his feet.

"I am employed by the Company," he replied, curtly, "but please to
understand I don't permit you to call me names."

"Permit!" sneered Charley.

"Permit," repeated Cathcart.

So, not having had enough exercise in the past two days, these young
game cocks went at each other. Charley was much the stronger
rough-and-tumble fighter; but Cathcart possessed some boxing skill.
Result was that, in their weakened condition, they speedily fought
themselves to a standstill without serious damage to either side.

"Now perhaps you'll tell me who the hell you think you are!" panted
Cathcart, fiercely.

At just beyond arm's length they discussed the situation, at first
belligerently with much recrimination, then more calmly, at last with a
modicum of mutual understanding. Neither seceded from his basic opinion.
Charley Gates maintained that the Company had no earthly business
ruining his property, but admitted that with all that good gold lying
there it was a pity not to get it out. Cathcart stoutly defended a man's
perfect right to do as he pleased with his own belongings, but conceded
that something really ought to be done about overflow waters.

"What are you doing down here fighting fire, anyway?" demanded Charley,
suddenly. "It couldn't hurt your property. You could turn the 'giants'
on it, if it ever came up your way."

"I don't know. I just thought I ought to help out a little," said
Cathcart, simply.

For three years more Charley ran his father's cattle in the hills. Then
he announced his intention of going away. John Gates was thunderstruck.
By now he was stranded high and dry above the tide, fitting perfectly
his surroundings. Vaguely he had felt that his son would stay with him
always. But the wave was again surging upward. Charley had talked with
Cathcart.

"This is no country to draw a salary in," the latter had told him, "nor
to play with farming or cows. It's too big, too new, there are too many
opportunities. I'll resign, and you leave; and we'll make our fortunes."

"How?" asked Charley.

"Timber," said Cathcart.

They conferred on this point. Cathcart had the experience of business
ways; Charley Gates the intimate knowledge of the country; there only
needed a third member to furnish some money. Charley broke the news to
his family, packed his few belongings, and the two of them went to San
Francisco.

Charley had never seen a big city. He was very funny about it, but not
overwhelmed. Wh