beginning the following season
"The Government _prefers_ friends," he told everybody, and then took his stand, in all good feeling, according as the other man proved reasonable. Some of the regulations were galling to the mountain traditions. He did not attempt to explain or defend them, but simply stated their provisions.
"Now, I’m swore in to see that these are carried out," said he, "always, and if you ain’t going to toe the mark, why, you see, it puts me in one hell of a hole, don’t it? I ain’t liking to be put in the position of fighting all my old neighbours, and I sure can’t lie down on my job. It don’t _really_ mean much to you, now does it, Link? and it helps me out a lot."
"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."
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