“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 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.