The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1915-08-05

AZ OAAD III
engaged with the problems which con-
fronted McFarlane, and his possible
enrolment as guard filed him with n
sense of proprietorship in the forest,
which made him quite content with
Bear Tooth. He set to work ut oac0
to acquire better knowledge Of tho
extent and boundaries of the reserva-
ton. 1t was, indeed, noble possess
sion. Containing nearly 100000 acres
of woodland and reaching to the sum-
mits Of the snow lined peaks to the
east. south and west, it appealed to
him with silent majesty. 1t drew upon
his patriotism. Remembering how the
timber Of his own state had been slash
ed and burned. he began to feel sense
Of personal responsibility.
He bought horse of his own, al
though Berrie insisted upon his retain
ing Pete. and sent for saddle Of tile
army type. and from sheer desire to
keep entirely clear of the cowboy
equipment procured puttees like those
worn by cavalry officers, and when he
presented himself completely uniform
ed. he looked not unlike slender
young lieutenant of the cavalry on field
duty. and in Berries eyes was Won
drous alluring.
He took quarters at the hotel, but
spent larger part of each day In Ber-
rie's company, Il fact which was duly
| reported to Clifford Belden. Hardly
| day passed without his taking at
least one meal at the supervisors home.
AS he met the rangers one by one
he perceived by their outfits. as we'll as
by their speech, that they were sharp
| ly divided upon old lines and new. The
experts. the men Of college training,
were quite ready to be known as Tn
1 Gle Sans men. They held pride In
their duties, q respect for their supe-
riors. and an understanding of the gov
ernmental policy which gave them dig
nifty and Il quiet authority. They were
less policemen than trusted agents of
federal department Nevertheless. there
was much to admire in the older men,
who possessed a self reliance, knowl-
| grace which made them interesting
companions and rendered them effective
teachers of camping and trailing. and
while they We're secretly little con-
temptuous of the "schoolboys," they
were all quite ready to ask for expert
aid when knotty problems arose. 1t
was no longer question of grazing.
| Of 1,,r,, ri
reforestration.
Nash, who took an almost brotherly
interest In his apprentice. warningly
said: You want to go well clothed and
well she'd. You'll have to meet all
kinds Of weather Every man In the
job is-should be schooled in taking
care of himself in the forest and on
the trail | often meet surveyors and
civil engineers. experts. who are help
less as children in camp. and when
want them to go into the hills and do
field work they are almost useless. The
old style ranger has his virtues. Settle
Is just the kind Of Instructor you young
fellows need
Berrie also had keen eyes for his
outfit and his training, and under her
direction he learned to pack horse,
set n tent. build FIRE in the rain and
other duties.
You want to remember that you
carry your bed and board with you,'
she said land you must be prepared to
camp anywhere and at any time."
j The girls skill in these particulars
was marvellous to him and added to
, the admiration he already felt for her.
Her hand was as deft. as sure. as the
best Of them, and her knowledge Of
cayuse psychology more profound than
any Of the men excepting her father.
One day toward the end of his sec.
J ond week In the village the supervisor
{ said: "Well. now, If you're ready to
, experiment I'LL send you over to Settle
, the ranger. on the Horseshoe. He's q
( little lame on his pen hand side, and
you may be able to help him out. May.
be I'll ride over there with you.
want to line out some timber sales on
the west side of Ptarmigan."
{ This commission delighted Norcross
! greatly I'm ready. sir. this moment.
, he answered. saluting soldier-wise.
D The next morning as he rode dowT
/ to the Office to meet the supervisor bs
j was surprised and delighted to find
q Berea there I'm riding too" she an
] nounced delightedly. I've never beer
!. over that new trail. and father ha.
0 agreed to let me go along" Then she
added earnestly: II think it's fin,
i you're going in for the service. but It.,
a hard work. and you must be careful
i till you're hardened to it. It's lonl
n way to doctor from Settles station
n He was annoyed as well as touche,
). by her warning. for 1t proclaimed tina
. he was still far from looking the brav,
forester he felt himself to he. He re
Il wild. but l do intend to master tn
trailer's craft"
"I'll teach you how to camp II you
1 let me-" she continued I've been o.
If lots Of surveys with father, and a
J. ways take my share Of the work.
:. threw that hitch alone" She nodde
toward the pack horse. whose nea
!. load gave evidence of her skill :
told father this was to be real CAM
: ing expedition. and as the grouse Sc,
!, son is on we'll live on the countr.
q Can you fish?''
- "Just about that" he laughe'
= Good thing you didn't ask me il
=