"
Thorne had been shown no copy of such a report during his official
inspection. He made a note of this.
"Well," said he finally, "if on investigation I find the facts to be as
you state them--and that I can determine only on receiving all the
evidence on both sides--I can promise you relief for next season. The
Land Office is just, when it is acquainted with the facts. I will ask
you to make affidavits. I am obliged to you for your trouble in coming."
Jim Pollock made his three-day ride back more cheered by these few and
tentative words than by Superintendent Smith's effusive assurances, or
Plant's promises. He so reported to his neighbours in the back ranges.
Thorne established from California John the truth as to the suppressed
reports.
Some rumour of all this reached Henry Plant. Whatever his faults, the
Supervisor was no coward. He had always bulled things through by sheer
weight and courage. If he could outroar his opponent, he always
considered the victory as his. Certainly the results were generally that
way.
On hearing of Thorne's activities, Plant drove down to see him.
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