your argument to be well founded, this timber belongs to the people of the United States.  It is part of John Jones’s heritage, whether John Jones lives in White Oaks or New York.  Why should I permit Jones of New York to be robbed in favour of Jones of White Oaks—­especially since Jones of New York put me here to look after his interests for him?  That’s the real issue; and it’s very simple.”

“You look at the matter from a wrong point of view——­” began Oldham, and stopped.  The land agent was shrewd, and knew when he had come to an impasse.

“I always respect a man who does his duty,” he began again, “and I can see how you’re tied up in this matter.  But a resignation could be arranged for very easily.  Mr. Baker knows thoroughly both your ability and experience, and has long regretted that he has not been able to avail himself of them.  Of course, as you realize, the great future of all this country is not along the lines even of such great industries as lumber manufacture, but in agriculture and in waterpower engineering.  Here, more than anywhere else in the world, Water is King!”

A recollection tickled Bob.  He laughed outright.  Oldham glanced at him sharply.

“Oh, the Lucky Lands,” said he at last; “I’d forgotten you had ever been there.  Well, the saying is as true now as it was then.  The great future for any young man is along those lines.  I am sure—­in fact, I am told to say with authority—­that Mr. Baker would be only too pleased to have you come in with him on this new enterprise he is opening up.”

“As how?”

“As stockholder to the extent of ten thousand shares preferred, and a salaried position in the field, of course.  But, that is a small matter compared with the future opportunities—­”

“It’s cheering to know that I’m worth so much,” interrupted Bob.  “Shares now worth par?”

“A fraction over.”

“One hundred thousand and some odd dollars,” observed Bob.  “It’s a nice tidy bribe; and if I were any sort of a bribe taker at all, I’d surely feel proud and grateful.  Only I’m not.  So you might just as well have made it a million, and then I’d have felt still more set up over it.”

“I hope you don’t think I’m a bribe giver, either,” said Oldham.  “I admit my offer was not well-timed; but it has been long under contemplation, and I mentioned it as it occurred to me.”

Having thus glided over this false start, the land agent promptly opened another consideration.

“Perhaps we are at fatal variance on our economics,” said he; “but how about the justice of the thing?  When you get right down to cases, how about the rest of them?  I’ll venture to say there are not two private timber holdings of any size in this country that have been acquired strictly within the letter of the law.  Do you favour general confiscation?”

“I believe in the law,” declared Bob, “and I do not believe your statement.”