334 NA TURE STUD Y RE VIEW 



MOLLIE 

 We should not regret that because so many more people can 

 enjoy the forests now-a-days. 



WILLIAMS 

 Here's one of those advance guards of civilization now. 

 (the forester comes round a bend in the road, approaches and 

 salutes the company.) 



FORESTER 

 Good morning. Any luck with the deer? • 



(there is an embarrassing pause.) 



WYMANS 

 Not yet. We hope for better luck today. 



FORESTER 

 You might try Big Horn Mountain. I jumped three bucks 

 over there last week (he notices the camp-fire against the old 

 tree trunk) I say, gentlemen, that's dangerous — ^will you be 

 very sure to put out your fire? There's a dry northeaster blowing 

 and the brush would bum like tinder. 



WILLIAMS (rising to his feet) 

 Young man, I camped in these mountains when you were 

 learning to read. I guess I can manage my own camp-fire. 



FORESTER (coolly) 

 No offence meant gentlemen. We have certain rules for the 

 protection of the forest from its greatest enemy, fire, and one 

 of them is that camp-fires must not be built against tree-trunks. 

 Please be sure to put out your camp-fire, (starts to go) 



WILLIAMS (angrily) 

 Yes, you've plastered the trees with your petty rules till a man 

 can't move without violating them. You rangers think you own 

 the, mountains. I tell you now you can't order me around. 

 (He starts toward the forester. Mrs. Williams and Wymans 

 have walked to one side.) 



MOLLIE (catching hold of her father.) 

 Father — come — the Forester must carry out his orders. He 

 is acting for the government. 

 FORESTER 

 Yes, for the government — the whole people. I represent them, 

 (steps toward Williams) Mr. Williams, you and your kind had your 



