Before father could reply I launched into a set speech upon forestry,
and talked till I was out of breath.
"There's something in what you say," replied my father. "You've been
reading up on the subject?"
"Everything I could get, and I've been trying to apply my knowledge in the
woods. I love the trees. I'd love an outdoor life. But forestry won't be
any picnic. A ranger must be able to ride and pack, make trail and camp,
live alone in the woods, fight fire and wild beasts. Oh! It'd be great!"
"I dare say," said father, dryly; "particularly the riding and shooting.
Well, I guess you'll make a good-enough doctor to suit me."
"Give me a square deal," I cried, jumping up. "Mayn't I have one word to say
about my future? Wouldn't you rather have me happy and successful as a
forester, even if there is danger, than just an ordinary, poor doctor? Let's
go over our woodland. I'll prove that you are letting your forest run down.
You've got sixty acres of hard woods that ought to be bringing a regular
income. If I can't prove it, if I can't interest you, I'll agree to study
medicine. But if I do you're to let me try forestry."
"Well, Kenneth, that's a fair proposition," returned father, evidently
surprised at my earnestness "Come on. We'll go up in the woods. Hal, I
suppose he's won you over?"
"Ken's got a big thing in mind," replied Hal, loyally "It's just splendid.
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