They know the Service is square. And we ain't had fires to amount
to nothing; nor trespass."
"You've done good work," said Thorne soberly; "none better. No one could
have done it but you. You have a right to be proud of it."
"Then you'll be sending in a good report," said California John, solely
by way of conversation. "I suspicion that last fellow gave me an awful
roast."
"I'm not an inspector," replied Thorne.
"That so? You used to be before you resigned; so I thought sure you must
be now. What's your job?"
"I'll tell you when we have more time," said Thorne.
For three days they rode together. The Supervisor was a very busy man.
He had errands of all sorts to accomplish. Thorne simply went along.
Everywhere he found good feeling, satisfactory conditions.
At the end of the third day as the two men sat before the rough stone
fireplace at headquarters, Thorne abruptly broke the long silence.
"John," said he, "I've got a few things to say that are not going to be
pleasant either for you or for me. Nevertheless, I am going to say them.
In fact, I asked the Chief for the privilege rather than having you hear
through the regular channels.
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