o expensive.

"That's off'n our minds," said he. "Now we'll tackle the next job."

He went at it in his slow, painstaking way, and accomplished it. Never,
if he could help it, did he depend on the mails when the case was within
riding distance. He preferred to argue the matter out, face to face.

"The Government _prefers_ friends," he told everybody, and then took his
stand, in all good feeling, according as the other man proved
reasonable. Some of the regulations were galling to the mountain
traditions. He did not attempt to explain or defend them, but simply
stated their provisions.

"Now, I'm swore in to see that these are carried out," said he, "always,
and if you ain't going to toe the mark, why, you see, it puts me in one
hell of a hole, don't it? I ain't liking to be put in the position of
fighting all my old neighbours, and I sure can't lie down on my job. It
don't _really_ mean much to you, now does it, Link? and it helps me out
a lot."

"Well, I know you're square, John, and I'll do it," said the
mountaineer reluctantly, "but I wouldn't do it for any other blank of a
blank in creation!"

Thus California John was able, by personality, to reduce much friction
and settle many disputes. He could be uncompromising enough on occasion.

Thus Win Spencer and Tom Hoyt had a violent quarrel over cattle
allotments which they brought to California John for settlement. Each
told a different story, so the evidence pointed clearly to neither
party. California John listened in silence.

"I won't take sides," said he; "settle it for yourselves. _I'd just as
soon make enemies of both of you as of one_."

Then in the middle of summer came the trial of it all. The Service sent
notice that, beginning the following season, a grazing tax would be
charged, and it requested the Supervisor to send in his estimate of
grazing allotments. California John sat him down at his typewriter and
made out the required list. Simeon Wright's name did not appear therein.
In due time somebody wanted, officially, to know why not. California
John told them, clearly, giving the reasons that the range was
overstocked, and quoting the regulations as to preference being given to
the small owner dwelling in or near the Forests. He did this just as a
good carpenter might finish the under side of a drain; not that it would
do any good, but for his own satisfaction.

"We will now listen to the roar of the lion," he told Ross Fletcher,
"after which