I told him all I had learned about trees, how I loved them, and how I
had determined to devote my life to their study, care, and development. As
we rode along under the wide-spreading pines I illustrated my remarks by
every example I could possibly use. The more I talked the more interested
Dick became, and this spurred me on. Perhaps I exaggerated, but my
conscience never pricked me. He began to ask questions.
We reached a spring at midday, and halted for a rest. I kept on pleading,
and presently I discovered, to my joy, that I had made a strong impression
upon Dick. It seemed a strange thing for me to be trying to explain
forestry to a forest ranger, but so it was.
"Ken, it's all news to me. I've been on Penetier about a year, and I never
heard a word of what you've been telling me. My duties have been the
practical ones that any woodsman knows. Jim and the other rangers--why,
they don't know any more than I. It's a great thing, and I've queered my
chance with the Government."
"No, you haven't--neither has Jim--not if you'll be straight from now on.
You can't keep faith with Buell. He tried to kidnap me. That lets you out.
We'll spoil Buell's little deal and save Penetier. A letter to father will
do it. He has friends in the Forestry Department at Washington. Dick, what
do you say? It's not too late!"
The dark shade lifted from the ranger's face, and he looked at me with the
smile of the old fishing days.
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