It was impossible to miss the forestry building for the reason that a handsome flag fluttered above it. The door being open, Norcross perceived from the threshold a young clerk at work on a typewriter, while in a corner close by the window another and older man was working intently on a map.
Is this the office of the Forest Supervisor? asked the youth.
The man at the machine looked up, and pleasantly answered: It is, but the Supervisor is not in yet. Is there anything I can do for you?
It may be you can. I am on my way to Meekers Mill for a little outing. Perhaps you could tell me where Meekers Mill is, and how I can best get there.
The man at the map meditated. Its not far, some eighteen or twenty miles; but its
over a pretty rough trail.
What kind of a place is it?
Very charming. Youll like it. Real mountain country.
This officer was a plain-featured man of about thirty-five, with keen and clear eyes. His voice, though strongly nasal, possessed a note of manly sincerity. As he studied his visitor, he smiled.
You look brand-new havent had time to season-check, have you?
No; Im a stranger in a strange land.
Out for your health?
Yes. My name is Norcross. Im just getting over a severe illness, and Im up here to lay around and fish and recuperate if I can.
You can you will. You cant help it, the other assured him. Join one of our surveying crews for a week and Ill mellow that suit of yours and make a real mountaineer of you. I see you wear a Sigma Chi pin. What was your school?
I am a Son of Eli. Last years class.
The other man displayed his fob. Im ten classes ahead of you. My name is Nash. Im what they call an expert. Im up here doing some estimating and surveying for a big ditch theyre putting in. I was rather in hopes you had come to join our ranks. We sons of Eli are holding the conservation fort these days, and we need help.
My knowledge of your work is rather vague, admitted Norcross. My father is in the lumber business; but his point of view isnt exactly yours.
He slays em, does he?
He did. He helped devastate Michigan.
After me the deluge! I know the kind. Why not make yourself a sort of vicarious atonement?
Norcross smiled. I had not thought of that. It would help some, wouldnt it?
It certainly would. Theres no great money in the work; but its about the most enlightened of all the governmental bureaus.
Norcross was strongly drawn to this forester, whose tone was that of a highly trained specialist. I rode up on the stage yesterday with Miss Berrie McFarlane.
The Supervisors daughter?
She seemed a fine Western type.
Shes not a type; shes an individual. She hasnt her like anywhere Ive gone. She cuts a wide swath up here. Being an only child shes both son and daughter to McFarlane. She knows more about forestry than her father. In fact, half the time he depends on her judgment.
Norcross was interested, but did not want to take up valuable time. He said: Will you let me use your telephone to Meekers?
Very sorry, but our line is out of order. Youll have to wait a day or so or use the mails. Youre too late for to-days stage, but its only a short ride across. Come outside and Ill show you.
Norcross followed him to the walk, and stood in silence while his guide indicated the pass over the range. It all looked very formidable to the Eastern youth. Thunderous clouds hung low upon the peaks, and the great crags to left and right of the notch were stern and barren. I think Ill wait for the stage, he said, with candid weakness. I couldnt make that trip alone.
Youll have to take many such a ride over that range in the night if you join the service, Nash warningly replied.
As they were standing there a girl came galloping up to the hitching-post and slid from her horse. It was Berea McFarlane. Good morning, Emery, she called to the surveyor. Good morning, she nodded at Norcross. How do you find yourself this morning?
Homesick, he replied, smilingly.
Why so?
Im disappointed in the town.
Whats the matter with the town?
Its so commonplace. I expected it to be well, different. Its just like any other plains town.
Berrie looked round at the forlorn shops, the irregular sidewalks, the grassless yards. It isnt very pretty, thats a fact; but you can always forget it by just looking up at the high country. When you going up to the mill?
I dont know. I havent had any word from Meeker, and I cant reach him by telephone.
I know, the line is short-circuited somewhere; but theyve sent a man out. He may close it any minute.
Wheres the Supervisor? asked Nash.
Hes gone over to Moores cutting. How are you getting on with those plats?
Very well. Ill have em all in shape by Saturday.
Come in and make yourself at home, said the girl to Norcross. Youll find the papers two or three days old, she smiled. We never know about anything here till other people have forgotten it.
Norcross followed her into the office, curious to know more about her. She was so changed from his previous conception of her that he was puzzled. She had the directness and the brevity of phrase of a business man, as she opened letters and discussed their contents with the men.