I'll hand over my scalp to save 'em the trouble of
sharpening up their knives."

As a matter of fact the lion did roar, but no faintest echo reached the
Sierras. For the first time Simeon Wright and the influence Simeon
Wright could bring to bear failed of their accustomed effect at
Washington. An honest, fearless, and single-minded Chief, backed by an
enthusiastic Service, saw justice rather than expediency. California
John received back his recommendation marked "Approved."

The old man tore open the long official envelope, when he received it
from Martin's hand, and carried it to the light, where he adjusted
precisely his bowed spectacles, and, in his slow, methodical way,
proceeded to investigate the contents. As he caught sight of the word
and its initials his hand involuntarily closed to crush the papers, and
his gaunt form straightened. In his mild blue eye sprang fire. He turned
to Martin, his voice vibrant with an emotion carefully suppressed
through the nine long years of his faithful service.

"They've turned down Wright," said he, "and they've give us an
appropriation. They've turned down old Wright! By God, we've got a man!"

He strode from the store, his head high. As he went up the street a
canvas sign over the empty storehouse attracted his attention. He pulled
his bleached moustache a moment; then removed his floppy old hat, and
entered.

An old-fashioned exhorting evangelist was holding forth to three
listless and inattentive sinners. A tired-looking woman sat at a
miniature portable organ. At the close of the services California John
wandered forward.

"I'm plumb busted," said he frankly, "and that's the reason I couldn't
chip in. I couldn't buy fleas for a dawg. I'm afraid you didn't win
much."

The preacher looked gloomily at a nickle and a ten-cent piece.

"Dependin' on this sort of thing to get along?" asked California John.

"Yes," said the preacher. The woman looked out of the window.

California John said no more, but went out of the building and down the
street to Austin's saloon.

"Howdy, boys," he greeted the loungers and card players. "Saw off a
minute. There's goin' to be a gospel meetin' right here a half-hour from
now. I'm goin' to hold it and I'm goin' out now to rustle a
congregation. At the close we'll take up a collection for the benefit
of the church."

At the end of the period mentioned he placed himself behind the bar and
faced a roomful of grinning men.

"This is