extry twenty-five hundred that was coming to me on this job. + But it ain't too late. He's got away once; but he ain't in court + yet. I can easy keep him out, if the original bargain stands. Of + course, I'm sorry he punched your face."</p> + + <p>"Damn his soul!" burst out Oldham.</p> + + <p>"Just let me deal with him my way, instead of yours," repeated + Saleratus Bill.</p> + + <p>"Do so," snarled Oldham; "the sooner the better."</p> + + <p>"That's all I want to hear," said the gun-man, and touched + spurs to his horse.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXXI" id="XXXI"></a> + + <h2>XXXI</h2><br> + + <p>Bob's absence had occasioned some speculation, but no + uneasiness, at headquarters. An officer of the Forest Service was + too often called upon for sudden excursions in unexpected + emergencies to make it possible for his chiefs to keep accurate + track of all his movements. A day's trip to the valley might + easily be deflected to a week's excursion to the higher peaks by + any one of a dozen circumstances. The report of trespassing + sheep, a tiny smoke above distant trees, a messenger sent out for + arbitration in a cattle dispute, are samples of the calls to + which Bob must have hastened no matter on what errand he had been + bound.</p> + + <p>He arrived at headquarters late in the afternoon. Already a + thin wand of smoke wavered up through the trees from Amy's + little, open kitchen. The open door of the shed office trickled + forth a thin clicking of typewriters. Otherwise the camp seemed + deserted.</p> + + <p>At Bob's halloo, however, both Thorne and old California John + came to the door. In two minutes he had all three gathered about + the table under the three big firs.</p> + + <p>"In the first place, I want to say right now," he began, "that + I have the evidence to win the land case against the Modoc Mining + Company."</p> + + <p>"How?" demanded Thorne, leaning forward eagerly.</p> + + <p>"Baker has boasted, before two witnesses, that his mineral + entries were fraudulent and made simply to get water rights and + timber."</p> + + <p>"Those witnesses will testify?"</p> + + <p>"They will."</p> + + <p>"Who are they?"</p> + + <p>"Mr. Welton and myself."</p> + + <p>"Glory be!" cried Thorne, springing to his feet and clapping + Bob on the back. "We've got him!"</p> + + <p>"So that's what you've been up to for the past week!" cried + Amy. "We've been wondering where you had disappeared to!"</p> + + <p>"Well, not precisely," grinned Bob; "I've been in durance + vile."</p> + + <p>In response to their questionings he detailed a semi-humorous + account of his abduction, detention and escape. His three + auditors listened with the deepest attention.</p> + + <p>As the recital progressed to the point wherein Bob described + his midnight escape, Amy, unnoticed by the others, leaned back + and closed her eyes. The colour left her face for a moment, but + the next instant had rushed back to her cheeks in a tide of + deeper red. She thrust forward, her eyes snapping with + indignation.</p> + + <p>"They are desperate; there's no doubt of it," was Thorne's + comment. "And they won't stop at this. I wish the trial was + to-morrow. We must get your testimony in shape before anything + happens."</p> + + <p>Amy was staring across the table at them, her lips parted with + horror.</p> + + <p>"You don't think they'll try anything worse!" she gasped.</p> + + <p>Bob started to reassure her, but Thorne in his matter-of-fact + way broke in.</p> + + <p>"I don't doubt they'll try to get him proper, next time. We + must get out papers and the sheriff after this Saleratus + Bill."</p> + + <p>"He'll be almighty hard to locate," put in California + John.</p> + + <p>"And I think we'd better not let Bob, here, go around alone + any more."</p> + + <p>"I don't think he ought to go around at all!" Amy amended this + vigorously.</p> + + <p>Bob shot at her an obliquely humorous glance, before which her + own fell. Somehow the humour died from his.</p> + + <p>"Bodyguard accepted with thanks," said he, recovering himself. + "I've had enough Wild West on my own account." His words and the + expression of his face were facetious, but his tones were + instinct with a gravity that attracted even Thorne's attention. + The Supervisor glanced at the young man curiously, wondering if + he were going to lose his nerve at the last. But Bob's personal + stake was furthest from his mind. Something in Amy's + half-frightened gesture had opened a new door in his soul. The + real and insistent demands of the situation had been suddenly + struck shadowy while his forces adjusted themselves to new + possibilities.</p> + + <p>"Ware's your man," suggested California John. "He's a gun-man, + and he's got a nerve like a saw mill man."</p> + + <p>"Where is Ware?" Thorne asked Amy.</p> + + <p>"He's over at Fair's shake camp. He will be back + to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"That's settled, then. How about Welton? Is he warned? You say + he'll testify?"</p> + + <p>"If he has to," replied Bob, by a strong effort bringing + himself back to a practical consideration of the matter in hand. + "At least he'll never perjure himself, if he's called. Welton's + case is different. Look here; it's bound to come out, so you may + as well know the whole situation."</p> + + <p>He paused, glancing from one to another of his hearers. + Thorne's keen face expressed interest of the alert official; + California John's mild blue eye beamed upon him with a dawning + understanding of the situation; Amy, intuitively divining a more + personal trouble, looked across at him with sympathy.</p> + + <p>"John, here, will remember the circumstance," said Bob. "It + happened about the time I first came out here with Mr. Welton. It + seems that Plant had assured him that everything was all arranged + so our works and roads could cross the Forest, so we went ahead + and built them. In those days it was all a matter of form, + anyway. Then when we were ready to go ahead with our first + season's work, up steps Plant and asks to see our permission, + threatening to shut us down! Of course, all he wanted was + money."</p> + + <p>"And Welton gave it to him?" cried Amy.</p> + + <p>"It wasn't a case of buy a privilege," explained Bob, "but of + life itself. We were operating on borrowed money, and just + beginning our first year's operations. The season is short in + these mountains, as you know, and we were under heavy obligations + to fulfil a contract for sawed lumber. A delay of even a week + meant absolute ruin to a large enterprise. Mr. Welton held off to + the edge of danger, I remember, exhausting every means possible + here and at Washington to rush through the necessary + permission."</p> + + <p>"Why didn't he tell the truth—expose Plant? Surely no + department would endorse that," put in Amy, a trifle subdued in + manner.</p> + + <p>"That takes time," Bob pointed out. "There was no time."</p> + + <p>"So Welton came through," said Thorne drily. "What has that + got to do with it?"</p> + + <p>"Baker paid the money for him," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well, they're both in the same boat," remarked Thorne + tranquilly. "I don't see that that gives him any hold on + Welton."</p> + + <p>"He threatens to turn state's evidence in the matter, and + seems confident of immunity on that account."</p> + + <p>"He can't mean it!" cried Amy.</p> + + <p>"Sheer bluff," said Thorne.</p> + + <p>"I thought so, and went to see him. Now I am sure not. He + means it; and he'll do it when this case against the Modoc + Company is pushed."</p> + + <p>"I thought you said Welton would testify?" observed + Thorne.</p> + + <p>"He will. But naturally only if he is summoned."</p> + + <p>"Then what----"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I see. Baker never thought he could keep Welton from + telling the truth, but knew perfectly well he would not volunteer + the evidence. He used his hold over Welton to try to keep me from + bringing forward this testimony. Sort of relied on our intimacy + and friendship."</p> + + <p>"But you will testify?"</p> + + <p>"I think I see my duty that way," said Bob in a troubled + voice.</p> + + <p>"Quite right," said Thorne, dispassionately; "I'm sorry." He + arose from the table. "This is most important. I don't often + issue positive prohibitions in my capacity of superior officer; + but in this instance I must. I am going to request you not to + leave camp on any errand unless accompanied by Ranger Ware."</p> + + <p>Bob nodded a little impatiently. California John paused before + following his chief into the office.</p> + + <p>"It's good sense, boy," said he, "and nobody gives a darn for + your worthless skin, you know. It's just the information you got + inside it."</p> + + <p>"Right," laughed Bob, his brow clearing. "I forgot."</p> + + <p>California John nodded at him, and disappeared into the + office.</p> + + <p>Bob turned to Amy with a laughing comment that died on his + lips. The girl was standing very straight on the other side of + the table. One little brown hand grasped and crushed the edge of + her starched apron; her black brows were drawn in a straight line + of indignation beneath which her splendid eyes flashed; her + rounded bosom, half-defined by the loose, soft blue of her simple + gown, rose and fell rapidly.</p> + + <p>"And you're going to do it?" she threw across at him.</p> + + <p>Bob, bewildered, stared at her.</p> + + <p>"You're going to deliver over your friend to prison?" She + moved swiftly around the table to stand close to him. "Surely you + can't mean to do that! You've worked with him, and lived with + him—and he's a dear, jolly old man!"</p> + + <p>"Hold on!" cried Bob, recovering from the first shock, and + beginning to enjoy the situation. "You don't understand. If I + don't give my testimony, think what the Service will lose in the + Basin."</p> + + <p>"Lose!" she cried indignantly. "What of it? Do you think if I + had a friend who was near and dear to me I'd sacrifice him for + all the trees in the mountains? How can you!"</p> + + <p>"<i>Et tu Brute</i>!" said Bob a little wearily. "Where is all + the no-compromise talk I've heard at various times, and the high + ideals, and the loyalty to the Service at any cost, and all the + rest of it? You're not consistent."</p> + + <p>Amy eyed him a little disdainfully.</p> + + <p>"You've got to save that poor old man," she stated. "It's all + very easy for you to talk of duty and the rest of it, but the + fact remains that you're sending that poor old man to prison for + something that isn't his fault, and it'll break his heart."</p> + + <p>"He isn't there yet," Bob pointed out. "The case isn't + decided."</p> + + <p>"It's all very well for you to talk that way," said Amy, "for + all you have to do is to satisfy your conscience and bear your + testimony. But if testifying would land you in danger of prison, + you might feel differently about it."</p> + + <p>Bob thought of George Pollock, and smiled a trifle bitterly. + Welton might get off with a fine, or even suspended sentence. + There was but one punishment for those accessory before the fact + to a murder. Amy was eyeing him reflectively. The appearance of + anger had died. It was evident that she was thinking deeply.</p> + + <p>"Why doesn't Mr. Welton protect himself?" she inquired at + length. "If he turned state's evidence before that man Baker did, + wouldn't it work that way around?"</p> + + <p>"I don't believe it would," said Bob. "Baker was not the real + principal in the offence, only an accessory. Besides, even if it + were possible, Mr. Welton would not do such a thing. You don't + know Welton."</p> + + <p>Amy sank again to reflection, her eyes losing themselves in a + gaze beyond the visible world. Suddenly she threw up her head + with a joyous chuckle.</p> + + <p>"I believe I have it!" she cried. She nodded her head several + times as though to corroborate with herself certain points in her + plan. "Listen!" she said at last. "As I understand it, Baker is + really liable on this charge of bribing Plant as much as Mr. + Welton is."</p> + + <p>"Yes; he paid the money."</p> + + <p>"So that if it were not for the fact that he intends to gain + immunity by telling what he knows, he would get into as much + trouble as Mr. Welton."</p> + + <p>"Of course."</p> + + <p>"Well, don't you know enough about it all to testify? Weren't + you there?"</p> + + <p>Bob reflected.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I believe I was present at all the interviews."</p> + + <p>"Then," cried Amy triumphantly, "you can issue complaint + against <i>both</i> Baker and Mr. Welton on a charge of bribery, + and Baker can't possibly wriggle out by turning state's evidence, + because your evidence will be enough."</p> + + <p>"Do you expect me to have Mr. Welton arrested on this charge?" + cried Bob.</p> + + <p>"No, silly! But you can go to Baker, can't you, and say to + him: 'See here, if you try to bring up this old bribery charge + against Welton, I'll get in ahead of you and have you <i>both</i> + up. I haven't any desire to raise a fuss, nor start any trouble; + but if you are bound to get Mr. Welton in on this, I might as + well get you both in.' He'd back out, you see!"</p> + + <p>"I believe he would!" cried Bob. "It's a good bluff to + make."</p> + + <p>"It mustn't be a bluff," warned Amy. "You must mean it. I + don't believe he wants to face a criminal charge just to get Mr. + Welton in trouble, if he realizes that you are both going to + testify anyway. But if he thinks you're bluffing, he'll carry it + through."</p> + + <p>"You're right," said Bob slowly. "If necessary, we must carry + it through ourselves."</p> + + <p>Amy nodded.</p> + + <p>"I'll take down a letter for you to Baker," she said, "and + type it out this evening. We'll say nothing to anybody."</p> + + <p>"I must tell Welton of our plan," said Bob; "I wouldn't for + the world have to spring this on him unprepared. What would he + think of me?"</p> + + <p>"We'll see him to-morrow—no, next day; we have to wait + for Ware, you know."</p> + + <p>"Am I forgiven for doing my plain duty?" asked Bob a trifle + mischievously.</p> + + <p>"Only if our scheme works," declared Amy. Her manner changed + to one of great seriousness. "I know your way is brave and true, + believe me I do. And I know what it costs you to follow it. I + respect and admire the quality in men that leads them so + straightly along the path. But I could not do it. Ideas and + things are inspiring and great and to be worked for with + enthusiasm and devotion, I know. No one loves the Service more + than I, nor would make more personal sacrifices for her. But + people are warm and living, and their hearts beat with human + life, and they can be sorry and glad, happy and brokenhearted. I + can't tell you quite what I mean, for I cannot even tell myself. + I only feel it. I could turn my thumbs down on whole cohorts of + senators and lawyers and demagogues that are attacking us in + Washington and read calmly in next day's paper how they had been + beheaded recanting all their sins against us. But I couldn't get + any nearer home. Why, the other day Ashley told me to send a + final and peremptory notice of dispossession to the Main family, + over near Bald Knob, and I couldn't do it. I tried all day. I + knew old Main had no business there, and is worthless and lazy + and shiftless. But I kept remembering how his poor old back was + bent over. Finally I made Ashley dictate it, and tried to keep + thinking all the time that I was nothing but a machine for the + transmission of his ideas. When it comes to such things I'm + useless, and I know I fall short of all higher ideals of honour + and duty and everything else."</p> + + <p>"Thank God you do," said Bob gravely.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXXII" id="XXXII"></a> + + <h2>XXXII</h2><br> + + <p>Ware returned to headquarters toward evening of the next day. + He had ridden hard and long, but he listened to Thorne's + definition of his new duties with kindling eye, and considerable + appearance of quiet satisfaction. Bob met him outside the + office.</p> + + <p>"You aren't living up to your part, Ware," said he, with mock + anxiety. "According to Hoyle you ought to draw your gun, whirl + the cylinder, and murmur gently, Aha!"</p> + + <p>"Why should I do that?" asked Ware, considerably + mystified.</p> + + <p>"To see if your weapon is in order, of course."</p> + + <p>"How would a fool trick like that show whether my gun's in + shape?"</p> + + <p>"Hanged if I know," confessed Bob, "but they always do that in + books and on the stage."</p> + + <p>"Well, my gun will shoot," said Ware, shortly.</p> + + <p>It was then too late to visit Welton that evening, but at a + good hour the following morning Bob announced his intention of + going over to the mill.</p> + + <p>"If you're going to be my faithful guardian, you'll have to + walk," he told Ware. "My horse is up north somewhere, and there + isn't another saddle in camp."</p> + + <p>"I'm willing," said Ware; "my animals are plumb needy of a + rest."</p> + + <p>At the last moment Amy joined them.</p> + + <p>"I have a day off instead of Sunday," she told them, "and + you're the first humans that have discovered what two feet are + made for. I never can get anybody to walk two steps with me," she + complained.</p> + + <p>"Never tried before you acquired those <i>beautiful</i> gray + elkskin boots with the <i>ravishing</i> hobnails in 'em," chaffed + Bob.</p> + + <p>Amy said nothing, but her cheeks burned with two red spots. + She chatted eagerly, too eagerly, trying to throw into the + expedition the air of a holiday excursion. Bob responded to her + rather feverish gaiety, but Ware looked at her with an eye in + which comprehension was slowly dawning. He had nothing to add to + the rapid-fire conversation. Finally Amy inquired with mock + anxiety, over his unwonted silence.</p> + + <p>"I'm on my job," replied Ware briefly.</p> + + <p>This silenced her for a moment or so, while she examined the + woods about them with furtive, searching glances as though their + shadows might conceal an enemy.</p> + + <p>To Bob, at least, the morning conduced to gaiety, for the air + was crisp and sparkling with the wine of early fall. Down through + the sombre pines, here and there, flamed the delicate pink of a + dogwood, the orange of the azaleas, or the golden yellow of + aspens ripening already under the hurrying of early frosts. The + squirrels, Stellar's jays, woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees + were very busy scurrying here and there, screaming gossip, or + moving diligently and methodically as their natures were. All the + rest of the forest was silent. Not a breath of wind stirred the + tallest fir-tip or swayed the most lofty pine branch. Through the + woodland spaces the sunlight sparkled with the inconceivable + brilliance of the higher levels, as though the air were filled + with glittering particles in suspension, like the mica snowstorms + of the peep shows inside a child's candy egg.</p> + + <p>They dipped into the cañon of the creek and out again + through the yellow pines of the other side. They skirted the edge + of the ancient clearing for the almost prehistoric mill that had + supplied early settlers with their lumber, and thence looked out + through trees to the brown and shimmering plain lying far + below.</p> + + <p>"My, I'm glad I'm not there!" exclaimed Amy fervently; "I + always say that," she added.</p> + + <p>"A hundred and eleven day before yesterday, Jack Pollock + says," remarked Bob.</p> + + <p>So at last they gained the long ridge leading toward the mill + and saw a hundred feet away the mill road, and the forks where + their own wagon trail joined it.</p> + + <p>At this point they again entered the forest, screened by young + growth and a thicket of alders.</p> + + <p>"Look there," Amy pointed out. "See that dogwood, up by the + yellow pine. It's the most splendiferous we've seen yet. Wait a + minute. I'm going to get a branch of it for Mr. Welton's office. + I don't believe anybody ever picks anything for him."</p> + + <p>"Let me—" began Bob; but she was already gone, calling + back over her shoulder.</p> + + <p>"No; this is my treat!"</p> + + <p>The men stopped in the wagon trail to wait for her. Bob + watched with distinct pleasure her lithe, active figure making + its way through the tangle of underbrush, finally emerging into + the clear and climbing with swift, sure movements to the little + elevation on which grew the beautiful, pink-leaved dogwoods. She + turned when she had gained the level of the yellow pine, to wave + her hand at her companions. Even at the distance, Bob could make + out the flush of her cheeks and divine the delighted sparkle of + her eyes.</p> + + <p>But as she turned, her gesture was arrested in midair, and + almost instantly she uttered a piercing scream. Bob had time to + take a half step forward. Then a heavy blow on the back of his + neck threw him forward. He stumbled and fell on his face. As he + left his feet, the crash of two revolver shots in quick + succession rang in his ears.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXXIII" id="XXXIII"></a> + + <h2>XXXIII</h2><br> + + <p>Oldham's cold rage carried him to the railroad and into his + berth. Then, with the regular beat and throb of the carwheels + over the sleepers, other considerations forced themselves upon + him. Consequences demanded recognition.</p> + + <p>The land agent had not for many years permitted himself to act + on impulse. Therefore this one lapse from habit alarmed him + vaguely by the mere fact that it was a lapse from habit. He + distrusted himself in an unaccustomed environment of the + emotions.</p> + + <p>But superinduced on this formless uneasiness were graver + considerations. He could not but admit to himself that he had by + his expressed order placed himself to some extent in Saleratus + Bill's power. He did not for a moment doubt the gun-man's loyal + intentions. As long as things went well he would do his best by + his employer—if merely to gain the reward promised him only + on fulfillment of his task. But it is not easy to commit a murder + undetected. And if detected, Oldham had no illusions as to + Saleratus Bill. The gun-man, would promptly shelter himself + behind his principal.</p> + + <p>As the night went on, and Oldham found himself unable to sleep + in the terrible heat, the situation visualized itself. Step by + step he followed out the sequence of events as they might be, + filling in the minutest details of discovery, exposure and ruin. + Gradually, in the tipped balance of after midnight, events as + they might be became events as they surely would be. Oldham began + to see that he had made a fearful mistake. No compunction entered + his mind that he had condemned a man to death; but a cold fear + gripped him lest his share should be discovered, and he should be + called upon to face the consequences. Oldham enjoyed and could + play only the game that was safe so far as physical and personal + retribution went.</p> + + <p>So deeply did the guilty panic invade his soul that after a + time he arose and dressed. The sleepy porter was just turning out + from the smoking compartment.</p> + + <p>"What's this next station?" Oldham demanded.</p> + + <p>"Mo-harvey," blinked the porter.</p> + + <p>"I get off there," stated Oldham briefly.</p> + + <p>The porter stared at him.</p> + + <p>"I done thought you went 'way through," he confessed. "I'se + scairt I done forgot you."</p> + + <p>"All right," said Oldham curtly, and handing him a tip. "Never + mind that confounded brush; get my suit case."</p> + + <p>Ten seconds later he stood on the platform of the little + station in the desert while the tail lights of the train + diminished slowly into the distance.</p> + + <p>The desert lay all about him like a calmed sea on which were + dim half-lights of sage brush or alkali flats. On a distant + horizon slept black mountain ranges, stretched low under a + brilliant sky that arched triumphant. In it the stars flamed + steadily like candles, after the strange desert fashion. Although + by day the heat would have scorched the boards on which he stood, + now Oldham shivered in the searching of the cool insistent night + wind that breathed across the great spaces.</p> + + <p>He turned to the lighted windows of the little station where a + tousled operator sat at a telegraph key. A couch in the corner + had been recently deserted. The fact that the operator was still + awake and on duty argued well for another train soon. Oldham + proffered his question.</p> + + <p>"Los Angeles express due now. Half-hour late," replied the + operator wearily, without looking up.</p> + + <p>Oldham caught the train, which landed him in White Oaks about + noon. There he hired a team, and drove the sixty miles to + Sycamore Flats by eleven o'clock that night. The fear was growing + in his heart, and he had to lay on himself a strong retaining + hand to keep from lashing his horses beyond their endurance and + strength. Sycamore Flats was, of course, long since abed. In + spite of his wild impatience Oldham retained enough sense to know + that it would not do to awaken any one for the sole purpose of + inquiring as to the whereabouts of Saleratus Bill. That would too + obviously connect him with the gun-man. Therefore he stabled his + horses, roused one of the girls at Auntie Belle's, and retired to + the little box room assigned him.</p> + + <p>There nature asserted herself. The man had not slept for two + nights; he had travelled many miles on horseback, by train, and + by buckboard; he had experienced the most exhausting of emotions + and experiences. He fell asleep, and he did not awaken until + after sun-up.</p> + + <p>Promptly he began his inquiries. Saleratus Bill had passed + through the night before; he had ridden up the mill road.</p> + + <p>Oldham ate his breakfast, saddled one of the team horses, and + followed. Ordinarily, he was little of a woodsman, but his + anxiety sharpened his wits and his eyes, so that a quarter mile + from the summit he noticed where a shod horse had turned off from + the road. After a moment's hesitation he turned his own animal to + follow the trail. The horse tracks were evidently fresh, and + Oldham surmised that it was hardly probable two horsemen had as + yet that morning travelled the mill road. While he debated, young + Elliott swung down the dusty way headed toward the village. He + greeted Oldham.</p> + + <p>"Is Orde back at headquarters yet?" the latter asked, on + impulse.</p> + + <p>"Yes, he got back day before yesterday," the young ranger + replied; "but you won't find him there this morning. He walked + over to the mill to see Welton. You'd probably get him + there."</p> + + <p>Oldham waited only until Elliott had rounded the next corner, + then spurred his horse up the mountain. The significance of the + detour was now no longer in doubt, for he remembered well how and + where the wagon trail from headquarters joined the mill road. + Saleratus Bill would leave his horse out of sight on the hog-back + ridge, sneak forward afoot, and ambush his man at the forks of + the road.</p> + + <p>And now, in the clairvoyance of this guilty terror, Oldham saw + as assured facts several further possibilities. Saleratus Bill + was known to have ridden up the mill road; he, Oldham, was known + to have been inquiring after both Saleratus Bill and + Orde—in short, out of wild improbabilities, which to his + ordinary calm judgment would have meant nothing at all, he now + wove a tissue of danger. He wished he had thought to ask Elliott + how long ago Orde had started out from headquarters.</p> + + <p>The last pitch up the mountain was by necessity a fearful + grade, for it had to surmount as best it could the ledge at the + crest of the plateau. Horsemen here were accustomed to pause + every fifty feet or so to allow their mounts a gulp of air. + Oldham plied lash and spur. He came out from his frenzy of panic + to find his horse, completely blown, lying down under him. The + animal, already weary from its sixty-mile drive of yesterday, was + quite done. After a futile effort to make it rise, Oldham + realized this fact. He pursued his journey afoot.</p> + + <p>Somewhat sobered and brought to his senses by this accident, + Oldham trudged on as rapidly as his wind would allow. As he + neared the crossroads he slackened his pace, for he saw that no + living creature moved on the headquarters fork of the road. As a + matter of fact, at that precise instant both Bob and Ware were + within forty yards of him, standing still waiting for Amy to + collect her dogwood leaves. A single small alder concealed them + from the other road. If they had not happened to have stopped, + two seconds would have brought them into sight in either + direction. Therefore, Oldham thought the road empty, and himself + came to a halt to catch his breath and mop his brow.</p> + + <p>As he replaced his hat, his eye caught a glimpse of a man + crouching and gliding cautiously forward through the low + concealment of the snowbush. His movements were quick, his head + was craned forward, every muscle was taut, his eyes fixed on some + object invisible to Oldham with an intensity that evidently + excluded from the field of his vision everything but that toward + which his lithe and snake-like advance was bringing him. In his + hand he carried the worn and shining Colts 45 that was always his + inseparable companion.</p> + + <p>Oldham made a single step forward. At the same moment + somewhere above him on the hill a woman screamed. The cry was + instantly followed by two revolver shots.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXXIV" id="XXXIV"></a> + + <h2>XXXIV</h2><br> + + <p>Ware was an expert gun-man who had survived the early days of + Arizona, New Mexico, and the later ruffianism of the border on + Old Mexico. His habit was at all times alert. Now, in especial, + behind his casual conversation, he had been straining his finer + senses for the first intimations of danger. For perhaps six + seconds before Amy cried out he had been aware of an unusual + faint sound heard beneath rather than above the cheerful and + accustomed noises of the forest. It baffled him. If he had + imposed silence on his companion, and had set himself to + listening, he might have been able to identify and localize it, + but it really presented nothing alarming enough. It might have + been a squirrel playfully spasmodic, or the leisurely step + forward of some hidden and distant cow browsing among the bushes. + Ware lent an attentive ear to the quiet sounds of the woodland, + but continued to stand at ease and unalarmed.</p> + + <p>The scream, however, released instantly the springs of his + action. With the heel of his left palm he dealt Bob so violent a + shoving blow that the young man was thrown forward off his feet. + As part of the same motion his right hand snatched his weapon + from its holster, threw the muzzle over his left shoulder, and + discharged the revolver twice in the direction from which Ware + all at once realized the sound had proceeded. So quickly did the + man's brain act, so instantly did his muscles follow his brain, + that the scream, the blow, and the two shots seemed to go off + together as though fired by one fuse.</p> + + <p>Bob bounded to his feet. Ware had whirled in his tracks, had + crouched, and was glaring fixedly across the openings at the + forks. The revolver smoked in his hand.</p> + + <p>"Oh, are you hurt? Are you hurt?" Amy was crying over and + over, as, regardless of the stiff manzañita and the spiny + deer brush, she tore her way down the hill.</p> + + <p>"All right! All right!" Bob found his breath to assure + her.</p> + + <p>She stopped short, clenched her hands at her sides, and drew a + deep, sobbing breath. Then, quite collectedly, she began to + disentangle herself from the difficulties into which her haste + had precipitated her.</p> + + <p>"It's all right," she called to Ware. "He's gone. He's + run."</p> + + <p>Still tense, Ware rose to his full height. He let down the + hammer of his six-shooter, and dropped the weapon back in its + holster.</p> + + <p>"What was it, Amy?" he asked, as the girl rejoined them.</p> + + <p>"Saleratus Bill," she panted. "He had his gun in his + hand."</p> + + <p>Bob was looking about him a trifle bewildered.</p> + + <p>"I thought for a minute I was hit," said he.</p> + + <p>"I knocked you down to <i>get</i> you down," explained Ware. + "If there's shooting going on, it's best to get low."</p> + + <p>"Thought I was shot," confessed Bob. "I heard two shots."</p> + + <p>"I fired twice," said Ware. "Thought sure I must have hit, or + he'd have fired back. Otherwise I'd a' kept shooting. You say he + run?"</p> + + <p>"Immediately. Didn't you see him?"</p> + + <p>"I just cut loose at the noise he made. Why do you suppose he + didn't shoot?"</p> + + <p>"Maybe he wasn't gunning for us after all," suggested Bob.</p> + + <p>"Maybe you've got another think coming," said Ware.</p> + + <p>During this short exchange they were all three moving down the + wagon trail. Ware's keen old eyes were glancing to right, left + and ahead, and his ears fairly twitched. In spite of his + conversation and speculations, he was fully alive to the + possibilities of further danger.</p> + + <p>"He maybe's laying for us yet," said Bob, as the thought + finally occurred to him. "Better have your gun handy."</p> + + <p>"My gun's always handy," said Ware.</p> + + <p>"You're bearing too far south," interposed the girl. "He was + more up this way."</p> + + <p>"Don't think it," said Ware.</p> + + <p>"Yes," she insisted. "I marked that young fir near where I + first saw him; and he ran low around that clump of + manzañita."</p> + + <p>Still skeptical, Ware joined her.</p> + + <p>"That's right," he admitted, after a moment. "Here's his + trail. I'd have swore he was farther south. That's where I fired. + I only missed him by about a hundred yards," he grinned. "He sure + made a mighty tall sneak. I'm still figuring why he didn't open + fire."</p> + + <p>"Waiting for a better chance, maybe," suggested Amy.</p> + + <p>"Must be. But what better chance does he want, unless he aims + to get Bob here, with a club?"</p> + + <p>They followed the tracks left by Saleratus Bill until it was + evident beyond doubt that the gun-man had in reality departed. + Then they started to retrace their steps.</p> + + <p>"Why not cut across?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"I want to see whereabouts I <i>was</i> shooting," said + Ware.</p> + + <p>"We'll cut across and wait for you on the road."</p> + + <p>"All right," Ware agreed.</p> + + <p>They made their short-cut, and waited. After a minute or so + Ware shouted to them.</p> + + <p>"Hullo!" Bob answered.</p> + + <p>"Come here!"</p> + + <p>They returned down the dusty mill road. Just beyond the forks + Ware was standing, looking down at some object. As they + approached he raised his face to them. Even under its tan, it was + pale.</p> + + <p>"Guess this is another case of innocent bystander," said he + gravely.</p> + + <p>Flat on his back, arms outstretched in the dust, lay Oldham, + with a bullet hole accurately in the middle of his + forehead.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXXV" id="XXXV"></a> + + <h2>XXXV</h2><br> + + <p>"Good heavens!" cried Amy. "What an awful thing!"</p> + + <p>"Yes, ma'am," said Ware; "this is certainly tough. But I can't + see but it was a plumb accident. Who'd have thought he'd be + coming along the road just at that minute."</p> + + <p>"Of course, you're not to blame," Amy reassured him quickly. + "We must get help. Of course, he's quite dead."</p> + + <p>Ware nodded, gazing down at his victim reflectively.</p> + + <p>"I was shootin' a little high," he remarked at last.</p> + + <p>Up to this moment Bob had said nothing.</p> + + <p>"If it will relieve your mind, any," he told Ware, "it isn't + such a case of innocent bystander as you may think. This man is + the one who hired Saleratus Bill to abduct me in the first place; + and probably to kill me in the second. I have a suspicion he got + what he deserved."</p> + + <p>"Oh!" cried Amy, looking at him reproachfully.</p> + + <p>"It's a fact," Bob insisted. "I know his connection with all + this better than you do, and his being on this road was no + accident. It was to see his orders carried out."</p> + + <p>Ware was looking at him shrewdly.</p> + + <p>"That fits," he declared. "I couldn't figure why my old friend + Bill didn't cut loose. But he's got a head on him."</p> + + <p>"What do you mean?"</p> + + <p>"Why, when he see Oldham dropped, what use was there of going + to shooting? It would just make trouble for him and he couldn't + hope for no pay. He just faded."</p> + + <p>"He's a quick thinker, then," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"You bet you!"</p> + + <p>The two men laid Oldham's body under the shade. As they + disposed it decently, Bob experienced again that haunting sense + of having known him elsewhere that had on several occasions + assailed his memory. The man's face was familiar to him with a + familiarity that Bob somehow felt antedated his California + acquaintance.</p> + + <p>"We must get to the mill and send a wagon for him," Ware was + saying.</p> + + <p>But Amy suddenly turned faint, and was unable to proceed.</p> + + <p>"It's perfectly silly of me!" she cried indignantly. "The idea + of my feeling faint! It makes me so angry!"</p> + + <p>"It's perfectly natural," Bob told her. "I think you've shown + a heap of nerve. Most girls would have flopped over."</p> + + <p>The men helped her to a streamlet some hundreds of yards away. + Here it was agreed that Ware should proceed in search of a + conveyance; and that Bob and Amy should there await his + return.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXXVI" id="XXXVI"></a> + + <h2>XXXVI</h2><br> + + <p>Ware disappeared rapidly up the dusty road, Bob and Amy + standing side by side in silence, watching him go. When the lean, + long figure of the old mountaineer had quite disappeared, and the + light, eddying dust, peculiar to the Sierra country, had died, + Amy closed her eyes, raised her hand to her heart, and sank + slowly to the bank of the little creek. Her vivid colour, which + had for a moment returned under the influence of her strong will + and her indignation over her weakness, had again ebbed from her + cheeks.</p> + + <p>Bob, with an exclamation of alarm, dropped to her side and + passed his arm back of her shoulders. As she felt the presence of + his support, she let slip the last desperate holdings of physical + command, and leaned back gratefully, breathing hard, her eyes + still closed.</p> + + <p>After a moment she opened them long enough to smile palely at + the anxious face of the young man.</p> + + <p>"It's all right," she said. "I'm all right. Don't be alarmed. + Just let me rest a minute. I'll be all right."</p> + + <p>She closed her eyes again. Bob, watching, saw the colour + gradually flowing up under her skin, and was reassured.</p> + + <p>The girl lay against his arm limply. At first he was concerned + merely with the supporting of the slight burden; careful to hold + her as comfortably as possible. Then the warmth of her body + penetrated to his arm. A new emotion invaded him, feeble in the + beginning, but gaining strength from instant to instant. It + mounted his breast as a tide would mount, until it had shortened + his breath, set his heart to thumping dully, choked his throat. + He looked down at her with troubled eyes, following the curve of + her upturned face, the long line of her throat exposed by the + backward thrown position of her head, the swell of her breast + under the thin gown. The helplessness of the pose caught at Bob's + heart. For the first time Amy—the vivid, self-reliant, + capable, laughing Amy—appealed to him as a being demanding + protection, as a woman with a woman's instinctive craving for + cherishing, as a delicious, soft, feminine creature, calling + forth the tendernesses of a man's heart. In the normal world of + everyday association this side of her had never been revealed, + never suspected; yet now, here, it rose up to throw into + insignificance all the other qualities of the girl he had known. + Bob spared a swift thought of gratitude to the chance that had + revealed to him this unguessed, intimate phase of womanhood.</p> + + <p>And then the insight with which the significant moment had + endowed him leaped to the simple comprehension of another + thought—that this revelation of intimacy, of the + woman-appeal lying unguessed beneath the comradeship of everyday + life, was after all only a matter of chance. It had been revealed + to him by the accident of a moment's faintness, by which the + conscious will of the girl had been driven back from the + defences. In a short time it would be over. She would resume her + ordinary demeanour, her ordinary interest, her ordinary bright, + cheerful, attractive, matter-of-fact, efficient self. Everything + would be as before. But—and here Bob's breath came + quickest—in the great goodness of the world lay another + possibility; that sometime, at the call of some one person, for + that one and no other, this inner beautiful soul of the feminine + appeal would come forth freely, consciously, willingly.</p> + + <p>Amy opened her eyes, sat up, shook herself slightly, and + laughed.</p> + + <p>"I'm all right now," she told Bob, "and certainly very much + ashamed."</p> + + <p>"Amy!" he stammered.</p> + + <p>She shot a swift look at him, and immediately arose to her + feet.</p> + + <p>"We will have to testify at a coroner's inquest, I presume," + said she, in the most matter-of-fact tones.</p> + + <p>"I suppose so," agreed Bob morosely. It is impossible to turn + back all the strongly set currents of life without at least a + temporary turmoil.</p> + + <p>Amy glanced at him sideways, and smiled a faint, wise smile to + herself. For in these matters, while men are more analytical + after the fact, women are by nature more informed. She said + nothing, but stooped to the creek for a drink. When she had again + straightened to her feet, Bob had come to himself. The purport of + Amy's last speech had fully penetrated his understanding, and one + word of it—the word <i>testify</i>—had struck him + with an idea.</p> + + <p>"By Jove!" he cried, "that lets out Pollock!"</p> + + <p>"What?" said Amy.</p> + + <p>"This man Oldham was the only witness who could have convicted + George Pollock of killing Plant."</p> + + <p>"What do you mean?" asked Amy, leaning forward interestedly. + "Was he there? How do you know about it?"</p> + + <p>A half-hour before Bob would have hesitated long before + confiding his secret to a fourth party; but now, for him, the + world of relations had shifted.</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you about it," said he, without hesitation; "but + this is serious. You must never breathe even a word of it to any + one!"</p> + + <p>"Certainly not!" cried Amy.</p> + + <p>"Oldham wasn't an actual witness of the killing; but I was, + and he knew it. He could have made me testify by informing the + prosecuting attorney."</p> + + <p>Bob sketched rapidly his share in the tragedy: how he had held + Pollock's horse, and been in a way an accessory to the deed. Amy + listened attentively to the recital of the facts, but before Bob + had begun to draw his conclusions, she broke in swiftly.</p> + + <p>"So Oldham offered to let you off, if you would keep out of + this Modoc Land case," said she.</p> + + <p>Bob nodded.</p> + + <p>"That was it."</p> + + <p>"But it would have put you in the penitentiary," she pointed + out.</p> + + <p>"Well, the case wasn't quite decided yet."</p> + + <p>She made her quaint gesture of the happily up-thrown + hands.</p> + + <p>"Just what you said about Mr. Welton!" she cried. "Oh, I'm + <i>glad</i> you told me this! I was trying so hard to think you + were doing a high and noble duty in ignoring the consequences to + that poor old man. But I could not. Now I see!"</p> + + <p>"What do you mean?" asked Bob curiously, as she paused.</p> + + <p>"You could do it because your act placed you in worse danger," + she told him.</p> + + <p>"Too many for me," Bob disclaimed. "I simply wasn't going to + be bluffed out by that gang!"</p> + + <p>"That was it," said Amy wisely. "I know you better than you do + yourself. You don't suppose," she cried, as a new thought alarmed + her, "that Oldham has told the prosecuting attorney that your + evidence would be valuable."</p> + + <p>Bob shook his head.</p> + + <p>"The trial is next week," he pointed out. "In case the + prosecution had intended calling me, I should have been summoned + long since. There's dust; they are coming. You'd better stay + here."</p> + + <p>She agreed readily to this. After a moment a light wagon drove + up. On the seat perched Welton and Ware. Bob climbed in + behind.</p> + + <p>They drove rapidly down to the forks, stopped and hitched the + team.</p> + + <p>"Ware's been telling me the whole situation, Bobby," said + Welton. "That gang's getting pretty desperate! I've heard of this + man Oldham around this country for a long while, but I always + understood he was interested against the Power Company."</p> + + <p>"Bluff," said Bob briefly. "He's been in their employ from the + first, but I never thought he'd go in for quite this kind of + strong-arm work. He doesn't look it, do you think?"</p> + + <p>"I never laid eyes on him," replied Welton. "He's never been + near the mill, and I never happened to run across him anywhere + else."</p> + + <p>By this time they had secured the team. Ware led the way to + the tree under which lay the body of the land agent. Welton + surveyed the prostrate figure for some time in silence. Then + turned to Bob, a curious expression on his face.</p> + + <p>"It wasn't an accident that I never met him," said he. "He saw + to it. Don't you remember this man, Bobby?"</p> + + <p>"I saw him in Los Angeles some years ago."</p> + + <p>"Before that—in Michigan—many years ago."</p> + + <p>"His face has always seemed familiar to me," said Bob slowly. + "I can't place it—yes—hold on!"</p> + + <p>A picture defined itself from the mists of his boyhood + memories. It was of an open field, with a fringe of beech woods + in the distance. A single hickory stood near its centre, and + under this a group lounged, smoking pipes. A man, perched on a + cracker box, held a blank book and pencil. Another stood by a + board, a gun in his hand. The smell of black powder hung in the + atmosphere. Little glass balls popped into the air, and were + snuffed out. He saw Oldham distinctly, looking younger and + browner, but with the same cynical mouth, the same cold eyes, the + same slanted eyeglasses. Even before his recollections reproduced + the scorer's drawling voice calling the next contestant, his + memory supplied the name.</p> + + <p>"It's Newmark!" he cried aloud.</p> + + <p>"Joe Newmark, your father's old partner! He hasn't changed + much. He disappeared from Michigan when you were about eight + years old; didn't he! Nobody ever knew how or why, but everybody + had suspicions.... Well; let's get him in."</p> + + <p>They disposed the body in the wagon, and drove back up the + road. At the little brook they stopped to let off Ware. It was + agreed that all danger to Bob was now past, and that the gun-man + would do better to accompany Amy back to headquarters. Of course, + it would be necessary to work the whole matter out at the + coroner's inquest, but in view of the circumstances, Ware's + safety was assured.</p> + + <p>At the mill the necessary telephoning was done, the officials + summoned, and everything put in order.</p> + + <p>"What I really started over to see you about," then said Bob + to Welton, "is this matter of the Modoc Company." He went on to + explain fully Amy's plan for checkmating Baker. "You see, if I + get in my word first, Baker is as much implicated as you are, and + it won't do him any good to turn state's evidence."</p> + + <p>"I don't see as that helps me," remarked Welton gloomily.</p> + + <p>"Baker might be willing to put himself in any position," said + Bob; "but I doubt if he'll care to take the risk of criminal + punishment. I think this will head him off completely; but if it + doesn't, every move he makes to save his own skin saves yours + too."</p> + + <p>"It may do some good," agreed Welton. "Try it."</p> + + <p>"I've already written Baker. But I didn't want you to think I + was starting up the bloodhounds against you without some blame + good reason."</p> + + <p>"I'd know that anyway, Bobby," said Welton kindly. He stared + moodily at the stovepipe. "This is getting too thick for an + old-timer," he broke out at last. "I'm just a plain, + old-fashioned lumberman, and all I know is to cut lumber. I pass + this mess up. I wired your father he'd better come along + out."</p> + + <p>"Is he coming?" asked Bob eagerly.</p> + + <p>"I just got a message over the 'phone from the telegraph + office. He'll be in White Oaks as fast as he can get there. + Didn't I tell you?"</p> + + <p>"Wire him aboard train to go through to Fremont, and that + we'll meet him there," said Bob instantly. "It's getting about + time to beard the lion in his den."</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXXVII" id="XXXVII"></a> + + <h2>XXXVII</h2><br> + + <p>The coroner's inquest detained Bob over until the week + following. In it Amy's testimony as to the gun-man's appearance + and evident intention was quite sufficient to excuse Ware's + shooting; and the fact that Oldham, as he was still known, + instead of Saleratus Bill, received the bullet was evidently + sheer unavoidable accident. Bob's testimony added little save + corroboration. As soon as he could get away, he took the road to + Fremont.</p> + + <p>Orde was awaiting his son at the station. Bob saw the + straight, heavy figure, the tanned face with the snow-white + moustache, before the train had come to a stop. Full of + eagerness, he waved his hat over the head of the outraged porter + barricaded on the lower steps by his customary accumulation of + suit cases.</p> + + <p>"Hullo, dad! Hullo, there!" he shouted again and again, quite + oblivious to the amusement of the other passengers over this tall + and bronzed young man's enthusiasm.</p> + + <p>Orde caught sight of his son at last; his face lit up, and he, + too, swung his hat. A moment later they had clasped hands.</p> + + <p>After the first greetings, Bob gave his suit case in charge to + the hotel bus-man.</p> + + <p>"We'll take a little walk up the street and talk things over," + he suggested.</p> + + <p>They sauntered slowly up the hill and down the side streets + beneath the pepper and acacia trees of Fremont's beautiful + thoroughfares. So absorbed did they become that they did not + realize in the slightest where they were going, so that at last + they had topped the ridge and, from the stretch of the Sunrise + Drive, they looked over into the cañon.</p> + + <p>"So you've been getting into trouble, have you?" chaffed Orde, + as they left the station.</p> + + <p>"I don't know about that," Bob rejoined. "I do know that there + are quite a number of people in trouble."</p> + + <p>Orde laughed.</p> + + <p>"Tell me about this Welton difficulty," said he. "Frank Taylor + has our own matters well in hand. The opposition won't gain much + by digging up that old charge against the integrity of our land + titles. We'll count that much wiped off the slate."</p> + + <p>"I'm glad to hear it," said Bob heartily. "Well, the trouble + with Mr. Welton is that the previous administration held him + up—" He detailed the aspects of the threatened bribery + case; while Orde listened without comment. "So," he concluded, + "it looked at first as if they rather had him, if I testified. It + had me guessing. I hated the thought of getting a man like Mr. + Welton in trouble of that sort over a case in which he was no way + interested."</p> + + <p>"What did you decide?" asked Orde curiously.</p> + + <p>"I decided to testify."</p> + + <p>"That's right."</p> + + <p>"I suppose so. I felt a little better about it, because they + had me in the same boat. That let me out in my own feelings, + naturally."</p> + + <p>"How?" asked Orde swiftly.</p> + + <p>"There had been trouble up there between Plant—you + remember I wrote you of the cattle difficulties?"</p> + + <p>"With Simeon Wright? I know all that."</p> + + <p>"Well, one of the cattlemen was ruined by Plant's methods; his + wife and child died from want of care on that account. He was the + one who killed Plant; you remember that."</p> + + <p>"Yes."</p> + + <p>"I happened to be near and I helped him escape."</p> + + <p>"And some one connected with the Modoc Company was a witness," + conjectured Orde. "Who was it?"</p> + + <p>"A man who went under the name of Oldham. A certain + familiarity puzzled me for a long time. Only the other day I got + it. He was Mr. Newmark."</p> + + <p>"Newmark!" cried Orde, stopping short and staring fixedly at + his son.</p> + + <p>"Yes; the man who was your partner when I was a very small + boy. You remember?"</p> + + <p>"Remember!" repeated Orde; then in tones of great energy: "He + and I both have reason to remember well enough! Where is he now? + I can put a stop to him in about two jumps!"</p> + + <p>"You won't need to," said Bob quietly; "he's dead—shot + last week."</p> + + <p>For some moments nothing more was said, while the two men + trudged beneath the hanging peppers near the entrance to Sunrise + Drive.</p> + + <p>"I always wondered why he had it in for me, and why he acted + so queerly," Bob broke the silence at last. "He seemed to have a + special and personal enmity for me. I always felt it, but I + couldn't make it out."</p> + + <p>"He had plenty of reasons for that. But it's funny Welton + didn't recognize the whelp."</p> + + <p>"Mr. Welton never saw him," Bob explained—"that is, + until Newmark was dead. Then he recognized him instantly. What + was it all about?"</p> + + <p>Orde indicated the bench on the cañon's edge.</p> + + <p>"Let's sit," said he. "Newmark and I made our start together. + For eight years we worked together and built up a very decent + business. Then, all at once, I discovered that he was plotting + systematically to do me out of every cent we had made. It was the + most cold-blooded proposition I ever ran across."</p> + + <p>"Couldn't you prove it on him?" asked Bob.</p> + + <p>"I could prove it all right; but the whole affair made me + sick. He'd always been the closest friend, in a way, I had ever + had; and the shock of discovering what he really was drove + everything else out of my head. I was young then. It seemed to me + that all I wanted was to wipe the whole affair off the slate, to + get it behind me, to forget it—so I let him go."</p> + + <p>"I don't believe I'd have done that. Seems to me I'd have had + to blow off steam," Bob commented.</p> + + <p>Orde smiled reminiscently.</p> + + <p>"I blew off steam," <a name="FNanchor8" id= + "FNanchor8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a> said he. + "It was rather fantastic; but I actually believe it was one of + the most satisfactory episodes in my life. I went around to his + place—he lived rather well in bachelor quarters, which was + a new thing in those days—and locked the door and told him + just why I was going to let him off. It tickled him + hugely—for about a minute. Then I finished up by giving him + about the very worst licking he ever heard tell of."</p> + + <p>"Was that what you told him?" cried Bob.</p> + + <p>"What?"</p> + + <p>"Did you say those words to him?—'I'm going to give you + the very worst licking you ever heard tell of'?"</p> + + <p>"Why, I believe I did."</p> + + <p>Bob threw back his head and laughed.</p> + + <p>"So did I!" he cried; and then, after a moment, more soberly. + "I think, incidentally, it saved my life."</p> + + <p>"Now what are you driving at?" asked Orde.</p> + + <p>"Listen, this is funny: Newmark had me kidnapped by one of his + men, and lugged off to a little valley in the mountains. The idea + was to keep me there until after the trial, so my testimony would + not appear. You see, none of our side knew I had that testimony. + I hadn't told anybody, because I had been undecided as to what I + was going to do."</p> + + <p>Orde whistled.</p> + + <p>"I got away, and had quite a time getting home. I'll tell you + all the details some other time. On the road I met Newmark. I was + pretty mad, so I lit into him stiff-legged. After a few words he + got scared and pulled a gun on me. I was just mad enough to keep + coming, and I swear I believe he was just on the point of + shooting, when I said those very same words: 'I'm going to give + you the very worst licking you ever heard tell of.' He turned + white as a sheet and dropped his gun. I thought he was a coward; + but I guess it was conscience and luck. Now, wouldn't that come + and get you?"</p> + + <p>"Did you?" asked Orde.</p> + + <p>"Did I what?"</p> + + <p>"Give him that licking?"</p> + + <p>"I sure did start out to; but I couldn't bring myself to more + than shake him up a little."</p> + + <p>Orde rose, stretching his legs.</p> + + <p>"What are your plans now?"</p> + + <p>"To see Baker. I'm going to tell him that on the first + indications of his making trouble I'm going to enter complaint + for bribery against <i>both</i> him and Mr. Welton. You see, I + was there too. Think it'll work?"</p> + + <p>"The best way is to go and see."</p> + + <p>"Come on," said Bob.</p> + + <br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXXVIII" id="XXXVIII"></a> + + <h2>XXXVIII</h2><br> + + <p>The two men found Baker seated behind his flat-top desk. He + grinned cheerfully at them; and, to Bob's surprise, greeted him + with great joviality.</p> + + <p>"All hail, great Chief!" he cried. "I've had my scalp nicely + smoke-tanned for you, so you won't have to bother taking it." He + bowed to Orde. "I'm glad to see you, sir," said he. "Know you by + your picture. Please be seated."</p> + + <p>Bob brushed the levity aside.</p> + + <p>"I've come," said he, "to get an explanation from you as to + why, in the first place, you had me kidnapped; and why, in the + second place, you tried to get me murdered."</p> + + <p>Baker's mocking face became instantly grave; and, leaning + forward, he hit the desk a thump with his right fist.</p> + + <p>"Orde," said he, "I want you to believe me in this: I never + was more sorry for anything in my life! I wouldn't have had that + happen for anything in the world! If I'd had the remotest idea + that Oldham contemplated something of that sort, I should have + laid very positive orders on him. He said he had something on you + that would keep your mouth shut, but I never dreamed he meant gun + play."</p> + + <p>"I don't suppose you dreamed he meant kidnapping either," + observed Bob.</p> + + <p>Baker threw himself back with a chuckle.</p> + + <p>"Being kidnapped is fine for the health," said he. "Babies + thrive on it. No," he continued, again leaning forward gravely, + "Oldham got away from his instructions completely. Shooting or + that kind of violence was absurd in such a case. You mustn't lay + that to me, but to his personal grudge."</p> + + <p>"What do you know of a personal grudge?" Bob flashed back.</p> + + <p>"Ab-so-lute-ly nothing; but I suspected. It's part of my job + to be a nifty young suspector—and to use what I guess at. + He just got away from me. As for the rest of it, that's part of + the game. This is no croquet match; you must expect to get your + head bumped if you play it. I play the game."</p> + + <p>"I play the game, too," returned Bob, "and I came here to tell + you so. I'll take care of myself, but I want to say that the + moment you offer any move against Welton, I shall bring in my + testimony against both of you on this bribery matter."</p> + + <p>"Sapient youth!" said Baker, amused; "did that aspect of it + just get to you? But you misinterpreted the spirit of my greeting + when you came in the room. In words of one syllable, you've got + us licked. We lie down and roll over. We stick all four paws in + the air. We bat our august forehead against the floor. Is that + clear?"</p> + + <p>"Then you drop this prosecution against Welton?"</p> + + <p>"Nary prosecution, as far as I am concerned."</p> + + <p>"But the Modoc Land case----"</p> + + <p>"Take back your lands," chaffed Baker dramatically. "Kind of + bum lands, anyway. No use skirmishing after the battle is over. + Your father would tell you that."</p> + + <p>"Then you don't fight the suit?"</p> + + <p>"That," said Baker, "is still a point for compromise. You've + got us, I'm willing to admit that. Also that you are a bright + young man, and that I underestimated you. You've lifted my + property, legally acquired, and you've done it by outplaying my + bluff. I still maintain the points of the law are with + me—we won't get into that," he checked himself. "But + criminal prosecution is a different matter. I don't intend to + stand for that a minute. Your gang don't slow-step me to any + bastiles now listed in the prison records. Nothing doing that + way. I'll fight her to a fare-ye-well on that." His round face + seemed to become square-set and grim for an instant, but + immediately reassumed its customary rather careless good-nature. + "No, we'll just call the whole business off."</p> + + <p>"That is not for me to decide," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"No; but you've got a lot to say about it—and I'll see + to the little details; don't fret. By the way," mentioned Baker, + "just as a matter of ordinary curiosity, <i>did</i> Oldham have + anything on you, or was he just a strong-arm artist?" He threw + back his head and laughed aloud at Bob's face. At the thought of + Pollock the young man could not prevent a momentary expression of + relief from crossing his countenance. "There's a tail-holt on all + of us," Baker observed.</p> + + <p>He flipped open a desk drawer and produced a box of + expensive-looking cigars which he offered to his visitors. Orde + lit one; but Bob, eyeing the power-man coldly, refused. Baker + laughed.</p> + + <p>"You'll get over it," he observed—"youth, I mean. Don't + mix your business and your personal affairs. That came right out + of the copy book, page one, but it's true. I'm the one that ought + to feel sore, seems to me." He lit his own cigar, and puffed at + it, swinging his bulky form to the edge of the desk. "Look here," + said he, shaking the butt at the younger man. "You're making a + great mistake. The future of this country is with water, and + don't you forget it. Fuel is scarce; water power is the coming + force. The country can produce like a garden under irrigation; + and it's only been scratched yet, and that just about the big + cities. We are getting control; and the future of the state is + with us. You're wasting yourself in all this toy work. You've got + too much ability to squander it in that sort of thing. Oldham + made you an offer from us, didn't he?"</p> + + <p>"He tried to bribe me, if that's what you mean," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well, have it your way; but you'll admit there's hardly much + use of bribing you now. I repeat the offer. Come in with us on + those terms."</p> + + <p>"Why?" demanded Bob.</p> + + <p>"Well," said Baker quaintly, "because you seem to have licked + me fair and square; and I never want a man who can lick me to + remain where he is likely to do so."</p> + + <p>At this point Orde, who had up to now remained quietly a + spectator, spoke up.</p> + + <p>"Bob," said he, "is already fairly intimately connected with + certain interests, which, while not so large as water power, are + enough to keep him busy."</p> + + <p>Baker turned to him joyously.</p> + + <p>"List' to the voice of reason!" he cried. "I'm sorry he won't + come with us; but the next best thing is to put him where he + won't fight us. I didn't know he was going back to your + timber—"</p> + + <p>Bob opened his mouth to reply, but closed it again at a + gesture from his father.</p> + + <p>Baker glanced at the clock.</p> + + <p>"Well," he remarked cheerfully, "come over to the Club with me + to lunch, anyway."</p> + + <p>Bob stared at him incredulously. Here was the man who had + employed against him every expedient from blackmail to physical + violence; who had but that instant been worsted in a bald attempt + at larceny, nevertheless, cheerfully inviting him out to lunch as + though nothing had happened! Furthermore, his father, against + whose ambitions one of the deadliest blows had been aimed, was + quietly reaching for his hat. Baker looked up and caught Bob's + expression.</p> + + <p>"Come, come!" said he; "forget it! You and I speak the + language of the same tribe, and you can't get away from it. I'm + playing my game, you're playing yours. Of course, we want to win. + But what's the use of cutting out lots of bully good people on + that account?"</p> + + <p>"You don't stick to the rules," insisted Bob stoutly.</p> + + <p>"I think I do," said Baker. "Who's to decide? You believe one + way, I believe another. I know what you think of my methods in + business; and I'd hate to say what I think of you as the blue + ribbon damn fool in that respect. But I like you, and I'm willing + to admit you've got stuff in you; and I know damn well you and + your father and I can have a fine young lunch talking + duck-shooting and football. And with all my faults you love me + still, and you know you do." He smiled winningly, and hooked his + arm through Bob's on one side and his father's on the other. + "Come on, you old deacon; play the game!" he cried.</p> + + <p>Bob laughed, and gave in.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XXXIX" id="XXXIX"></a> + + <h2>XXXIX</h2><br> + + <p>Bob took his father with him back to headquarters. They rode + in near the close of day; and, as usual, from the stovepipe of + the roofless kitchen a brave pillar of white smoke rose high in + the shadows of the firs. Amy came forth at Bob's shout, starched + and fresh, her cheeks glowing with their steady colour, her + intelligent eyes alight with interest under the straight, serene + brows. At sight of Orde, the vivacity of her manner quieted + somewhat, but Bob could see that she was excited about something. + He presented his father, who dismounted and greeted her with a + hearty shake of the hand.</p> + + <p>"We've heard of you, Miss Thorne," said he simply, but it was + evident he was pleased with the frankness of her manner, the + clear steadiness of her eye, the fresh daintiness of her + appearance, and the respect of her greeting. On the other hand, + she looked back with equal pleasure on the tanned, sturdy old man + with the white hair and moustache, the clear eyes, and the + innumerable lines of quaint good-humour about them. After they + had thus covertly surveyed each other for a moment, the aforesaid + lines about Orde's eyes deepened, his eyes twinkled with + mischief, and he thrust forth his hand for the second time. + "Shake again!" he offered. Amy gurgled forth a little chuckle of + good feeling and understanding, and laid her fingers in his huge + palm.</p> + + <p>After this they turned and walked slowly to the hitch rails + where the men tied their horses.</p> + + <p>"Where's the Supervisor?" Bob asked of Amy.</p> + + <p>"In the office," she replied; and then burst out excitedly: + "I've the greatest news!"</p> + + <p>"So have I," returned Bob, promptly. "Best kind."</p> + + <p>"Oh, what is it?" she cried, forgetting all about her own. "Is + it Mr. Welton?"</p> + + <p>"It'll take some time to tell mine," said Bob, "and we must + hunt up Mr. Thorne. Yours first."</p> + + <p>"Pollock is free!"</p> + + <p>"Pollock free!" echoed Bob. "How is that? I thought his trial + was not until next week!"</p> + + <p>"The prosecuting attorney quashed the indictment—or + whatever it is they do. Anyhow, he let George go for lack of + evidence to convict."</p> + + <p>"I guess he was relying on evidence promised by Oldham, which + he never got," Bob surmised.</p> + + <p>"And never will," Orde cautioned them. "You two young people + must be careful never to know anything of this."</p> + + <p>Bob opened his mouth to say something; was suddenly struck by + a thought, and closed it again.</p> + + <p>"Why do you say that?" he asked at last. "Why do you think + Miss Thorne must know of this?"</p> + + <p>But Orde only smiled amusedly beneath his white moustache.</p> + + <p>They found Ashley Thorne, and acquainted him with the whole + situation. He listened thoughtfully.</p> + + <p>"The matter is over our heads, of course; but we must do our + best. Of course, by all rights the man ought to be indicted; but + there can be no question that there is a common sense that takes + the substance of victory and lets the shadow go."</p> + + <p>Orde stayed to supper and over night. In the course of the + evening California John drifted in, and Ware, and Jack Pollock, + and such other of the rangers as happened to be in from the + Forest. Orde was at his best; and ended, to Bob's vast pride, in + getting himself well liked by these conservative and quietly + critical men of the mountains.</p> + + <p>The next morning Bob and his father saddled their horses and + started early for the mill, Bob having been granted a short leave + of absence. For some distance they rode in silence.</p> + + <p>"Father," said Bob, "why did you stop me from contradicting + Baker the other day when he jumped to the conclusion that I was + going to quit the Service?"</p> + + <p>"I think you are."</p> + + <p>"But—"</p> + + <p>"Only if you want to, Bob. I don't want to force you in any + way; but both Welton and I are getting old, and we need younger + blood. We'd rather have you." Bob shook his head. "I know what + you mean, and I realize how you feel about the whole matter. + Perhaps you are right. I have nothing to say against conservation + and forestry methods theoretically. They are absolutely correct. + I agree that the forests should be cut for future growths, and + left so that fire cannot get through them; but it is a grave + question in my mind whether, as yet, it can be done."</p> + + <p>"But it is being done!" cried Bob. "There is no difficulty in + doing it."</p> + + <p>"That's for you to prove, if you want to," said Orde. "If you + care to resign from the Service, we will for two years give you + full swing with our timber, to cut and log according to your + ideas—or rather the ideas of those over you. In that time + you can prove your point, or fail. Personally," he repeated, "I + have grave doubts as to whether it can be done at present; it + will be in the future of course."</p> + + <p>"Why, what do you mean?" asked Bob. "It is being done every + day! There's nothing complicated about it. It's just a question + of cutting and piling the tops, and—"</p> + + <p>"I know the methods advocated," broke in Orde. "But it is not + being done except on Government holdings where conditions as to + taxation, situation and a hundred other things are not like those + of private holdings; or on private holdings on an experimental + scale, or in conjunction with older methods. The case has not + been proved on a large private tract. Now is your chance so to + prove it."</p> + + <p>Bob's face was grave.</p> + + <p>"That means a pretty complete about-face for me, sir," said + he. "I fought this all out with myself some years back. I feel + that I have fitted myself into the one thing that is worth while + for me."</p> + + <p>"I know," said Orde. "Don't hurry. Think it over. Take advice. + I have a notion you'll find this—if its handled right, and + works out right—will come to much the same thing."</p> + + <p>He rode along in silence for some moments.</p> + + <p>"I want to be fair," he resumed at last, "and do not desire to + get you in this on mistaken premises. This will not be a case of + experiment, of plaything, but of business. However desirable a + commercial theory may be, if it's commercial, <i>it must pay</i>! + It's not enough if you don't lose money; or even if you succeed + in coming out a little ahead. You must make it pay on a + commercial basis, or else it's as worthless in the business world + as so much moonshine. That is not sordid; it is simply common + sense. We all agree that it would be better to cut our forests + for the future; but <i>can it be done under present + conditions?</i>"</p> + + <p>"There is no question of that," said Bob confidently.</p> + + <p>"There is quite a question of it among some of us old fogies, + Bobby," stated Orde good-humouredly. "I suppose we're stupid and + behind the times; but we've been brought up in a hard school. We + are beyond the age when we originate much, perhaps; but we're + willing to be shown."</p> + + <p>He held up his hand, checking over his fingers as he + talked.</p> + + <p>"Here's the whole proposition," said he. "You can consider it. + Welton and I will turn over the whole works to you, lock, stock + and barrel, for two years. You know the practical side of the + business as well as you ever will, and you've got a good head on + you. At the end of that time, turn in your balance sheet. We'll + see how you come out, and how much it costs a thousand feet to do + these things outside the schoolroom."</p> + + <p>"If I took it up, I couldn't make it pay quite as well as by + present methods," Bob warned.</p> + + <p>"Of course not. Any reasonable man would expect to spend + something by way of insurance for the future. But the point is, + the operations must pay. Think it over!"</p> + + <p>They emerged into the mill clearing. Welton rolled out to + greet them, his honest red face aglow with pleasure over greeting + again his old friend. They pounded each other on the back, and + uttered much facetious and affectionate abuse. Bob left them + cursing each other heartily, broad grins illuminating their + weatherbeaten faces.</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XL" id="XL"></a> + + <h2>XL</h2><br> + + <p>Bob's obvious course was to talk the whole matter over with + his superior officer, and that is exactly what he intended to do. + Instead, he hunted up Amy. He justified this course by the rather + sophistical reflection that in her he would encounter the most + positive force to the contrary of the proposition he had just + received. Amy stood first, last and all the time for the Service; + her heart was wholly in its cause. In her opinion he would gain + the advantage of a direct antithesis to the ideas propounded by + his father. This appeared to Bob an eminently just arrangement, + but failed to account for a certain rather breathless excitement + as he caught sight of Amy's sleek head bending over a pan of + peas.</p> + + <p>"Amy," said he, dropping down at her feet, "I want your + advice."</p> + + <p>She let fall her hands and looked at him with the refreshing + directness peculiarly her own.</p> + + <p>"Father wants me to take charge of the Wolverine Company's + operations," he began.</p> + + <p>"Well?" she urged him after a pause.</p> + + <p>"What do you think of it?"</p> + + <p>"I thought you had worked that all out for yourself some time + ago."</p> + + <p>"I had. But father and Mr. Welton are getting a little too old + to handle such a proposition, and they are looking to me—" + he paused.</p> + + <p>"That situation is no different than it has been," she + suggested. "What else?"</p> + + <p>Bob laughed.</p> + + <p>"You see through me very easily, don't you? Well, the + situation is changed. I'm being bribed."</p> + + <p>"Bribed!" Amy cried, throwing her head back.</p> + + <p>"Extra inducements offered. They make it hard for me to + refuse, without seeming positively brutal. They offer me complete + charge—to do as I want. I can run the works absolutely + according to my own ideas. Don't you see how I am going to hurt + them when I refuse under such circumstances?"</p> + + <p>"Refuse!" cried Amy. "Refuse! What do you mean!"</p> + + <p>"Do you think I ought to leave the Service?" stammered Bob + blankly.</p> + + <p>"Why, it's the best chance the Service has ever had!" said + Amy, the words fairly tumbling over one another. "You must never + dream of refusing. It's your chance—it's our chance. It's + the one thing we've lacked, the opportunity of showing lumbermen + everywhere that the thing can be made to pay. It's the one thing + we've lacked. Oh, <i>what</i> a chance!"</p> + + <p>"But—but," objected Bob—"it means giving up the + Service—after these years—and all the wide + interests—and the work----"</p> + + <p>"You must take it," she swept him away, "and you must do it + with all your power and all the ability that is in you. You must + devote yourself to one idea—make money, make it pay!"</p> + + <p>"This from you," said Bob sadly.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I am so <i>glad</i>!" cried Amy. "Your father is a dear! + it's the one fear that has haunted me—lest some visionary + incompetent should attempt it, and should fail dismally, and all + the great world of business should visit our methods with the + scorn due only his incompetence. It was our great danger! And now + it is no longer a danger! You can do it, Bob; you have the + knowledge and the ability and the energy—and you must have + the enthusiasm. Can't you see it? You <i>must!</i>"</p> + + <p>She leaned over, her eyes shining with the excitement of her + thought, to shake him by both shoulders. The pan of peas promptly + deluged him. They both laughed.</p> + + <p>"I'd never looked at it that way," Bob confessed.</p> + + <p>"It's the only way to look at it."</p> + + <p>"Why!" cried Bob, in the sudden illumination of a new idea. + "The more money I make, the more good I'll do—that's a + brand new idea for you!"</p> + + <p>He rose to his feet, slowly, and stood for a moment lost in + thought. Then he looked down at her, a fresh admiration shining + in his eyes.</p> + + <p>"Yours is the inspiration and the insight—as always," he + said humbly. "It has always been so. I have seemed to myself to + have blundered and stumbled, groping for a way; and you have + flown, swift as a shining arrow, straight to the mark."</p> + + <p>"No, no, no, no!" she disclaimed, coming close to him in the + vigour of her denial. "You are unfair."</p> + + <p>She looked up into his face, and somehow in the earnestness of + her disclaimer, the feminine soul of her rose to her eyes, so + that again Bob saw the tender, appealing helplessness, and once + more there arose to full tide in his breast the answering + tenderness that would care for her and guard her from the rough + jostling of the world. The warmth of her young body tingled in + recollection along his arm, and then, strangely enough, without + any other direct cause whatever, the tide rose higher to flood + his soul. He drew her to him, crushing her to his breast. For an + instant she yielded to him utterly; then drew away in a + panic.</p> + + <p>"My dear, my dear!" she half whispered; "not here!"</p><br> + <br> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + <a name="XLI" id="XLI"></a> + + <h2>XLI</h2><br> + + <p>Bob rode home through the forest, singing at the top of his + voice. When he met his father, near the lower meadow, he greeted + the older man boisterously.</p> + + <p>"That," said Orde to him shrewdly, "sounds to me mighty like + relief. Have you decided for or against?"</p> + + <p>"For," said Bob. "It's a fine chance for me to do just what + I've always wanted to do—to work hard at what interests me + and satisfies me."</p> + + <p>"Go to it, then," said Orde. "By the way, Bobby, how old are + you now?"</p> + + <p>"Twenty-nine."</p> + + <p>"Well, you're a year younger than I was when I started in with + Newmark. You're ahead of me there. But in other respects, my son, + your father had a heap more sense; he got married, and he didn't + waste any time on it. How long have you been living around in + range of that Thorne girl, anyway? Somebody ought to build a fire + under you."</p> + + <p>Bob hesitated a moment; but he preferred that his good news + should come to his father when Amy could be there, too.</p> + + <p>"I'm glad you like her, father," said he quietly.</p> + + <p>Orde looked at his son, and his voice fell from its chaffing + tone. "Good luck, boy," said he, and leaned from his saddle to + touch the young man on the shoulder.</p> + + <p>They emerged into the clearing about the mill. Bob looked on + the familiar scene with the new eyes of a great spiritual uplift. + The yellow sawdust and the sawn lumber; the dark forest beyond; + the bulk of the mill with its tall pines; the dazzling plume of + steam against the very blue sky, all these appealed to him again + with many voices, as they had years before in far-off Michigan. + Once more he was back where his blood called him; but under + conditions which his training and the spirit of the new times + could approve. His heart exulted at the challenge to his young + manhood.</p> + + <p>As he rode by the store he caught sight within its depths of + Merker methodically waiting on a stolid squaw.</p> + + <p>"No more economic waste, Merker!" he could not forbear + shouting; and then rocked in his saddle with laughter over the + man's look of slow surprise. "It's his catchword," he explained + to Orde. "He's a slow, queer old duck, but a mighty good sort for + the place. There's Post, in from the woods. He's woods foreman. I + expect I'll have lively times with Post at first, getting him + broken into new ways. But he's a good sort, too."</p> + + <p>"Everybody's a good sort to-day, aren't they, son?" smiled + Orde.</p> + + <p>Welton met them, and expressed his satisfaction over the way + everything had turned out.</p> + + <p>"I'm going duck shooting for fair," said he, "and I'm going + fishing at Catalina. Out here," he explained to Orde, "you sit in + nice warm sun and let the ducks insult you into shooting at 'em! + No freeze-your-fingers-and-break-the-ice early mornings! I'm + willing to let the kid go it! He can't bust me in two years, + anyway."</p> + + <p>Later, when the two were alone together, he clapped Bob on the + back and wished him success.</p> + + <p>"I'm too old at the game to believe much in new methods to + what I've been brought up to, Bob," said he; "but I believe in + you. If anybody can do it, you can; and I'd be tickled to see you + win out. Things change; and a man is foolish to act as though + they didn't. He's just got to keep playing along according to the + rules of the game. And they keep changing, too. It's good to have + lived while they're making a country. I've done it. You're going + to."</p><br> + + <h2>THE END</h2> + <hr style="width: 65%;"> + <br> + <br> + + <h2>Footnotes:</h2> + + <p><a name="Footnote_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor1">[1]</a></p> + + <blockquote> + Stirrup hoods. + </blockquote> + + <p><a name="Footnote_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor2">[2]</a></p> + + <blockquote> + The accounts of one man showed that for a long period he + had so disbursed from his own pocket an average of thirty + dollars a month. His salary was sixty dollars. + </blockquote> + + <p><a name="Footnote_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor3">[3]</a></p> + + <blockquote> + Kyacks—pack sacks slung either side the pack saddle. + </blockquote> + + <p><a name="Footnote_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor4">[4]</a></p> + + <blockquote> + Extraordinary as it may seem to the modern reader, this + sentiment—or this ignorance—was at that time + sincerely entertained by men as influential, as powerful, + and as closely interested in water power as Baker is here + depicted. + </blockquote> + + <p><a name="Footnote_5" id="Footnote_5"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor5">[5]</a></p> + + <blockquote> + "Nester"—Western term meaning squatters, small + settlers—generally illegally such. + </blockquote> + + <p><a name="Footnote_6" id="Footnote_6"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor6">[6]</a></p> + + <blockquote> + Pronounced Hone-kal. + </blockquote> + +<p><a name="Footnote_7" id="Footnote_7"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor7">[7]</a></p> + + <blockquote> + See "The Riverman." + </blockquote> + +<p><a name="Footnote_8" id="Footnote_8"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor8">[8]</a></p> + + <blockquote> + See "The Riverman." + </blockquote> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Rules of the Game, by Stewart Edward White + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RULES OF THE GAME *** + +***** This file should be named 13194-h.htm or 13194-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/3/1/9/13194/ + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Beginners Projects, Maria Khomenko and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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