ding.

"Can I speak to you a moment on business?" asked Bob.

By way of answer the fat man dropped his paper, and mopped his brow.

"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."

"That's right," grunted Plant.

"What for?"

"I believe, young man, granting permits is discretionary with the
Supervisor," stated that individual.

"I suppose so," agreed Bob. "But Mr. Lejeune has always had permission
before. What reason do you assign for refusing it?"

"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."

Lejeune started to speak, but Bob motioned him to silence.

"I'm sure we could arrange for past damages, and guarantee against any
future trespass," said he.

"Well, I'm sure you can't," stated Plant positively. "Good day."

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.

"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."

"But what shall I do!" cried Lejeune. "My ship mus' have feed!"

"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."

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.

"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?"

"Naturally," said Bob, who, however, knew nothing whatever of those
details.

"Well, I'll send a man up to examine them to-morrow," said Plant, and
turned his back.

V

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