XXII

To most who heard of it this item of news was interesting, but not
especially important; Bob could not see where it made much difference
who held the reins three thousand miles away. To others it came as the
unhoped-for, dreamed-of culmination of aspiration.

California John got the news from Martin. The old man had come in from a
long trip.

"You got to take a brace now and be scientific," chaffed Martin. "You
old mossback! Don't you dare fall any more trees without measuring out
the centre of gravity; and don't you split any more wood unless you
calculate first the probable direction of riving; and don't you let any
doodle-bug get away without looking at his teeth."

California John grinned slowly, but his eyes were shining.

"And what's more, you old grafters'll get bounced, sure pop," continued
Martin. "They won't want you. You don't wear spectacles, and you eat too
many proteids in your beans."

"You ain't heard who's going to be sent out for Supervisor?" asked old
John.

"They haven't found any one with thick enough glasses yet," retorted
Martin.

California John made some purchases, packed his mule, and climbed back
up the mountain to the summer camp. Here he threw off his saddle and
supplies, and entered the ranger cabin. A rusty stove was very hot. Atop
bubbled a capacious kettle. California John removed the cover and peered
in.

"Chicken 'n' dumpling!" said he.

He drew a broken-backed chair to the table and set to business. In ten
minutes his plate contained nothing but chicken bones. He contemplated
them with satisfaction.

"I reckon that'll even up for that bacon performance," he remarked in
reference to some past joke on himself.

At dusk three men threw open the outside door and entered. They found
California John smoking his pipe contemplatively before a clean table.

"Now, you bowlegged old sidewinder," said Ross Fletcher, striding to the
door, "we'll show you something you don't get up where you come from."

"What is it?" asked California John with a mild curiosity.

"Chicken," replied Fletcher.

He peered into the kettle. Then he lit a match and peered again. He
reached for a long iron spoon with which he fished up, one after
another, several dumplings. Finally he swore softly.

"What's the matter, Ross?" inquired California John.

"You know what's the matter," retorted Ross shaking the spoon.

California John arose and looked down into the kettle.

"Thought yo