I told him just how I had come to the canyon, and how I saw that the
fire would surely cross there, and that a back-fire was the only chance.
Then, carefully studying the map, I marked off the three miles Herky and I
had fired.
"Very good. You had help in this?"
"Yes. A fellow called Herky-Jerky. He was one of Buell's men who kept me a
prisoner."
"But he turned out a pretty good sort, didn't he?"
"Indeed, yes, sir."
"Well, I'll try to locate him, and offer him a job in the service. Now, Mr.
Ward, you've had special opportunities; you have an eye in your head, and
you are interested in forestry. Perhaps you can help us. Personally I shall
be most pleased to hear what you think might be done in Penetier."
I gasped and stared, and could scarcely believe my ears. But he was not
joking; he was as serious as if he had addressed himself to one of his
officers. I looked at them all, standing interested and expectant. Dick was
as grave and erect as a deacon. Jim seemed much impressed. But old Hiram
Bent, standing somewhat back of the others, deliberately winked at me.
But for that wink I never could have seized my opportunity. It made me
remember my talks with Hiram. So I boiled down all that I had learned and
launched it on the Chief. Whether I was brief or not, I was out of breath
when I stopped.
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