"Struck me the same way," put in California John. "Reminded me of the
war. Looked like they held onto this as a sort of first defence as long
as they could, and then just abandoned it and dropped back."
"That's it," nodded Thorne. "That's my conclusion. Somebody bigger than
Samuels fears investigation; and they hoped to stop our sort of
investigation short at Samuels. Well, they haven't succeeded."
Amy arose abruptly and ran to her filing cases.
"That ought to be easily determined," she cried, looking over her
shoulder with shining eyes. "I have the papers about all ready for the
whole of our Forest. Here's a list of the private holdings, by whom
held, how acquired and when." She spread the papers out on the table.
"Now let's see who owns lots of land, and who is powerful enough to
enlist senators, and who would fear investigation."
All four bent over the list for a few moments. Then Thorne made five
dots with his pencil opposite as many names.
"All the rest are little homesteaders," said he. "One of these must be
our villain."
"Or all of them," amended California John drily.
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