200 THE LOG OF A TIMBER CRUISER 
‘“Your able Supervisor,’’ here he bowed graciously. 
to Johns, who seemed in rare good humour, ‘‘has 
been ‘giving me much valuable material regarding 
your forests in general, and the Gila National Forest, 
in particular. And in consequence I have, I think 
I may say, a much more comprehensive grasp of the 
subject than I had before our conference.’’ 
Here the speaker paused, while we all cheered. 
He bowed and went on: 
“‘T have learned much about the Gila, but nothing 
which could be termed derogatory. It was with 
pleasure, therefore, that I gathered from my son 
to-day that he intends taking the examination of 
Assistant Forest Ranger next week, which test, I 
understand, some of you young gentlemen are also 
to attempt. 
“‘T speak of this now, among Horace’s good 
friends, because in the past, I have, like all fathers, 
at times felt some misgivings in regard to his choice 
of a career. And I realise that to the association 
with you boys, his companions in camp and cabin— 
to you and to his friends in Silver City—is due this 
sudden resolve on his part, a resolve I have only 
sympathy for, a resolve that will cause him, I trust, 
to bear his part worthily in a world of men.’’ 
The speaker was visibly moved. His words held 
the unmistakable ring of genuine feeling. We felt 
a little uncomfortable, and, I’m afraid, a little sorry 
for him. Horace a ranger! Did he have it in him 
to make good? It was hard to say. But then we 
