Dick? Oh, Dick an' I stand all right; take thet from me. Dick'll agree
to what I want. I need a young feller bad. Money's no object. You're a
bright youngster. You'll look out for my interests. Here!" He pulled
out a large wad of greenbacks, and then spoke in a lower voice. "You
understand that money cuts no ice 'round this camp. We've a big deal.
We need a smart young feller. There's always some little irregularities
about these big timber deals out West. But you'll wear blinkers, an'
make some money while you're studyin' forestry. See?"

"Irregularities? What kind of irregularities?"

For the life of me I could not keep a little scorn out of my question.
Buell slowly put the bills in his pocket while his eyes searched; I
could not control my rising temper.

"You mean you want to fix me?"

He made no answer, and his face stiffened.

"You mean you want to buy my silence, shut my mouth about this lumber
steal?"

He drew in his breath audibly, yet still he did not speak. Either he was
dull of comprehension or else he was astonished beyond words. I knew I
was mad to goad him like that, but I could not help it. I grew hot with
anger, and the more clearly I realized that he had believed he could
"fix" me with his dirty money the hotter I got.

"You told Stockton you were leary of Washington, and were afraid I'd
queer your big deal.... Well, Mr. Buell, that's exactly what I'm going
to do--queer it!"

He went black in the face, and, cursing horribly, grasped me by the arm.
I struggled, but I could not loose that iron hand. Suddenly I felt a
violent wrench that freed me. Then I saw Dick swing back his shoulder
and shoot out his arm. He knocked Buell clear across the room, and
when the man fell I thought the cabin was coming down in the crash. He
appeared stunned, for he groped about with his hands, found a chair,
and, using it as a support, rose to his feet, swaying unsteadily.

"Leslie, I'll get you for this--take it from me," he muttered.

Dick's lips were tight, and he watched Buell with flaming eyes. The
lumberman lurched out of the door, and we heard him cursing after he had
disappeared. Then Dick looked at me with no little disapproval.

"What did you say to make Buell wild like that?"

I told Dick, word for word. First he looked dumfounded, then angry, and
he ended up with a grim laugh.

"Ken, you're sure bent on starting something, as Jim would say. You've
started it all right. And Jim'll love you for it.